CISSP Security Architecture and Engineering Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security architecture and engineering. 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.
Exhibit
USE master;
CREATE DATABASE ENCRYPTION KEY WITH ALGORITHM = AES_256 ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'P@ssw0rd!';
ALTER DATABASE SalesDB SET ENCRYPTION ON;
Refer to the exhibit. A database administrator implements the configuration shown to protect sensitive data. What is the most significant security flaw?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The database encryption key should be protected by a certificate rather than a password.
The correct answer is C. In SQL Server TDE, the database encryption key (DEK) should be protected by a certificate or asymmetric key stored in the master database, not by a password. Using a password is insecure because it is often stored in scripts or configuration files. Option A is also a concern but is a consequence of the password-based protection; the root cause is not using a certificate. Option B is incorrect because AES-256 is a strong algorithm. Option D is incorrect because TDE at the database level is appropriate for many scenarios and does not represent a flaw.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The database encryption key should be protected by a certificate rather than a password.
Why this is correct
Best practice for TDE is to use a certificate or asymmetric key to protect the DEK, ensuring proper key management.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
AES-256 is not a strong enough algorithm.
Why it's wrong here
AES-256 is widely considered secure and government-approved.
✗
The encryption is applied at the database level rather than column level.
Why it's wrong here
Database-level encryption is a valid approach and does not constitute a security flaw; it suits many use cases.
✗
The encryption key is protected by a password that may be stored in scripts.
Why it's wrong here
This is a related issue but not the most fundamental flaw; the core problem is using a password instead of a certificate.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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.
Security Architecture and Engineering — This question tests Security Architecture and Engineering — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The database encryption key should be protected by a certificate rather than a password. — The correct answer is C. In SQL Server TDE, the database encryption key (DEK) should be protected by a certificate or asymmetric key stored in the master database, not by a password. Using a password is insecure because it is often stored in scripts or configuration files. Option A is also a concern but is a consequence of the password-based protection; the root cause is not using a certificate. Option B is incorrect because AES-256 is a strong algorithm. Option D is incorrect because TDE at the database level is appropriate for many scenarios and does not represent a flaw.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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