Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

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What does SHA-512 stand for in cryptography?

Secure Hash Algorithm with 512 bits
Symmetric Hash Algorithm
Secure Hash Authentication
Standard Hash Algorithm

The correct answer is: Secure Hash Algorithm with 512 bits

SHA-512 stands for Secure Hash Algorithm with a hash output size of 512 bits. It is part of the SHA-2 family of cryptographic hash functions, which were designed by the National Security Agency (NSA) and published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The "Secure Hash Algorithm" refers to a set of algorithms used to create a fixed-size hash value from data of any size, effectively summarizing the input data in a way that protects its integrity and authenticity. The '512' specifies the length of the hash produced, which is particularly relevant for applications requiring a strong level of security and collision resistance. This understanding is essential for cybersecurity practices as SHA-512 is commonly used for secure data transmission, digital signatures, and certificate generation, making it a vital component in ensuring data integrity. The other options do not accurately describe what SHA-512 represents, thereby reinforcing the validity of the correct definition.