Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer Practice Exam

What is a primary benefit of using customer-managed encryption keys over Google-managed keys?

1. Reduced administrative overhead

2. Greater compliance and control over data

3. Enhanced performance of encryption operations

4. Increased ease of use and simplicity

The correct answer is: Greater compliance and control over data

The primary benefit of using customer-managed encryption keys over Google-managed keys lies in the greater compliance and control over data that it offers. When organizations utilize customer-managed keys, they maintain full control over the encryption keys used to protect their data. This level of control is essential for regulatory compliance, as it allows organizations to meet specific legal and industry standards that necessitate strict data protection measures and key management practices. With customer-managed keys, organizations can enforce their security policies, manage key rotation, and revoke access when necessary, ensuring that sensitive information is adequately protected. This autonomy helps in addressing compliance requirements that mandate ownership and control over cryptographic keys, making it crucial for businesses in regulated industries. In contrast, while Google-managed keys offer convenience and reduce administrative overhead, they do not provide the same level of control or compliance assurance. Organizations may find that relying solely on Google for key management limits their ability to implement tailored security measures and can expose them to risks related to data sovereignty and regulatory compliance. Therefore, choosing customer-managed encryption keys fosters a higher degree of control and compliance over sensitive information.