Quick Answer
The answer is memory encryption for all user data, as it directly protects sensitive information while it resides in RAM, which is the most vulnerable state during processing. Memory encryption works by encrypting data in the memory bus or within the CPU cache, ensuring that even if an attacker gains physical or logical access to the system’s memory, the data remains unreadable. On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your understanding of the data lifecycle and the principle that protection must be applied at the point of use, not just at rest or in transit. A common trap is choosing logging or temporary disk storage, but these are detective or exposure-increasing measures, not preventive controls. Remember the mnemonic “MEP” for Most secure during processing: Memory Encryption Prevents.
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 development team is implementing a new feature that processes sensitive user data. Which of the following is the most secure approach to prevent data leakage during processing?
Use a separate virtual machine for each request.
Why wrong: Too resource-intensive and not scalable for each request.
Use memory encryption for all user data.
Protects data in memory from memory scraping attacks.
Store all data in a temporary file and delete it after processing.
Why wrong: Files persist on disk and may not be securely erased.
Log all data access for auditing.
Why wrong: Logging is detective, not preventive.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use memory encryption for all user data.
Memory encryption protects data in memory from unauthorized access. Storing data in temporary files on disk increases exposure. Virtual machines per request are resource-intensive and not always feasible. Logging is detective, not preventive.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use a separate virtual machine for each request.
Why it's wrong here
Too resource-intensive and not scalable for each request.
Use memory encryption for all user data.
Why this is correct
Protects data in memory from memory scraping attacks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Store all data in a temporary file and delete it after processing.
Why it's wrong here
Files persist on disk and may not be securely erased.
Log all data access for auditing.
Why it's wrong here
Logging is detective, not preventive.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use memory encryption for all user data. — Memory encryption protects data in memory from unauthorized access. Storing data in temporary files on disk increases exposure. Virtual machines per request are resource-intensive and not always feasible. Logging is detective, not preventive.
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CISSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISSP exam.
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