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SSCP Practice Question: A company uses a cloud storage service that…
A company uses a cloud storage service that encrypts files with a key derived from the user's password (e.g., using PBKDF2). The security team recommends migrating to a separate key management service (KMS) that generates and manages encryption keys independently of user passwords. What is the most critical security advantage of using a KMS in this scenario?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that KMS-generated keys are always cryptographically stronger than password-derived keys, when the real advantage is operational separation of key lifecycle from user credentials.
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
✓
Changing the user password does not require re-encrypting all files.
When encryption keys are derived from a user's password (e.g., via PBKDF2), changing the password changes the derived key, requiring all files encrypted under the old key to be decrypted and re-encrypted with the new key. A separate KMS decouples key management from user credentials, allowing password changes without affecting the underlying encryption keys, thus avoiding costly and time-consuming re-encryption operations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Password-derived keys are inherently weaker than KMS-generated keys.
Why it's wrong here
With strong password hashing, password-derived keys can be strong, but the key management issue is more critical.
- ✓
Changing the user password does not require re-encrypting all files.
Why this is correct
When keys are separate from passwords, password changes can be handled without re-encrypting data.
- ✗
A KMS is faster at encrypting and decrypting large files.
Why it's wrong here
KMS operations can be slower due to network round trips.
- ✗
A KMS provides better audit logging of key usage.
Why it's wrong here
Audit logging is a benefit but not the most critical advantage in this scenario.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.