200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
A security analyst is evaluating the organization's use of cryptographic algorithms. The analyst must identify which TWO algorithms are symmetric encryption algorithms that can be used for bulk data encryption. (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse asymmetric algorithms like RSA with symmetric ones; RSA is often used in encryption but not for bulk data.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
3DES
Symmetric encryption algorithms use a single shared key for both encryption and decryption and are efficient for bulk data. AES and 3DES are both symmetric block ciphers suitable for this purpose. RSA and ECDSA are asymmetric, and SHA-256 is a hash function, so they do not meet the criteria.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ECDSA
Why it's wrong here
ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) is an asymmetric algorithm used for digital signatures. It does not provide encryption and is not used for bulk data encryption. The scenario specifically asks for symmetric encryption algorithms for bulk data, and ECDSA is neither symmetric nor an encryption algorithm, so it is incorrect.
- ✓
3DES
Why this is correct
3DES (Triple Data Encryption Standard) is a symmetric block cipher that applies DES three times with different keys. It is used for bulk data encryption, though it is slower than AES. It is still considered acceptable in some legacy systems. The scenario asks for symmetric algorithms, and 3DES is symmetric and designed for bulk encryption.
- ✗
SHA-256
Why it's wrong here
SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function, not an encryption algorithm. It produces a fixed-size hash and is used for integrity verification and digital signatures. It does not use keys and cannot encrypt data. The scenario asks for symmetric encryption algorithms, so SHA-256 does not qualify.
- ✗
RSA
Why it's wrong here
RSA is an asymmetric algorithm that uses a public and private key pair. It is typically used for key exchange and digital signatures, not for bulk data encryption because it is computationally intensive. While RSA can encrypt small amounts of data, it is not suitable for bulk encryption, so it does not meet the scenario's requirement for symmetric bulk encryption.
- ✓
AES
Why this is correct
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a symmetric block cipher widely used for bulk data encryption. It uses the same key for encryption and decryption and is efficient for large amounts of data. It is a standard choice for encrypting files, network traffic, and storage. The scenario asks for symmetric algorithms for bulk data, and AES fits perfectly.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.