CAS-004 Security Architecture Practice Question
An organization is planning to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography. According to NIST PQC standards, which THREE algorithms are currently selected for standardization? (Select 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
✓
CRYSTALS-Kyber
NIST has selected CRYSTALS-Kyber (for key encapsulation), CRYSTALS-Dilithium (for digital signatures), and FALCON (for digital signatures, with SPHINCS+ as a backup) for standardization. RSA and ECDH are not quantum-resistant.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH)
Why it's wrong here
ECDH is vulnerable to quantum attacks.
- ✓
CRYSTALS-Kyber
Why this is correct
CRYSTALS-Kyber is the selected KEM.
- ✓
FALCON
Why this is correct
FALCON is also selected for signatures; it is the third algorithm.
- ✓
CRYSTALS-Dilithium
Why this is correct
CRYSTALS-Dilithium is a selected signature algorithm.
- ✗
RSA-4096
Why it's wrong here
RSA is not quantum-resistant.
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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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.