Classified Data Connection Algorithms
Short answer
CE AES-256 provides encryption for confidentiality and SHA-384 provides integrity for classified data.
Question
Key Takeaways
Tests understanding of the difference between symmetric encryption (confidentiality) and hashing (integrity), often leading to selecting two encryption methods instead of one of each.
Identifies the correct combination of encryption and integrity algorithms for securing classified data connections. The page clarifies that both confidentiality and integrity are required.
Common mistake: Selecting AES-256 and RSA-3072, assuming two strong encryption algorithms are needed, while overlooking the necessity of a separate integrity mechanism like SHA-384.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The question requires protecting 'classified data,' which implies both confidentiality (preventing reading) and integrity (preventing tampering). AES-256 provides strong symmetric encryption for confidentiality. SHA-384 is a secure hashing algorithm used to ensure data integrity. Together, they form a complete security posture for data in transit.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
RSA-3072 and ECDSA-256 are asymmetric algorithms primarily used for key exchange or digital signatures, not bulk data encryption. RC4 is a deprecated and insecure stream cipher that must never be used for classified data.
Community Comment Notes
As ITVI noted, the trick is recognizing you need 'one encryption and one integrity.' Pierre_Bouvier correctly identifies SHA-384 as an integrity verification tool. wowako argues for RSA-3072, but this misses the integrity requirement for the data payload itself.
Exam Strategy
When asked about securing data, always look for one option that provides encryption (AES) and one that provides integrity (SHA/Hash). Don't assume all options should be encryption algorithms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not use RSA-3072 for classified data?
Is SHA-384 an encryption algorithm?
Community Votes
67% of anonymous learners picked answer AC. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 3 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 3
-
wowako 👍 1A. RSA-3072: RSA with a 3072-bit key length is considered a strong encryption algorithm for key exchange and digital signatures. It is used for securely exchanging encryption keys over an insecure network, which is crucial for maintaining the security of classified data. C. AES-256: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with a 256-bit key length is a highly secure symmetric encryption algorithm. It is widely used for encrypting data due to its strong resistance to brute-force attacks and its suitability for securing classified information.
-
Pierre_Bouvier 👍 1SHA-384 (Secure Hash Algorithm 384-bit) is a hashing algorithm used for data integrity verification. It does not encrypt data but ensures data integrity, making it insufficient alone for classified data protection.
-
ITVI 👍 1C & E is correct and not A & C. The question is a bit tricky. but others are picking two encryptions only. Think about it, you only need one encryption and one integrity and off it goes.
Reader comments & corrections
No reader corrections yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.