Match each cryptographic concept to its definition.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Same key for encrypt and decrypt
Key pair: public and private
One-way transformation to fixed size
Ensures authenticity and non-repudiation
Binds a public key to an identity
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Symmetric encryption: Uses a single shared key for both encryption and decryption.
Symmetric encryption uses one shared key; asymmetric uses a public-private key pair; hashing is a one-way function; digital signatures use asymmetric cryptography for authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation. Common confusions include mixing up symmetric and asymmetric key usage, or thinking hashing is reversible.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Symmetric encryption: Uses a single shared key for both encryption and decryption.
Why this is correct
Correct. Symmetric encryption relies on one shared secret key for encryption and decryption.
Asymmetric encryption: Uses a pair of keys (public and private) for encryption and decryption.
Why this is correct
Correct. Asymmetric encryption uses a public-private key pair for encryption and decryption.
Hashing: Produces a fixed-size output from variable-size input, one-way function.
Why this is correct
Correct. Hashing is a one-way function producing a fixed-size digest, not reversible.
Digital signature: Provides authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation using asymmetric cryptography.
Why this is correct
Correct. Digital signatures use asymmetric keys to provide these security services.
Symmetric encryption: Uses a pair of keys (public and private) for encryption and decryption.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This describes asymmetric encryption, not symmetric encryption.
Hashing: A reversible process that transforms data into a fixed-size representation.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Hashing is one-way and not reversible; this describes encryption, not hashing.
Quick reference
| 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
Learn chapter
Authentication and Authorization Methods
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.
Key term
Non-repudiation
Non-repudiation is a security principle that ensures a party in a digital transaction cannot deny their involvement or the authenticity of their digital signature.
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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.