SSCP Cryptography Practice Question
A security administrator is configuring a web server to use TLS. They want to optimize performance while maintaining strong security. Which cipher suite should they prioritize?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often choose option C (ECDHE_RSA) because it uses ECDHE and GCM, but they overlook that ECDSA with AES-256 and SHA-384 provides stronger security and better performance than RSA-based authentication, especially in modern TLS configurations.
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
✓
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 uses Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral (ECDHE) for perfect forward secrecy, ECDSA for efficient authentication, AES-256 in GCM mode for authenticated encryption, and SHA-384 for integrity. This combination provides the strongest security with modern, optimized algorithms, making it the best choice for performance and security on a TLS web server.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
Why it's wrong here
DHE provides forward secrecy but RSA certificates are larger, and CBC mode is slower than GCM.
- ✗
TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA256
Why it's wrong here
RSA key exchange lacks forward secrecy, and CBC mode is less efficient than GCM.
- ✗
TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
Why it's wrong here
This is also strong but uses RSA certificates, which are larger than ECDSA for equivalent security.
- ✓
TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
Why this is correct
This suite offers forward secrecy, strong authentication with ECDSA, and efficient authenticated 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 |
Go deeper
Related to this question
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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.