Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →- A
MD5
Why wrong: MD5 produces a 128-bit hash.
- B
SHA-256
Why wrong: SHA-256 produces a 256-bit hash.
- C
SHA-1
SHA-1 produces a 160-bit hash.
- D
SHA-512
Why wrong: SHA-512 produces a 512-bit hash.
Question 547 of 1,010
Quick Answer
The answer is SHA-1, the hashing algorithm that produces a 160-bit (20-byte) hash value. This is correct because SHA-1, part of the Secure Hash Algorithm family, processes input data through a series of logical functions and modular additions to generate a fixed 160-bit digest, distinguishing it from MD5’s 128-bit output and the larger SHA-2 variants like SHA-256 and SHA-512. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate hash lengths, a common topic in cryptography sections where examiners often list MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 together as trap options. A frequent trick is confusing SHA-1’s 160 bits with MD5’s 128 bits, so remember that SHA-1 is the only standard 160-bit hash. For a quick memory tip: think “SHA-1 = 1-6-0” or visualize a “20-byte birthday cake” to recall its 20-byte output.
CEH Practice Question: Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of advanced topics: wireless, cloud, iot, cryptography. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which of the following is a hashing algorithm that produces a 160-bit (20-byte) hash value?
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
✓
SHA-1
SHA-1 produces a 160-bit hash. MD5 produces 128 bits, SHA-256 produces 256 bits, and SHA-512 produces 512 bits.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MD5
Why it's wrong here
MD5 produces a 128-bit hash.
- ✗
SHA-256
Why it's wrong here
SHA-256 produces a 256-bit hash.
- ✓
SHA-1
Why this is correct
SHA-1 produces a 160-bit hash.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
SHA-512
Why it's wrong here
SHA-512 produces a 512-bit hash.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CEH question test?
Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — This question tests Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SHA-1 — SHA-1 produces a 160-bit hash. MD5 produces 128 bits, SHA-256 produces 256 bits, and SHA-512 produces 512 bits.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CEH exam.
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