SSCP Practice Question: Based on the TLS connection output, what is a…
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.
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.
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.
✗
The certificate has expired
Why it's wrong here
No expiration date is shown, but the output does not indicate expiry.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No expiration date is shown, but the output does not indicate expiry.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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
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