What is a symmetric cipher that encrypts fixed-size blocks of data?

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Study for the WGU ITAS 2142 D830 Introduction to Cryptography Exam. Review flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is a symmetric cipher that encrypts fixed-size blocks of data?

Explanation:
Block ciphers operate on fixed-size chunks of plaintext, transforming each block with a secret key so the same key is used to both encrypt and decrypt. This fixed-block approach is what sets them apart from stream ciphers, which encrypt data as a continuous stream without fixed block boundaries. DES and AES are classic examples of block ciphers, using 64-bit blocks in DES and 128-bit blocks in AES, with varying key sizes. The question’s description—symmetric and encrypting data in fixed-size blocks—points to this block cipher concept as the correct one.

Block ciphers operate on fixed-size chunks of plaintext, transforming each block with a secret key so the same key is used to both encrypt and decrypt. This fixed-block approach is what sets them apart from stream ciphers, which encrypt data as a continuous stream without fixed block boundaries. DES and AES are classic examples of block ciphers, using 64-bit blocks in DES and 128-bit blocks in AES, with varying key sizes. The question’s description—symmetric and encrypting data in fixed-size blocks—points to this block cipher concept as the correct one.

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