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XK0-006 Practice Question: A system administrator wants to encrypt a large…
A system administrator wants to encrypt a large directory of files using GPG with a symmetric cipher. Which two steps are necessary? (Select TWO).
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse symmetric encryption with asymmetric encryption and select `--recipient` or public key import, not realizing that `--symmetric` requires only a passphrase, not a key pair.
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
✓
Use a passphrase to encrypt
Symmetric encryption in GPG requires a passphrase to derive the encryption key. When using `gpg --symmetric`, the cipher key is generated from a passphrase provided by the user, making the passphrase the essential secret for both encryption and decryption. Without a passphrase, symmetric encryption cannot proceed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
gpg --decrypt file.gpg
Why it's wrong here
This decrypts, not encrypts.
- ✓
Use a passphrase to encrypt
Why this is correct
Symmetric encryption requires a passphrase.
- ✗
gpg --encrypt --recipient user file
Why it's wrong here
This is asymmetric encryption requiring a public key.
- ✗
Import a public key
Why it's wrong here
Public keys are used for asymmetric encryption.
- ✓
gpg --symmetric --cipher-algo AES256 file
Why this is correct
This encrypts the file symmetrically with AES256.
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
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