SSCP Cryptography Practice Question
An organization is designing a secure email system using S/MIME. Which of the following are essential components of the PKI that must be in place? (Select THREE)
⚠ Common exam trap
In the SSCP exam, candidates often mistakenly select a KDC or TSA as essential for S/MIME, but these are auxiliary services, not core PKI components.
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
✓
X.509 digital certificates for each user
S/MIME relies on a PKI where each user possesses an X.509 digital certificate that binds their identity to a public key. This certificate is essential for signing and encrypting emails, as it allows recipients to verify the sender's identity and encrypt messages using the sender's public key.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A symmetric key distribution center (KDC)
Why it's wrong here
S/MIME uses asymmetric keys; a KDC is used for symmetric key management like Kerberos.
- ✓
X.509 digital certificates for each user
Why this is correct
Each user needs a certificate containing their public key and identity.
- ✓
A method to check certificate revocation (e.g., CRL or OCSP)
Why this is correct
Revocation checking ensures that compromised certificates are rejected.
- ✗
A timestamp authority (TSA)
Why it's wrong here
Timestamping is optional and not a core PKI component.
- ✓
A certificate authority (CA) to sign certificates
Why this is correct
The CA issues and signs certificates to establish trust.
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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.