Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which symmetric encryption algorithm is considered the strongest for data protection?

1. Data Encryption Standard (DES)

2. Triple DES (3DES)

3. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

4. Rivest Cipher (RC4)

The correct answer is: Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is considered the strongest symmetric encryption algorithm for data protection due to its robust security features and widespread acceptance. AES was established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001 as a replacement for the older Data Encryption Standard (DES), which had become vulnerable to brute-force attacks due to advancements in computing power. AES supports key lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits, providing flexibility and a high level of security. The algorithm operates in a manner that produces a high degree of diffusion and confusion, making it resistant to cryptanalysis attempts. As a result, AES is widely used in various applications, including securing sensitive data in government communications, financial transactions, and data at rest. In contrast, while other algorithms like DES and Triple DES (3DES) were once popular, they have significant limitations. DES, with its 56-bit key length, is now considered insecure due to its vulnerability to modern attacks. Triple DES, though more secure than DES, is less efficient and has also fallen behind in security standards compared to AES. RC4, on the other hand, is a stream cipher that has been found to have several weaknesses, making it unsuitable for secure data protection in most