Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What is the purpose of a web of trust in cryptography?

1. To manage private networks

2. To establish public key authenticity

3. To encrypt sensitive documents

4. To store encrypted files securely

The correct answer is: To establish public key authenticity

The purpose of a web of trust in cryptography is to establish public key authenticity. In a web of trust model, users validate each other's public keys based on personal trust relationships, rather than relying on a centralized authority or a certificate authority. When users communicate securely, they often exchange public keys to encrypt messages. However, to ensure that these keys belong to the intended recipients and have not been tampered with, a web of trust allows users to verify keys through the endorsements of trusted peers. This decentralized approach enhances security and trust among users, as it relies on their personal knowledge and experience rather than a single point of failure or trust. In contrast, managing private networks, encrypting sensitive documents, and storing encrypted files securely focus on different aspects of cybersecurity. They do not inherently involve the establishment of authenticity for public keys, which is the central function of a web of trust.