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SSCP · Question #1332

RSA has all of the following characteristics except?

The correct answer is D. Is based on a symmetric algorithm. RSA is an asymmetric cryptographic algorithm that relies on the computational difficulty of factoring large prime numbers for its security and is commonly used for digital signatures.

Submitted by yuki_2020· Apr 18, 2026Cryptography

Question

RSA has all of the following characteristics except?

Options

  • ACan produce a digital signature
  • BRelies on large prime number factoring
  • CUses third party key distribution centers
  • DIs based on a symmetric algorithm

How the community answered

(59 responses)
  • A
    2% (1)
  • B
    5% (3)
  • C
    2% (1)
  • D
    92% (54)

Why each option

RSA is an asymmetric cryptographic algorithm that relies on the computational difficulty of factoring large prime numbers for its security and is commonly used for digital signatures.

ACan produce a digital signature

RSA is widely used to create digital signatures, where the sender's private key encrypts a message hash, proving authenticity and integrity.

BRelies on large prime number factoring

The security of the RSA algorithm fundamentally relies on the mathematical difficulty of factoring large numbers that are the product of two large prime numbers.

CUses third party key distribution centers

Public keys for RSA are often distributed and managed through trusted third parties like Certificate Authorities (CAs), which function as key distribution centers for public key infrastructure.

DIs based on a symmetric algorithmCorrect

RSA is an asymmetric (public-key) cryptographic algorithm, meaning it uses a pair of distinct keys (public and private) for encryption and decryption or digital signatures, unlike symmetric algorithms which use a single shared key.

Concept tested: RSA algorithm characteristics

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/seccrypto/rsa-algorithm

Topics

#RSA#Asymmetric cryptography#Digital signatures#Cryptographic algorithms

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