iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

Which type of key is best suited for bulk data encryption?

1. Asymmetric key

2. Symmetric key

3. Hash key

4. Public key

The correct answer is: Symmetric key

The selection of symmetric key encryption as the best method for bulk data encryption is grounded in its efficiency and speed. Symmetric key encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, which allows for faster processing compared to asymmetric encryption, where different keys are used. This efficiency becomes crucial when dealing with large volumes of data, as symmetric algorithms are optimized for bulk processing. Additionally, symmetric key algorithms typically require less computational power, which translates to lower hardware requirements and faster performance. This makes symmetric key encryption the preferred choice for scenarios such as encrypting files, databases, or communication streams where volume and speed are essential considerations. In contrast, asymmetric key encryption, while useful for secure key exchanges and smaller data transactions, is significantly slower due to its reliance on complex mathematical operations. Hash keys serve a completely different purpose, being designed for data integrity verification rather than encryption. Public keys, part of asymmetric encryption, also do not address the need for efficiency in bulk data scenarios. Therefore, for large-scale encryption needs, symmetric key encryption remains the optimal choice.