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SSCP Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are symmetric…
Which TWO of the following are symmetric encryption algorithms? (Select exactly two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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.
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.
- ✓
AES
Why this is correct
AES is a symmetric cipher.
- ✗
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.
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.