- A
Weak random number generation
Predictable random numbers can lead to key compromise.
- B
Improper key storage
Keys stored insecurely can be stolen.
- C
Frequent rekeying
Why wrong: Rekeying is a good practice.
- D
Using proven encryption algorithms like AES
Why wrong: Using proven algorithms is a strength, not weakness.
- E
Following NIST guidelines
Why wrong: Following guidelines is a strength.
Question 346 of 1,000
easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are common weaknesses…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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.
Which TWO of the following are common weaknesses in cryptographic implementations that an SSCP should be aware of? (Select exactly 2.)
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
✓
Weak random number generation
Weak random number generation is a critical flaw because cryptographic keys, nonces, and initialization vectors rely on unpredictability. If an attacker can predict or reproduce the random values (e.g., due to a low-entropy source or a flawed PRNG like a linear congruential generator), they can derive secret keys or break session security. This undermines the entire cryptographic system regardless of the algorithm strength.
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.
- ✓
Weak random number generation
Why this is correct
Predictable random numbers can lead to key compromise.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Improper key storage
Why this is correct
Keys stored insecurely can be stolen.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Frequent rekeying
Why it's wrong here
Rekeying is a good practice.
- ✗
Using proven encryption algorithms like AES
Why it's wrong here
Using proven algorithms is a strength, not weakness.
- ✗
Following NIST guidelines
Why it's wrong here
Following guidelines is a strength.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that 'using strong algorithms' or 'following standards' automatically guarantees security, when in fact implementation flaws like weak randomness or poor key management are the real vulnerabilities.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cryptographic randomness often relies on hardware entropy sources (e.g., CPU RDRAND) or OS-provided CSPRNGs (e.g., /dev/urandom on Linux). A real-world example is the Debian OpenSSL vulnerability (CVE-2008-0166) where a flawed random number generator produced only 32,767 possible keys, making SSH and TLS keys trivially brute-forceable. This highlights that even strong algorithms like RSA or AES are useless if the key generation is predictable.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Weak random number generation — Weak random number generation is a critical flaw because cryptographic keys, nonces, and initialization vectors rely on unpredictability. If an attacker can predict or reproduce the random values (e.g., due to a low-entropy source or a flawed PRNG like a linear congruential generator), they can derive secret keys or break session security. This undermines the entire cryptographic system regardless of the algorithm strength.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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