Cryptographic encryption and confidentiality — Quiz

Cryptographic encryption and confidentiality

1. What is the primary reason symmetric encryption is preferred for bulk data encryption? (Choose one answer) a) It uses longer keys than asymmetric encryption b) It is more secure against brute-force attacks c) Its algorithms are less computationally intensive and faster d) It does not require a key exchange

2. In an asymmetric encryption scheme, if Bob wants to send a confidential message to Alice, what key does he use to encrypt it? (Choose one answer) a) Bob's own public key b) Bob's own private key c) Alice's public key d) Alice's private key

3. What fundamental problem does hybrid encryption aim to solve? (Choose one answer) a) The slowness of asymmetric encryption for bulk data b) The weakness of the DES algorithm c) The key exchange problem inherent in symmetric encryption d) Both a and c

4. How does a Hash Function (e.g., SHA-256) fundamentally differ from encryption? (Choose one answer) a) It produces a larger output b) It is faster to compute c) It is not reversible and does not use a decryption key d) It requires a secret key to generate the digest

5. Which of the following best describes the purpose of an HMAC compared to a basic hash? (Choose one answer) a) HMAC provides confidentiality, while a hash provides integrity b) HMAC provides integrity and authenticity, while a hash only provides integrity c) HMAC is slower but produces a smaller output d) HMAC uses asymmetric keys, while a hash uses symmetric keys