Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0726

What can be defined as an instance of two different keys generating the same ciphertext from the same plaintext?

A.
Key collision
B. Key clustering
C. Hashing
D. Ciphertext collision

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Key clustering happens when a plaintext message generates identical ciphertext messages using the same transformation algorithm, but with different keys.
Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 4: Cryptography (page 130).