- A
RSA-2048
Why wrong: RSA is asymmetric and too slow for bulk data encryption.
- B
Blowfish in CTR mode
Why wrong: Blowfish has a small 64-bit block size and is less secure than AES.
- C
AES-256 in CBC mode
AES-256 in CBC mode is a strong symmetric encryption suitable for data at rest.
- D
DES in ECB mode
Why wrong: DES is outdated and weak; ECB mode reveals patterns.
Question 275 of 1,000
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A security administrator needs to store sensitive…
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.
A security administrator needs to store sensitive customer data in a database. To protect the data at rest, which encryption method should be used?
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-256 in CBC mode
AES-256 in CBC mode is the correct choice because it is a strong, widely accepted symmetric encryption algorithm that provides confidentiality for data at rest. AES-256 uses a 256-bit key, making it resistant to brute-force attacks, and CBC mode adds an initialization vector (IV) to ensure that identical plaintext blocks produce different ciphertext, preventing pattern leakage. This combination is recommended by standards such as NIST SP 800-38A for protecting sensitive stored data.
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.
- ✗
RSA-2048
Why it's wrong here
RSA is asymmetric and too slow for bulk data encryption.
- ✗
Blowfish in CTR mode
Why it's wrong here
Blowfish has a small 64-bit block size and is less secure than AES.
- ✓
AES-256 in CBC mode
Why this is correct
AES-256 in CBC mode is a strong symmetric encryption suitable for data at rest.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
DES in ECB mode
Why it's wrong here
DES is outdated and weak; ECB mode reveals patterns.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse asymmetric encryption (RSA) with symmetric encryption for data at rest, or they overlook the weaknesses of legacy algorithms like DES and Blowfish, assuming any encryption is sufficient without considering key size and mode of operation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AES-256 in CBC mode works by XORing each plaintext block with the previous ciphertext block before encryption, using a random IV for the first block to ensure uniqueness. Under the hood, CBC mode requires proper IV management—if the IV is reused with the same key, it can leak information about the first block. In real-world scenarios, such as encrypting a database column, AES-256-CBC is often combined with key management systems like AWS KMS or Azure Key Vault to securely store and rotate encryption keys.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AES-256 in CBC mode — AES-256 in CBC mode is the correct choice because it is a strong, widely accepted symmetric encryption algorithm that provides confidentiality for data at rest. AES-256 uses a 256-bit key, making it resistant to brute-force attacks, and CBC mode adds an initialization vector (IV) to ensure that identical plaintext blocks produce different ciphertext, preventing pattern leakage. This combination is recommended by standards such as NIST SP 800-38A for protecting sensitive stored data.
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 25, 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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