Which of the following statements pertaining to stream ciphers is correct?

The correct answer is B. A stream cipher generates what is called a keystream. A stream cipher is a symmetric encryption algorithm (not asymmetric) that encrypts data one bit or byte at a time. Its defining characteristic is that it generates a pseudorandom keystream, which is XOR'd with the plaintext to produce ciphertext. Stream ciphers are generally…

Submitted by marco_it· Apr 18, 2026Cryptography

Question

Options

AA stream cipher is a type of asymmetric encryption algorithm.
BA stream cipher generates what is called a keystream.
CA stream cipher is slower than a block cipher.
DA stream cipher is not appropriate for hardware-based encryption.

How the community answered

(20 responses)

A
5% (1)
B
90% (18)
D
5% (1)

Explanation

A stream cipher is a symmetric encryption algorithm (not asymmetric) that encrypts data one bit or byte at a time. Its defining characteristic is that it generates a pseudorandom keystream, which is XOR'd with the plaintext to produce ciphertext. Stream ciphers are generally faster than block ciphers, not slower, and are well-suited for hardware implementations (making option D incorrect). RC4 is a widely known example of a stream cipher. The keystream must be kept secret and never reused with the same key to maintain security.

Topics

#Stream Cipher#Keystream#Cryptography Basics

Community Discussion

No community discussion yet for this question.

Full SSCP Practice