CRISC Information Technology and Security Practice Question
A company is planning to migrate to post-quantum cryptography. What is the primary risk that quantum computing poses to current cryptographic systems?
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
✓
Breaking widely used public-key cryptographic algorithms
Quantum computers using Shor's algorithm can efficiently solve integer factorization and discrete logarithm problems, threatening RSA and ECC.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enhancing encryption key generation
Why it's wrong here
Quantum computing can also enhance key generation, but the risk is to existing systems.
- ✓
Breaking widely used public-key cryptographic algorithms
Why this is correct
Quantum computers can break RSA and ECC, which are fundamental to secure communications.
- ✗
Compromising hash functions for integrity
Why it's wrong here
Quantum attacks on hashes are less effective due to Grover's algorithm only providing quadratic speedup.
- ✗
Increased speed of brute-force attacks on symmetric keys
Why it's wrong here
Quantum attacks on symmetric crypto are less severe; key sizes can be doubled.
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 |
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This CRISC question is part of Courseiva's 983-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CRISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CRISC exam.