- A
Migrate the legacy data into the new POS system and have the tokenization service replace it
Why wrong: Migrating the legacy data into the new system before tokenization exposes the data during migration and increases risk.
- B
Encrypt the legacy database using AES-256 and store the encryption key on a separate server
Why wrong: Encryption reduces risk during transit only if key is protected, but the data remains stored and could be targeted.
- C
Archive the legacy database to a tape backup and store it in a secure offsite vault
Why wrong: Archiving retains the data, which still requires protection; a breach of the vault could expose card data.
- D
Tokenize the payment data in the legacy database, then securely purge the original cardholder data and verify the purge
Tokenization replaces sensitive data with a token, and purging eliminates the original data, reducing PCI scope.
Quick Answer
The answer is to tokenize the payment data in the legacy database, then securely purge the original cardholder data and verify the purge. This is correct because tokenization replaces sensitive PCI data with a non-reversible token, but the original data remains vulnerable until it is cryptographically erased and confirmed gone; simply encrypting or archiving the legacy data retains the risk of exposure or key compromise. On the CISSP exam, this tests your understanding of the data security lifecycle and the principle that tokenization is only effective when the original data is destroyed—a common trap is assuming encryption alone is sufficient for secure disposal. Remember the mnemonic “Token, Purge, Verify” to ensure no residual sensitive data remains after migration.
CISSP Asset Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of asset security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 small business owner stores customer payment card information (PCI) in a legacy database that is not compliant with PCI DSS. The business is migrating to a new cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system that uses tokenization. The owner wants to ensure that the legacy data is handled securely during the transition. Which of the following is the BEST approach?
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 choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Tokenize the payment data in the legacy database, then securely purge the original cardholder data and verify the purge
Option C is correct because purging the legacy data after tokenization and confirming no residual sensitive data remains ensures that card data is no longer stored, reducing risk. Option A is wrong because storing legacy data encrypted increases risk of key compromise. Option B is wrong because archiving encrypted data still retains the data. Option D is wrong because merging may complicate tokenization and risk.
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.
- ✗
Migrate the legacy data into the new POS system and have the tokenization service replace it
Why it's wrong here
Migrating the legacy data into the new system before tokenization exposes the data during migration and increases risk.
- ✗
Encrypt the legacy database using AES-256 and store the encryption key on a separate server
Why it's wrong here
Encryption reduces risk during transit only if key is protected, but the data remains stored and could be targeted.
- ✗
Archive the legacy database to a tape backup and store it in a secure offsite vault
Why it's wrong here
Archiving retains the data, which still requires protection; a breach of the vault could expose card data.
- ✓
Tokenize the payment data in the legacy database, then securely purge the original cardholder data and verify the purge
Why this is correct
Tokenization replaces sensitive data with a token, and purging eliminates the original data, reducing PCI scope.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Asset Security — This question tests Asset Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Tokenize the payment data in the legacy database, then securely purge the original cardholder data and verify the purge — Option C is correct because purging the legacy data after tokenization and confirming no residual sensitive data remains ensures that card data is no longer stored, reducing risk. Option A is wrong because storing legacy data encrypted increases risk of key compromise. Option B is wrong because archiving encrypted data still retains the data. Option D is wrong because merging may complicate tokenization and risk.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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