Advanced Cryptography Quiz

A primary requirement for a good cryptographic hash function is that the function should not have collisions. A collision in a hash function is when:

• there are few inputs, but a lot of outputs

• two inputs map to the same output

• two outputs come from the same input

• there are few outputs, but a lot of inputs

Answer explanation

A collision in a hash function occurs when two inputs map to the same output, making it a primary requirement for a good cryptographic hash function to avoid collisions.

Which of the following ciphers uses asymmetric encryption?

• AES

• Caesar Cipher

• DES

• RSA

Answer explanation

RSA is the only cipher listed that uses asymmetric encryption, where different keys are used for encryption and decryption. Therefore, the correct choice is RSA.

Which is the largest disadvantage of symmetric encryption?

• It is not used any more

• It is more complex and more time-consuming

• It is difficult to securely transmit the secret key

• It is less secure when compared to asymmetric encryption

Answer explanation

The largest disadvantage of symmetric encryption is that it is less secure when compared to asymmetric encryption, making it more vulnerable to security breaches.

During asymmetric encryption, Nicholas will use ______ to open a message from Allie.

• His public key

• His private key

• Allie’s public key

• Allie’s private key

Answer explanation

During asymmetric encryption, Nicholas will use Allie’s public key to open a message from Allie.

Protecting data by hashing the data with a hashing function addresses which part(s) of the CIA triad?

• Confidentiality only

• Integrity only

• Availability only

• Confidentiality and Integrity

• Confidentiality and Availability

Answer explanation

Hashing the data with a hashing function addresses the Integrity part of the CIA triad by ensuring that the data has not been altered or tampered with.

In the chain of trust, what is the name of the certificate that belongs to the issuer of the certificate?

• The server certificate

• The root certificate

• The primary certificate

• The intermediate certificate

Answer explanation

In the chain of trust, the certificate that belongs to the issuer of the certificate is called the root certificate.

A hash function takes an input of any length and converts it into an output of a fixed length. What term is used for this output?

• field

• digest

• password

• message

Answer explanation

The term used for the output of a hash function, which is of a fixed length, is 'digest'.

Evaluate the following modulo math problem. 20 + (35 mod 11)

• 3

• 20

• 22

• 26

Answer explanation

The modulo operation of 35 mod 11 equals 2. Therefore, 20 + 2 equals 22.

Which of the following salting procedures will produce the most secure encryption?

• Use a 3 character salt

• Create a salt based on the username

• Use the same salt for every password

• Use a randomized salt for every password

Answer explanation

Using a randomized salt for every password will produce the most secure encryption as it adds an extra layer of uniqueness to each password.

In a trapdoor function, the function is easy to:

• encrypt

• decrypt

• both encrypt and decrypt

• neither encrypt nor decrypt

Answer explanation

In a trapdoor function, the function is easy to decrypt, making the correct answer 'decrypt'.