hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: A software developer is designing a web…
A software developer is designing a web application that will store user credentials. What is the most secure method for storing passwords?
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
✓
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Secure Network Architecture and Design
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
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.