- A
3DES-CBC
Why wrong: 3DES is legacy and CBC mode does not provide authentication.
- B
AES-ECB
Why wrong: ECB mode is not recommended due to pattern leakage and does not provide authentication.
- C
RC4
Why wrong: RC4 is a stream cipher with known vulnerabilities and no authentication.
- D
AES-GCM
GCM mode combines encryption and authentication, making it ideal for this requirement.
Question 1,000 of 1,000
SSCP Cryptography Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of cryptography. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A security analyst is recommending a symmetric encryption algorithm for a new application that requires both confidentiality and authentication. Which algorithm and mode combination should they select?
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
✓
AES-GCM
AES-GCM (Galois/Counter Mode) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that provides both confidentiality and authentication in a single, efficient operation. It combines AES encryption in counter mode with a Galois field-based message authentication code (GMAC), making it ideal for applications requiring both security properties.
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.
- ✗
3DES-CBC
Why it's wrong here
3DES is legacy and CBC mode does not provide authentication.
- ✗
AES-ECB
Why it's wrong here
ECB mode is not recommended due to pattern leakage and does not provide authentication.
- ✗
RC4
Why it's wrong here
RC4 is a stream cipher with known vulnerabilities and no authentication.
- ✓
AES-GCM
Why this is correct
GCM mode combines encryption and authentication, making it ideal for this requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse CBC mode with providing authentication (since it uses an IV), but CBC only offers confidentiality; GCM is the correct choice for combined confidentiality and authentication in symmetric encryption.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AES-GCM uses a nonce (typically 96 bits) and a counter for encryption, while the GMAC authenticator is computed over the ciphertext and associated data (AAD) using a Galois field multiplication. This mode is standardized in NIST SP 800-38D and is widely used in protocols like TLS 1.2/1.3 and IPsec, where it provides both encryption and integrity with hardware acceleration on modern CPUs.
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 SSCP question test?
Cryptography — This question tests Cryptography — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AES-GCM — AES-GCM (Galois/Counter Mode) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that provides both confidentiality and authentication in a single, efficient operation. It combines AES encryption in counter mode with a Galois field-based message authentication code (GMAC), making it ideal for applications requiring both security properties.
What should I do if I get this SSCP 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 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.
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