The scenario describes a method used to make a cryptographic key more secure by making it harder to brute- force. This process is called Key Stretching.
Key Stretching:
Takes a weak or short key and processes it through a function (often repeatedly) to produce a stronger, longer key.
Commonly used in password hashing (e.g., bcrypt, PBKDF2, scrypt).
Increases the computational time required to test each guess in a brute-force attack, effectively reducing attack feasibility.
Incorrect Options:
A). Key derivation function (KDF) is related but more general; key stretching is a specific technique often implemented within KDFs.
B). Key reinstallation is associated with WPA2 KRACK attacks.
C). Public key infrastructure (PKI) is a system of digital certificates, not a key strengthening technique.
Reference - CEH v13 Official Courseware:
Module 20: Cryptography
Section: "Password Hashing and Key Stretching Techniques"
Subsection: "bcrypt, PBKDF2, and Key Strengthening"
CEH iLab: Password Hashing and Cracking Simulations