Exam CAS-004 topic 1 question 41 discussion

Of the options provided, the best choice for storing customer keys would be a hardware security module (HSM) or a secure key management service (KMS) or secret management service (SMS) provided by a cloud provider. A hardware security module (HSM) is a physical device that provides secure storage and management of cryptographic keys and other sensitive data. HSMs are often used in enterprise environments to protect against unauthorized access or tampering, and can be accessed through API calls or command-line tools. A trusted platform module (TPM) is a hw component that provides secure storage and management of cryptographic keys and other sensitive data, but it is primarily designed for use in personal computers and other consumer devices. It is not typically used for storing customer keys in an enterprise setting. A public key infrastructure (PKI) is a system for securely exchanging and managing digital certificates and keys, but it is not generally used to store customer keys. PKI is typically used to establish trust in online communications and transactions, and is not the best choice for storing customer keys in a segregated manner.

A hardware security module (HSM) is a hardware unit that stores cryptographic keys to keep them private while ensuring they are available to those authorized to use them. The primary objective of HSM security is to control which individuals have access to an organization's digital security keys.

I believe B is often included in PKI deployments. PKI is a broader concept

Source: Verifying each answer against Chat GPT, my experience, other test banks, a written book, and weighing in the discussion from all users to create a 100% accurate guide for myself before I take the exam. (It isn't easy because of the time needed, but it is doing my diligence)

I would go with B

B is the most secure one.

The best would be an HSM because we are talking about API: HSMs use APIs and can support automated workflows and builds. They can also help meet FIPS compliance and generally offer a higher rating than tokens. Traditionally, HSMs are physical appliances located on-premises, requiring internal resources to manage and ensure baseline requirements and SLAs are met https://www.globalsign.com/en/blog/cryptographic-key-management-and-storage-best-practice

The key word in this question is "BEST". Answer "D" could work but is not the best answer, so answer "B - HSM" works the best.

The reference given is for Android. If you want the BEST way, its B

Which would be BEST? D- OK but B is the Best and expensive to implement

APIs. HSMs support a range of application programming interfaces (APIs) that enable application integration and the development of custom applications, including the Public-Key Cryptography Standard and Cryptography API Next Generation.

D all day

I'm also leaning towards B. Anyone else? A hardware security module (HSM) is a physical computing device that safeguards and manages digital keys, performs encryption and decryption functions for digital signatures, strong authentication and other cryptographic functions.

Isn't B "HSM" specifically designed to store cryptografic keys?