iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

What does an encryption algorithm do?

1. Retrieves data from a storage device

2. Encrypts or decrypts data

3. Increases bandwidth for data transmission

4. Checks for external data vulnerabilities

The correct answer is: Encrypts or decrypts data

An encryption algorithm is specifically designed to perform two main functions: encryption and decryption of data. The primary purpose of encryption is to convert plaintext (readable data) into ciphertext (encoded data) using a specific algorithm and key, which ensures that unauthorized individuals cannot easily access or interpret the information. Decryption, on the other hand, is the process of converting the ciphertext back into plaintext, enabling authorized users to access the original data. This functionality is crucial for maintaining data confidentiality and integrity in various applications, such as secure communications, data storage, and electronic transactions. By using an encryption algorithm, individuals and organizations can protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and ensure that only parties with the appropriate key can read or modify the data. The other options relate to different functions or concepts unrelated to what an encryption algorithm does. For instance, retrieving data from a storage device involves data access, increasing bandwidth concerns data transmission capabilities, and checking for vulnerabilities pertains to security assessments rather than encryption mechanisms.