Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →- A
DES
DES is a symmetric cipher.
- B
AES
AES is a symmetric cipher.
- C
RSA
Why wrong: RSA is asymmetric.
- D
ECC
Why wrong: ECC is asymmetric.
- E
SHA-256
Why wrong: SHA-256 is a hash.
Question 256 of 504
Quick Answer
The answer is AES and DES. Both are symmetric encryption algorithms because they use a single shared key for both encrypting and decrypting data, unlike asymmetric methods that rely on a public-private key pair. AES, the Advanced Encryption Standard, operates on 128-bit blocks with key sizes of 128, 192, or 256 bits, while DES, the Data Encryption Standard, uses 64-bit blocks with a 56-bit key and is now considered insecure but remains a foundational example. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish symmetric from asymmetric ciphers, often pairing a modern standard like AES with a legacy one like DES as correct answers, while traps include RSA or ECC, which are asymmetric. A common memory tip: think of the “S” in symmetric as standing for “same key,” and remember that AES and DES both start with a vowel sound, making them easy to group together as the two symmetric choices.
SSCP Cryptography Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of cryptography. 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 symmetric encryption algorithms? (Select exactly two.)
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
✓
DES
DES (Data Encryption Standard) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that uses a single key for both encryption and decryption. It operates on 64-bit blocks with a 56-bit key, and while now considered insecure due to its small key size, it remains a foundational symmetric cipher. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is also symmetric, using block sizes of 128 bits and key sizes of 128, 192, or 256 bits, and is the current standard for symmetric encryption.
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.
- ✓
DES
Why this is correct
DES is a symmetric cipher.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
AES
Why this is correct
AES is a symmetric cipher.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
RSA
Why it's wrong here
RSA is asymmetric.
- ✗
ECC
Why it's wrong here
ECC is asymmetric.
- ✗
SHA-256
Why it's wrong here
SHA-256 is a hash.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between symmetric and asymmetric algorithms, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse RSA or ECC (both asymmetric) with symmetric ciphers, or mistakenly think SHA-256 is an encryption algorithm because it is used in security contexts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Symmetric encryption algorithms like DES and AES use the same secret key for both operations, typically implemented in block cipher modes such as ECB, CBC, or GCM. AES, standardized by NIST in FIPS 197, uses a substitution-permutation network (SPN) structure, while DES uses a Feistel network with 16 rounds. In practice, AES is widely deployed in TLS, IPsec, and disk encryption (e.g., BitLocker), whereas DES is deprecated due to brute-force vulnerabilities (56-bit keys can be broken in hours with modern hardware).
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?
Cryptography — This question tests Cryptography — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DES — DES (Data Encryption Standard) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that uses a single key for both encryption and decryption. It operates on 64-bit blocks with a 56-bit key, and while now considered insecure due to its small key size, it remains a foundational symmetric cipher. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is also symmetric, using block sizes of 128 bits and key sizes of 128, 192, or 256 bits, and is the current standard for symmetric encryption.
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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