The correct answer is to hash passwords using a strong algorithm like bcrypt with a unique salt, because secure password storage relies on one-way functions rather than reversible processes. Hashing transforms a password into a fixed-length digest that cannot be reversed, and adding a unique salt—a random value per user—prevents attackers from using precomputed rainbow tables to crack multiple passwords at once if the database is compromised. Encryption, by contrast, is a two-way process that uses a key to decrypt data, making it fundamentally less secure for credentials since an attacker who steals the key can recover every password. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this distinction tests your understanding of data protection controls; a common trap is confusing encryption with hashing because both obscure data, but remember that encryption is designed for confidentiality of data in transit or at rest, not for irreversible storage. A simple memory tip: hash is a one-way street, encryption is a two-way door—for passwords, always take the one-way street.
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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.
A software developer is designing a web application that will store user credentials. What is the most secure method for storing passwords?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Hash passwords using a strong algorithm like bcrypt with a unique salt
Hashing with salt protects passwords even if database is compromised. Encryption is reversible, so less secure for passwords.
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.
✓
Hash passwords using a strong algorithm like bcrypt with a unique salt
Why this is correct
Hashing with salt makes passwords irreversibly stored and resistant to rainbow tables.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a tokenization service to replace passwords with tokens
Why it's wrong here
Tokenization is not standard for password storage; it's for data like credit cards.
✗
Encrypt passwords using AES-256 and store the key separately
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is reversible; if the key is compromised, all passwords are exposed.
✗
Store passwords in a secure database with access controls
Why it's wrong here
Access controls help but passwords should not be stored in plaintext or encrypted reversibly.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC 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.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Hash passwords using a strong algorithm like bcrypt with a unique salt — Hashing with salt protects passwords even if database is compromised. Encryption is reversible, so less secure for passwords.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC 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.
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Question Discussion
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