200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
An organization wants to protect sensitive data at rest and in transit. Which THREE cryptographic methods can provide confidentiality? (Choose three.)
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
✓
Transport Layer Security (TLS)
Symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, and TLS (which uses both) provide confidentiality. Hashing does not.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Digital signature
Why it's wrong here
Digital signatures provide authentication and integrity, not confidentiality.
- ✓
Transport Layer Security (TLS)
Why this is correct
TLS encrypts data in transit using symmetric and asymmetric methods.
- ✓
Symmetric encryption
Why this is correct
Symmetric encryption encrypts data for confidentiality.
- ✗
Hashing
Why it's wrong here
Hashing is one-way and does not provide confidentiality.
- ✓
Asymmetric encryption
Why this is correct
Asymmetric encryption can encrypt data (e.g., RSA) for confidentiality.
Quick reference
Asymmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Exchange | Signatures | Equivalent Security Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSA-3072 | Yes | Yes | 128-bit | Widely deployed; slow for bulk data |
| ECDSA P-256 | No | Yes | 128-bit | Fast signatures; standard TLS certs |
| ECDH / ECDHE | Yes | No | 128-bit | Perfect forward secrecy in TLS 1.3 |
| DH / DHE | Yes | No | 128-bit (3072-bit key) | Replaced by ECDHE in modern TLS |
| Ed25519 | No | Yes | ~128-bit | SSH keys, modern PKI |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.