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SSCP · Question #1075

DES - Data Encryption standard has a 128 bit key and is very difficult to break.

The correct answer is B. False. The statement is false because the Data Encryption Standard (DES) uses a 56-bit key, not a 128-bit key, and it is considered insecure and easily breakable by modern computational standards.

Submitted by jaden.t· Apr 18, 2026Cryptography

Question

DES - Data Encryption standard has a 128 bit key and is very difficult to break.

Options

  • ATrue
  • BFalse

How the community answered

(43 responses)
  • A
    9% (4)
  • B
    91% (39)

Why each option

The statement is false because the Data Encryption Standard (DES) uses a 56-bit key, not a 128-bit key, and it is considered insecure and easily breakable by modern computational standards.

ATrue

The statement is false; DES uses a 56-bit key and is easily breakable with modern computing power, contradicting the premise that it has a 128-bit key and is very difficult to break.

BFalseCorrect

The Data Encryption Standard (DES) uses a 56-bit key, not a 128-bit key. Due to this relatively short key length, DES is no longer considered secure and can be broken with modern computational resources within a practical timeframe, making it unsuitable for protecting sensitive data.

Concept tested: DES key length and security

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/data-encryption-standard-des

Topics

#DES#Key length#Symmetric cryptography

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