ISC Practice Question: Systems Security Implementation Verification And Validation
An organization uses an HSM to store root CA keys. As part of the annual validation, which action must be performed to confirm the HSM's physical security posture?
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
✓
Verify the presence and integrity of tamper-evident seals on the chassis.
Physical tamper evidence is a critical component of HSM security validation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Verify the presence and integrity of tamper-evident seals on the chassis.
Why this is correct
Physical security validation requires checking for signs of physical tampering or unauthorized access.
- ✗
Perform an audit of the HSM's internal log files.
Why it's wrong here
Log files verify logical security, not physical security.
- ✗
Verify the HSM firmware version against the manufacturer's website.
Why it's wrong here
This validates the software/firmware version, not physical tamper resistance.
- ✗
Test the HSM's response to an incorrect PIN retry threshold.
Why it's wrong here
This validates logical access control mechanisms.
About these practice questions
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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.