Q41 Key Vault Domain 4 · 20–25% of exam Priority · Real Exam

What is the correct approach for a workload requiring FIPS 140-2 Level 3 key protection?

  1. A Standard tier vault
  2. B Premium tier vault with HSM-backed keys, or Managed HSM (correct answer)
  3. C Storing keys in App Configuration
  4. D Software keys with rotation

Shortcut: HSM-backed keys in the Premium tier, or a dedicated Managed HSM pool, provide hardware key protection at FIPS 140-2 Level 3. Standard tier uses software-protected keys.