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ISC2 CC Practice Question: A network administrator needs to ensure that…
A network administrator needs to ensure that sensitive financial data remains confidential while in transit over the internet. Which technology should they implement?
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
✓
TLS 1.3
TLS encrypts data in transit. AES is encrypting at rest. SHA-256 is hashing. VPN can also encrypt but TLS is more specific for web traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Digital signatures
Why it's wrong here
Digital signatures provide integrity and non-repudiation, not confidentiality.
- ✗
SHA-256
Why it's wrong here
SHA-256 is a hashing algorithm, not for confidentiality.
- ✓
TLS 1.3
Why this is correct
TLS encrypts data in transit, providing confidentiality.
- ✗
AES-256
Why it's wrong here
AES is a symmetric encryption algorithm used for data at rest.
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 |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Security Foundations
Key term
VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, protecting your data and hiding your online activity.
Key term
Hashing
Hashing is a one-way mathematical function that converts any input data into a fixed-length string of characters, called a hash or digest, which is used to verify data integrity and store passwords securely.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.