- A
Require a strong screen lock passcode.
Why wrong: Screen lock prevents unauthorized access but does not encrypt data.
- B
Disable cloud backups for the app.
Why wrong: Prevents data leakage via backup but does not protect data on device.
- C
Encrypt all sensitive data stored on the device using a key derived from the user's passcode.
Encryption at rest ensures data is unreadable without the key.
- D
Use app sandboxing to isolate app data from other apps.
Why wrong: Sandboxing prevents access by other apps but does not encrypt data.
Question 175 of 1,000
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Deploying a new mobile application that handles…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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 company is deploying a new mobile application that handles sensitive customer data. Which practice BEST ensures data confidentiality on the device?
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
✓
Encrypt all sensitive data stored on the device using a key derived from the user's passcode.
Option C is correct because encrypting sensitive data with a key derived from the user's passcode ensures that even if the device is lost or stolen, the data remains unreadable without the passcode. This approach leverages the user's secret to protect confidentiality at rest, which is a fundamental principle of mobile data protection. Technologies like iOS Data Protection and Android File-Based Encryption use similar key derivation from the lock screen credential to encrypt app-specific data.
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.
- ✗
Require a strong screen lock passcode.
Why it's wrong here
Screen lock prevents unauthorized access but does not encrypt data.
- ✗
Disable cloud backups for the app.
Why it's wrong here
Prevents data leakage via backup but does not protect data on device.
- ✓
Encrypt all sensitive data stored on the device using a key derived from the user's passcode.
Why this is correct
Encryption at rest ensures data is unreadable without the key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use app sandboxing to isolate app data from other apps.
Why it's wrong here
Sandboxing prevents access by other apps but does not encrypt data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between access control (screen lock) and data protection (encryption), leading candidates to choose a strong passcode as the best practice for confidentiality, when encryption with a derived key is the actual requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Key derivation functions like PBKDF2 or scrypt are used to derive an encryption key from the user's passcode, which is then used with AES-256 to encrypt data at rest. On Android, this is implemented via the KeyStore with TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) support, while iOS uses the Secure Enclave to manage key material. A subtle behavior is that if the passcode is changed, the key must be re-wrapped, and if the passcode is forgotten, the encrypted data may be permanently unrecoverable unless a separate escrow key exists.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Encrypt all sensitive data stored on the device using a key derived from the user's passcode. — Option C is correct because encrypting sensitive data with a key derived from the user's passcode ensures that even if the device is lost or stolen, the data remains unreadable without the passcode. This approach leverages the user's secret to protect confidentiality at rest, which is a fundamental principle of mobile data protection. Technologies like iOS Data Protection and Android File-Based Encryption use similar key derivation from the lock screen credential to encrypt app-specific data.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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