Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer Practice Exam

What key management practices must be followed when migrating to BigQuery and other services?

1. Implement a single key management provider

2. Use Key Access Justifications and Cloud External Key Manager

3. Encrypt data using predefined keys

4. Only manage keys in Cloud Storage

The correct answer is: Use Key Access Justifications and Cloud External Key Manager

Using Key Access Justifications and Cloud External Key Manager is essential when migrating to BigQuery and other services because these practices enhance security and compliance during data transfers and storage. Key Access Justifications allow organizations to understand and control why specific keys are accessed, adding a layer of accountability and visibility into encryption key usage. This is particularly important in environments where sensitive or regulated data is handled, as it helps ensure that access to encryption keys is both necessary and justifiable, thus mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access. In addition, utilizing Cloud External Key Manager enables organizations to link their key management system with Google Cloud resources while maintaining control over their encryption keys. This hybrid approach helps retain compliance with regulatory frameworks by keeping sensitive keys outside of the cloud provider's environment, reducing the risk of exposing keys to potential vulnerabilities inherent to shared infrastructure. Establishing these practices not only strengthens the security architecture but also aligns with industry standards for key management, ensuring that compliance and best practices are followed throughout the migration process.