200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
Which cryptographic technique uses a public and private key pair to provide non-repudiation?
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
✓
Digital signature
Digital signatures use asymmetric cryptography to provide authentication and non-repudiation, as only the signer's private key can create the signature.
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 this is correct
Digital signatures provide non-repudiation by using the signer's private key.
- ✗
Symmetric encryption
Why it's wrong here
Symmetric encryption uses one shared key and does not provide non-repudiation.
- ✗
Digital certificate
Why it's wrong here
Digital certificates bind identity to a public key but do not directly provide non-repudiation.
- ✗
Hashing
Why it's wrong here
Hashing is one-way and does not provide non-repudiation; it verifies integrity.
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 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.