The answer is TPM 2.0 chip on each ESXi host, along with a KMS (KMIP) server and an Enterprise Plus license. vSAN encryption relies on a Key Management Server to generate and store encryption keys, while the TPM 2.0 chip provides a hardware root of trust that securely binds those keys to the host, preventing unauthorized access if drives are removed. On the VCP-DCV exam, this topic tests your understanding of the security architecture underpinning vSphere encryption, often appearing as a multi-select question designed to catch candidates who confuse vSAN encryption with other features like Intel SGX or all-flash requirements. A common trap is assuming encryption mandates all-flash storage, but vSAN encryption works with hybrid configurations as well. Remember the mnemonic “KET”: KMS, Enterprise Plus, and TPM 2.0—the three pillars that unlock vSAN encryption.
VCP-DCV vSphere Security Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Which THREE of the following are prerequisites for configuring vSAN encryption? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
vSphere Enterprise Plus license.
Options A, C, and D are correct. Option A: vSAN encryption requires a KMS (KMIP) to manage keys. Option C: The ESXi hosts must have TPM 2.0 for hardware root of trust. Option D: vSAN encryption requires Enterprise Plus license (or equivalent such as VCF). Option B is incorrect because vSAN encryption does not require Intel SGX. Option E is incorrect because vSAN encryption is supported with all-flash or hybrid configurations; it does not require all-flash.
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.
✓
vSphere Enterprise Plus license.
Why this is correct
vSAN encryption is available with Enterprise Plus and above.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX) on ESXi hosts.
Why it's wrong here
SGX is not required for vSAN encryption.
✗
All-flash disk group configuration.
Why it's wrong here
vSAN encryption works with hybrid and all-flash.
✓
A Key Management Server (KMS) supporting KMIP protocol.
Why this is correct
Keys are stored on external KMS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
TPM 2.0 chip on each ESXi host.
Why this is correct
TPM 2.0 is used for secure key storage and host attestation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 practitioner preparing for the VCP-DCV exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which VCP-DCV exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
vSphere Security — This question tests vSphere Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: vSphere Enterprise Plus license. — Options A, C, and D are correct. Option A: vSAN encryption requires a KMS (KMIP) to manage keys. Option C: The ESXi hosts must have TPM 2.0 for hardware root of trust. Option D: vSAN encryption requires Enterprise Plus license (or equivalent such as VCF). Option B is incorrect because vSAN encryption does not require Intel SGX. Option E is incorrect because vSAN encryption is supported with all-flash or hybrid configurations; it does not require all-flash.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
Identify which VCP-DCV exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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