What can be defined as an instance of two different keys generating the same ciphertext from the same plaintext?

The correct answer is B. Key clustering. Key clustering occurs when two different encryption keys produce identical ciphertext from the same plaintext. This is a cryptographic weakness because it reduces the effective keyspace and can make attacks easier. It is distinct from a 'key collision' (not a standard term), 'cip

Submitted by obi.ng· Apr 18, 2026Cryptography

Question

What can be defined as an instance of two different keys generating the same ciphertext from the same plaintext?

Options

AKey collision
BKey clustering
CHashing
DCiphertext collision

How the community answered

(27 responses)

A
4% (1)
B
96% (26)

Explanation

Key clustering occurs when two different encryption keys produce identical ciphertext from the same plaintext. This is a cryptographic weakness because it reduces the effective keyspace and can make attacks easier. It is distinct from a 'key collision' (not a standard term), 'ciphertext collision' (which relates to identical ciphertexts from different plaintexts under the same key), and hashing (a one-way function unrelated to this concept).

Topics

#Key clustering#Cryptography weaknesses#Encryption anomalies

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