- A
Using industry-standard algorithms (e.g., AES-256)
Standard algorithms have been vetted by the security community.
- B
Implementing proper key management practices
Keys must be stored and managed securely.
- C
Using authenticated encryption (e.g., AES-GCM)
Provides both confidentiality and integrity.
- D
Hashing the data with MD5 for faster performance
Why wrong: MD5 is weak and should not be used. Hashing is not encryption.
- E
Using a static IV for simplicity
Why wrong: IVs should be random for each encryption operation.
Question 864 of 1,000
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
During a code review, a developer identifies that the application uses a custom encryption algorithm for storing sensitive data. Which THREE of the following are secure cryptographic practices that should be recommended instead?
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 industry-standard algorithms (e.g., AES-256)
Option A is correct because using industry-standard algorithms like AES-256 ensures the encryption is based on publicly vetted, mathematically robust ciphers that have undergone extensive cryptanalysis. Custom encryption algorithms are highly risky as they lack peer review and often contain subtle flaws that can be exploited, whereas AES-256 is a NIST-approved symmetric block cipher with a 256-bit key size that provides strong confidentiality for sensitive data.
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 industry-standard algorithms (e.g., AES-256)
Why this is correct
Standard algorithms have been vetted by the security community.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Implementing proper key management practices
Why this is correct
Keys must be stored and managed securely.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Using authenticated encryption (e.g., AES-GCM)
Why this is correct
Provides both confidentiality and integrity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Hashing the data with MD5 for faster performance
Why it's wrong here
MD5 is weak and should not be used. Hashing is not encryption.
- ✗
Using a static IV for simplicity
Why it's wrong here
IVs should be random for each encryption operation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think 'any encryption is better than none' or that 'hashing is a form of encryption,' but the CISSP exam emphasizes that custom algorithms and broken hashes like MD5 are never acceptable for protecting sensitive data, and that proper cryptographic practices require standards, key management, and authenticated modes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Authenticated encryption (e.g., AES-GCM) combines confidentiality with integrity and authenticity by using a block cipher in Galois/Counter mode, which produces an authentication tag that detects any tampering with the ciphertext. Proper key management involves using a secure key derivation function (e.g., PBKDF2, Argon2) to generate keys from passwords, storing keys in a hardware security module (HSM) or key vault, and rotating keys periodically to limit the impact of a key compromise. In real-world scenarios, custom encryption algorithms have led to major breaches, such as the 2014 eBay hack where a custom algorithm was reverse-engineered, exposing millions of user records.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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 industry-standard algorithms (e.g., AES-256) — Option A is correct because using industry-standard algorithms like AES-256 ensures the encryption is based on publicly vetted, mathematically robust ciphers that have undergone extensive cryptanalysis. Custom encryption algorithms are highly risky as they lack peer review and often contain subtle flaws that can be exploited, whereas AES-256 is a NIST-approved symmetric block cipher with a 256-bit key size that provides strong confidentiality for sensitive data.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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