Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which encryption standard utilizes Digital Encryption Standard (DES)?

1. Symmetric

2. Asymmetric

3. Hybrid

4. Elliptic Curve

The correct answer is: Symmetric

Encryption standards are categorized into symmetric and asymmetric types based on how keys are used in the encryption and decryption processes. The Digital Encryption Standard (DES) is a widely recognized example of a symmetric encryption standard. In symmetric encryption, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. This means that the sender and recipient share a secret key, making it essential for both parties to keep this key confidential. DES employs this methodology, using a fixed-length key of 56 bits to encrypt data, which offers a consistent approach to protecting information. As for the other categories, asymmetric encryption involves a pair of keys (a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption), which is not applicable to DES. Hybrid encryption combines both symmetric and asymmetric methods but again does not specifically relate to DES as a standalone encryption standard. Elliptic Curve cryptography focuses on a different mathematical basis for encryption and is not tied to DES either. Thus, the identification of DES as a symmetric encryption standard is accurate due to its reliance on a single shared key for both processes.