Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) Practice Exam

What is the minimum level of encryption needed when transmitting banking information over an Unsecured Electronic Network (UEN)?

1. 128-bit AES encryption technology

2. 128-bit RC4 encryption technology

3. 256-bit RC4 encryption technology

4. 128-bit SSL encryption technology

The correct answer is: 128-bit RC4 encryption technology

The minimum level of encryption needed when transmitting banking information over an Unsecured Electronic Network (UEN) should provide a strong level of security to protect sensitive data from interception and unauthorized access. Choosing 128-bit RC4 encryption technology points to a specific method of encrypting the data using the RC4 stream cipher. Although historically RC4 was widely utilized for its simplicity and speed, it has known vulnerabilities, especially in certain protocols. However, when compared to the other options, 128-bit RC4 does still represent a relatively strong level of encryption considering that encryption strength is often correlated with the bit length. It's crucial to note that while RC4 may have been a standard encryption method in the past, the modern cryptographic community tends to prefer more robust and secure algorithms like AES because of their strength against various attack vectors. Other options might include methods or protocols that could be in either deprecated or less secure state, reflecting a shift in best practice standards over time. The choice of 128-bit RC4, although not the most recommended today, might be considered acceptable in certain contexts where legacy systems are involved, highlighting the importance of understanding the evolution of encryption standards in assessments.