CSSLP Secure Software Implementation Practice Question
Which cryptographic practice is recommended for protecting sensitive data at rest in a relational database?
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
✓
Using AES-256 encryption
AES-256 is the industry standard for symmetric encryption of data at rest.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Using cleartext with database permissions
Why it's wrong here
Cleartext provides no protection if the database file is exfiltrated.
- ✗
Using MD5 hashing
Why it's wrong here
MD5 is cryptographically broken and unsafe for passwords or data protection.
- ✓
Using AES-256 encryption
Why this is correct
AES-256 is the current standard for secure encryption.
- ✗
Storing data in base64 encoding
Why it's wrong here
Base64 is an encoding, not encryption, and provides zero security.
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 |
About these practice questions
This CSSLP question is part of Courseiva's 198-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 and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This CSSLP practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 CSSLP exam.