- A
SHA-1
Why wrong: SHA-1 is deprecated and susceptible to collision attacks.
- B
MD5
Why wrong: MD5 is broken due to collision attacks.
- C
SHA-3
SHA-3 is the latest standard and secure.
- D
SHA-256
SHA-256 is a current standard and secure.
- E
HMAC-SHA256
Why wrong: HMAC is a message authentication code, not a hash function.
Question 407 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 team is evaluating hashing algorithms for use in a new system. Which of the following are considered currently secure for general use? (Select TWO)
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
✓
SHA-3
SHA-3 (C) is the latest member of the Secure Hash Algorithm family, standardized by NIST in FIPS 202. It is based on the Keccak sponge construction and is not susceptible to the collision attacks that weaken SHA-1 or the length-extension vulnerabilities of SHA-2, making it currently secure for general use.
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.
- ✗
SHA-1
Why it's wrong here
SHA-1 is deprecated and susceptible to collision attacks.
- ✗
MD5
Why it's wrong here
MD5 is broken due to collision attacks.
- ✓
SHA-3
Why this is correct
SHA-3 is the latest standard and secure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
SHA-256
Why this is correct
SHA-256 is a current standard and secure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
HMAC-SHA256
Why it's wrong here
HMAC is a message authentication code, not a hash function.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between a hashing algorithm (like SHA-256) and a keyed construction (like HMAC-SHA256), causing candidates to mistakenly select HMAC-SHA256 as a hashing algorithm when it is actually an authentication mechanism.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SHA-256 (D) is part of the SHA-2 family and remains secure for general use, producing a 256-bit digest with no known practical collision attacks. However, SHA-2 is vulnerable to length-extension attacks, which is why HMAC is often used with it for message authentication; SHA-3's sponge construction inherently resists length-extension, making it more robust in certain protocols. In real-world scenarios, organizations migrating from SHA-1 often choose SHA-256 for compatibility or SHA-3 for future-proofing, as both are approved by NIST for use in digital signatures and certificates.
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 security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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.
- →
Cryptography — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Cryptography practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SSCP questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SSCP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SSCP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Access Controls practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Access Controls.
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis.
Incident Response and Recovery practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Incident Response and Recovery.
Security Operations and Administration practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Security Operations and Administration.
Cryptography practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Cryptography.
Network and Communications Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Network and Communications Security.
Systems and Application Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Systems and Application Security.
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis.
SSCP fundamentals practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP fundamentals.
SSCP scenario practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP scenario.
SSCP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SSCP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: SHA-3 — SHA-3 (C) is the latest member of the Secure Hash Algorithm family, standardized by NIST in FIPS 202. It is based on the Keccak sponge construction and is not susceptible to the collision attacks that weaken SHA-1 or the length-extension vulnerabilities of SHA-2, making it currently secure for general use.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.