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SSCP Practice Question: Implementing encryption for data at rest in a…
A company is implementing encryption for data at rest in a file server. Which TWO of the following algorithms are suitable for this purpose? (Select TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse hashing algorithms (like SHA-256) with encryption algorithms, or mistakenly think asymmetric ciphers (like RSA) are suitable for bulk data encryption, when in fact symmetric ciphers (like AES and Blowfish) are the correct choice for data at rest.
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
✓
Blowfish
Blowfish is a symmetric block cipher that supports variable key lengths (32–448 bits), making it suitable for encrypting data at rest on a file server. It is designed for fast encryption in software and has been widely used for file and disk encryption, though it is now considered less secure than modern alternatives like AES.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
3DES
Why it's wrong here
3DES is deprecated and considered too weak for secure encryption.
- ✓
Blowfish
Why this is correct
Blowfish is a symmetric block cipher that can be used for data at rest, though AES is preferred.
- ✗
SHA-256
Why it's wrong here
SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function, not an encryption algorithm.
- ✓
AES-256
Why this is correct
AES-256 is a standard symmetric encryption algorithm suitable for data at rest.
- ✗
RSA-2048
Why it's wrong here
RSA is an asymmetric algorithm for key exchange and digital signatures, not for data at rest encryption.
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 |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.