VCP-DCV vSphere Security Practice Question
An administrator is troubleshooting a failed VM encryption operation. The key provider status shows as 'Not Responding' in the vSphere Web Client. The administrator has verified network connectivity between the ESXi hosts and the key provider. What is the most likely cause of the failure?
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
✓
The key provider certificate is expired or invalid
When the key provider's certificate is expired or invalid, the ESXi hosts may be able to reach the key provider over the network, but the SSL/TLS handshake fails, resulting in a 'Not Responding' status. Option A is wrong because an expired vCenter certificate would affect vCenter operations but not the ESXi hosts' direct communication with the key provider. Option B is wrong: Port 443 is commonly used for HTTPS, but if firewall blocked port 443, the status would typically show as 'Unreachable' or 'Connection Refused', not 'Not Responding'. Option C is wrong: ESXi hosts do not need internet access for an on-premises key provider; they only need local network connectivity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The vCenter Server certificate has expired
Why it's wrong here
vCenter Server certificate expiration does not affect key provider status.
- ✗
The firewall on the key provider is blocking port 443
Why it's wrong here
A blocked port would show as 'Unreachable', not 'Not Responding'.
- ✗
The ESXi hosts cannot reach the internet
Why it's wrong here
Internet access is not required for on-premises KMS.
- ✓
The key provider certificate is expired or invalid
Why this is correct
Expired or invalid KMS certificate causes hosts to reject connections.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This VCP-DCV practice question is part of Courseiva's free VMware 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 VCP-DCV exam.