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SY0-501 · Question #540

Which of the following is an asymmetric function that generates a new and separate key every time it runs?

The correct answer is C. DHE. DHE (Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral) is an asymmetric key exchange protocol that generates new, temporary keys for each session, providing forward secrecy.

Submitted by javi_es· Mar 4, 2026General security concepts

Question

Which of the following is an asymmetric function that generates a new and separate key every time it runs?

Options

  • ARSA
  • BDSA
  • CDHE
  • DHMAC
  • EPBKDF2

How the community answered

(18 responses)
  • A
    6% (1)
  • B
    17% (3)
  • C
    72% (13)
  • E
    6% (1)

Why each option

DHE (Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral) is an asymmetric key exchange protocol that generates new, temporary keys for each session, providing forward secrecy.

ARSA

RSA is an asymmetric algorithm used for encryption and digital signatures, but it typically relies on static key pairs and does not inherently generate new, ephemeral keys for each session to achieve forward secrecy.

BDSA

DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm) is an asymmetric algorithm exclusively used for digital signatures and does not generate new, ephemeral keys for session key exchange.

CDHECorrect

DHE (Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral) is an asymmetric key exchange algorithm specifically designed to generate new, temporary, and separate keys for each communication session. This property ensures forward secrecy, meaning the compromise of a long-term private key does not expose past session keys.

DHMAC

HMAC (Hashed Message Authentication Code) is a symmetric function used for message authentication and integrity, not an asymmetric function for key generation.

EPBKDF2

PBKDF2 (Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2) is a key derivation function that generates a cryptographic key from a password or passphrase and is not an asymmetric function for session key exchange.

Concept tested: Ephemeral Asymmetric Key Exchange and Forward Secrecy

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/secauthn/forward-secrecy

Topics

#Diffie-Hellman ephemeral#asymmetric cryptography#key exchange#forward secrecy

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