- A
Using a static initialization vector (IV) for all encryption operations
Why wrong: Static IV weakens encryption; a unique IV per encryption is required.
- B
Encrypting data with a hardcoded key in source code
Why wrong: Hardcoded keys are insecure; keys should be managed securely (e.g., HSM, key vault).
- C
Hashing passwords with MD5 for performance
Why wrong: MD5 is broken and unsuitable for password hashing; use bcrypt or Argon2.
- D
Using AES-256 in Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) for authenticated encryption
AES-256-GCM provides strong encryption and authentication, a best practice.
Question 201 of 1,000
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. 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 developer is implementing cryptographic storage for sensitive user data. Which of the following is a cryptographic best practice?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 in Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) for authenticated encryption
Industry-standard algorithms like AES-256 and SHA-256 are recommended, while MD5 and SHA-1 are deprecated due to weaknesses. Authenticated encryption (e.g., GCM) provides both confidentiality and integrity.
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.
- ✗
Using a static initialization vector (IV) for all encryption operations
Why it's wrong here
Static IV weakens encryption; a unique IV per encryption is required.
- ✗
Encrypting data with a hardcoded key in source code
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoded keys are insecure; keys should be managed securely (e.g., HSM, key vault).
- ✗
Hashing passwords with MD5 for performance
Why it's wrong here
MD5 is broken and unsuitable for password hashing; use bcrypt or Argon2.
- ✓
Using AES-256 in Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) for authenticated encryption
Why this is correct
AES-256-GCM provides strong encryption and authentication, a best practice.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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 |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CISSP 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Using AES-256 in Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) for authenticated encryption — Industry-standard algorithms like AES-256 and SHA-256 are recommended, while MD5 and SHA-1 are deprecated due to weaknesses. Authenticated encryption (e.g., GCM) provides both confidentiality and integrity.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which CISSP 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
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