The correct answer is to store the encryption key in a hardware security module (HSM) with access policies. This control directly addresses the insider risk by ensuring the encryption key never exists in cleartext within the application’s memory or configuration files; the HSM performs cryptographic operations internally, enforcing strict access policies and providing tamper-resistant key storage. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Domain 3 (Security Architecture and Engineering) concept of hardware security module encryption key storage protection, often appearing as a distractor against weaker controls like role-based file permissions or transparent data encryption. A common trap is assuming that restricting access to the config file is sufficient, but the application still needs the key in memory, leaving it vulnerable to extraction. Remember the mnemonic “HSM: Hardware Stops Memory” — the key never leaves the secure hardware, so it cannot be copied by an insider.
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A healthcare organization uses a custom application to manage patient records. The application uses a database with encrypted columns for sensitive data. The security team discovers that an insider has been copying encrypted data to an external drive. While the data is encrypted, the encryption key is stored in a configuration file accessible to the application. Which additional control would best mitigate this risk?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Store the encryption key in a hardware security module (HSM) with access policies.
Storing the encryption key in an HSM with access policies ensures the key is never in cleartext accessible to the application or user; it also enforces access controls and auditing. Role-based access on the config file is insufficient because the application still needs to read the key. TDE protects data at rest but does not protect the key. Auditing is detective, not preventive.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enable audit logging on the application.
Why it's wrong here
Audit logs detect copying but do not prevent it.
✗
Implement role-based access control on the configuration file.
Why it's wrong here
The application needs read access, so the key remains exposed.
✗
Use transparent data encryption (TDE) at the database level.
Why it's wrong here
TDE encrypts data at rest but the key management remains an issue.
✓
Store the encryption key in a hardware security module (HSM) with access policies.
Why this is correct
HSM keeps the key secure and enforces strict access control.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISSP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Store the encryption key in a hardware security module (HSM) with access policies. — Storing the encryption key in an HSM with access policies ensures the key is never in cleartext accessible to the application or user; it also enforces access controls and auditing. Role-based access on the config file is insufficient because the application still needs to read the key. TDE protects data at rest but does not protect the key. Auditing is detective, not preventive.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISSP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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