hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Based on the TLS connection output, what is a…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. openssl s_client -connect example.com:443 ... Certificate chain 0 s:/CN=example.com i:/C=US/O=Let's Encrypt Signature Algorithm: sha1WithRSAEncryption ... Cipher : ECDHE-RSA-AES128-GCM-SHA256
Based on the TLS connection output, what is a potential security vulnerability?
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
✓
The certificate uses SHA-1 for the signature algorithm
The signature algorithm sha1WithRSAEncryption is deprecated for certificates; SHA-1 is weak and should not be used. Options A, B, and C are incorrect: the certificate is not expired (no date shown), AES-128 is acceptable, and ECDHE provides forward secrecy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The certificate has expired
Why it's wrong here
No expiration date is shown, but the output does not indicate expiry.
- ✗
The key exchange is ephemeral, reducing security
Why it's wrong here
Ephemeral key exchange provides forward secrecy, improving security.
- ✗
The cipher suite uses AES-128, which is too weak
Why it's wrong here
AES-128 is still considered secure for most purposes.
- ✓
The certificate uses SHA-1 for the signature algorithm
Why this is correct
SHA-1 is deprecated due to collision attacks.
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.