ISC Identity And Access Management Architecture Practice Question
When implementing FIDO2/WebAuthn for passwordless authentication, where does the private key reside?
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
✓
On the user's local hardware authenticator.
In FIDO2, the private key is stored securely on the local authenticator (e.g., TPM, Secure Enclave, or hardware security key) and never leaves the device.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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In the Identity Provider's database.
Why it's wrong here
The IdP only holds the public key.
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On the user's local hardware authenticator.
Why this is correct
The private key is bound to the FIDO2-compliant device.
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In the browser's encrypted cache.
Why it's wrong here
The browser acts as a mediator but does not store the private key.
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In the server-side hardware security module (HSM).
Why it's wrong here
The HSM stores the IdP's signing keys, not the user's private key.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This ISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 ISC exam.