SSCP Cryptography Practice Question
A company is selecting a cryptographic algorithm for digital signatures. Which THREE of the following algorithms can be used for digital signatures? (Select THREE.)
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
✓
DSA
RSA, ECDSA, and DSA are all capable of digital signatures. AES is symmetric and not for signatures; SHA-256 is a hash function.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SHA-256
Why it's wrong here
SHA-256 is a hash function, not a signature algorithm.
- ✓
DSA
Why this is correct
DSA is a digital signature algorithm.
- ✗
AES
Why it's wrong here
AES is a symmetric cipher, not for signatures.
- ✓
RSA
Why this is correct
RSA can sign with private key.
- ✓
ECDSA
Why this is correct
ECDSA is used for signatures.
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.