This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of cissp exam topics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
C:\> cipher /u /n
List of files encrypted with EFS:
C:\Users\Alice\Documents\ProjectX.docx
C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\Notes.txt
C:\> cipher /c "C:\Users\Alice\Documents\ProjectX.docx"
Encryption algorithm: AES
Key length: 256 bits
Certificate thumbprint: A1B2C3D4E5F6...
Certificate issuer: CN=Alice
Certificate expiration: 12/31/2025
Certificate is self-signed.
C:\> whoami /user
User Name: CONTOSO\Alice
Refer to the exhibit. A user named Alice has encrypted files using EFS. What is a potential risk associated with the current configuration?
Exhibit
C:\> cipher /u /n
List of files encrypted with EFS:
C:\Users\Alice\Documents\ProjectX.docx
C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\Notes.txt
C:\> cipher /c "C:\Users\Alice\Documents\ProjectX.docx"
Encryption algorithm: AES
Key length: 256 bits
Certificate thumbprint: A1B2C3D4E5F6...
Certificate issuer: CN=Alice
Certificate expiration: 12/31/2025
Certificate is self-signed.
C:\> whoami /user
User Name: CONTOSO\Alice
A
The user's certificate is self-signed, which may not be recoverable if lost.
Self-signed certificates are not backed up by the domain, so if the certificate is lost, data cannot be decrypted.
B
The encryption algorithm is weak; AES-256 is not recommended.
Why wrong: AES-256 is strong and recommended.
C
The key length is insufficient; 256 bits is too short.
Why wrong: 256 bits is considered secure.
D
The files are encrypted only on the local drive; they are not protected if moved to a network share.
Why wrong: EFS encryption is preserved on NTFS volumes, but if moved to a non-NTFS share, decryption may occur.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user's certificate is self-signed, which may not be recoverable if lost.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The user's certificate is self-signed, which may not be recoverable if lost.
Why this is correct
Self-signed certificates are not backed up by the domain, so if the certificate is lost, data cannot be decrypted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The encryption algorithm is weak; AES-256 is not recommended.
Why it's wrong here
AES-256 is strong and recommended.
✗
The key length is insufficient; 256 bits is too short.
Why it's wrong here
256 bits is considered secure.
✗
The files are encrypted only on the local drive; they are not protected if moved to a network share.
Why it's wrong here
EFS encryption is preserved on NTFS volumes, but if moved to a non-NTFS share, decryption may occur.
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 CISSP question in full detail.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The user's certificate is self-signed, which may not be recoverable if lost.
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.
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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