Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

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Study for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam with our comprehensive quiz featuring multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively and enhance your understanding of networking concepts!

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Which cryptographic algorithm uses three encryption passes to secure data?

Data Encryption Standard (DES)
Triple DES (3DES)
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
Rivest Cipher (RC)

The correct answer is: Triple DES (3DES)

Triple DES (3DES) is designed to enhance the security of the original Data Encryption Standard (DES) by applying the DES algorithm three times to each data block. This method significantly increases the key size and the complexity of the encryption process, making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to decrypt the information without the proper key. 3DES operates by taking a block of plaintext and encrypting it three times using either two or three different keys, which results in a more secure encryption methodology compared to single DES. The use of multiple encryption passes is a key feature of 3DES that contributes to its improved security. While still widely used, it is important to note that due to advances in computing power and cryptographic analysis, 3DES has been largely superseded by more modern algorithms like AES, which provide stronger security with greater efficiency.