ISC Practice Question: Systems Security Implementation Verification And Validation
When validating the security of a database implementation, how do you verify that sensitive data at rest is encrypted using Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)?
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
✓
Query the sys.dm_database_encryption_keys dynamic management view.
Verifying the system catalog or dynamic management views is the standard way to confirm TDE status.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Check if the database folder has the 'encrypted' flag set in Windows File Properties.
Why it's wrong here
TDE encrypts the data files at the database engine level, not via file system attributes.
- ✗
Attempt to open the database file in a text editor.
Why it's wrong here
While this might show binary data, it is not a valid verification methodology for TDE implementation.
- ✗
Use the 'encrypt' command in the database shell.
Why it's wrong here
This is not a standard command for verifying TDE status.
- ✓
Query the sys.dm_database_encryption_keys dynamic management view.
Why this is correct
This view provides the encryption state for databases that have TDE enabled.
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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.