GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

What makes an encryption strong?

1. An encryption where the mathematical calculations are open to the public

2. An encryption that was bought from a 3rd party

3. An encryption with no mathematical calculations

4. An encryption that is public domain

The correct answer is: An encryption where the mathematical calculations are open to the public

The concept of strong encryption is fundamentally rooted in the security provided by its algorithms and keys rather than the openness or accessibility of its mathematical calculations. Strong encryption typically involves complex mathematical algorithms that are designed to resist attempts to decrypt the information without the correct key. Having the mathematical calculations open to the public does not make encryption inherently weak. In fact, publicly available algorithms, such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), are often deemed strong because they undergo extensive scrutiny and testing by cryptographers and security experts. The more open the algorithm is to review and analysis, the better the chances are that vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed. This public scrutiny can also help build confidence in the system’s security. On the other hand, the other options suggest various factors that do not contribute to the strength of encryption: - Acquiring encryption from a third party does not necessarily guarantee that it is strong; the quality and security depend on the underlying algorithm and its implementation, not just the fact that it was purchased. - An encryption method with no mathematical calculations is inherently weak, as it lacks the complex processes required to secure the data effectively. - Encryption that is public domain may indicate a lack of proprietary protections, but it does not speak to the strength of the encryption itself, as