Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Practice Test

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What level of encryption is set by this specific configuration?

56-bit
168-bit
1024-bit
192-bit

The correct answer is: 168-bit

The configuration indicates a 168-bit level of encryption, which is commonly associated with the use of Triple DES (3DES). Triple DES operates by applying the DES algorithm three times to each data block, effectively increasing the key length and security of the encrypted data. Each single DES key is 56 bits, but when utilized in the 3DES method, it combines three keys: two independent keys plus an additional key used for the second encryption pass. The total key length, when using two unique keys in the process, becomes 168 bits (3 keys x 56 bits). This level of encryption is significant in providing enhanced security over the standard single DES encryption, which is only 56 bits and considered relatively weak by modern standards. While AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) offers even stronger levels of encryption (128, 192, and 256 bits), the distinction of 168-bit encryption in this context specifically corresponds to the usage of 3DES, making this the correct interpretation of the configuration given.