Which of the following best describes a cipher suite?

• A. A fixed, single encryption method
• B. A complete set of algorithms and configurations used for a connection
• C. A handshake protocol for session establishment
• D. A password policy

Answer: (B)

A cipher suite is the complete set of cryptographic algorithms and configurations that a protocol uses to secure a connection. It specifies how session keys are exchanged (the key exchange method), which algorithm and mode will encrypt the data (bulk encryption), and which algorithm will ensure data integrity and authenticity (often combined as an AEAD or a MAC with a hash). The suite is negotiated during the handshake, and the chosen combination determines security properties like forward secrecy and integrity guarantees. This is why the description best fits “a complete set of algorithms and configurations used for a connection.” The other options describe only a single method, the handshake process, or an unrelated policy, so they don’t capture the full concept.