(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is the role of a security key management system?

1. A system that tracks employee access to facilities

2. A system used to generate, distribute, and manage encryption keys

3. A software for monitoring security incidents

4. A compliance tool for auditing security policies

The correct answer is: A system used to generate, distribute, and manage encryption keys

The role of a security key management system is fundamentally about the secure handling of encryption keys used in cryptographic processes. This includes not only the generation of keys but also their distribution and management throughout their lifecycle. Encryption keys are vital for protecting sensitive data, as they are used to encrypt and decrypt information. A robust key management system ensures that these keys are created in a secure manner, stored safely, and distributed to authorized entities only. It also typically provides auditing features to track key usage and enforce policies related to key lifespan and access control. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and strengthens the overall security posture of an organization. Other options relate to different aspects of security management. Tracking employee access to facilities is more about physical security and access control rather than data encryption and key management. Monitoring security incidents pertains to incident response and security monitoring tools that focus on threats and breaches rather than key management. Lastly, compliance tools for auditing security policies deal with regulatory adherence and policy enforcement, which, while crucial, again do not specifically address the functions and responsibilities associated with key management systems.