Quick Answer
The correct answer is SSL, along with IPsec, as these are two of the most common network security protocols. IPsec operates at the network layer (Layer 3) by authenticating and encrypting every IP packet in a data stream, making it essential for securing VPNs with confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. SSL, on the other hand, works at the transport layer (Layer 4) to encrypt data between a client and server, most famously used for HTTPS. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, you will be tested on distinguishing these protocols by their OSI layer and use cases—a common trap is confusing SSL with TLS or assuming IPsec only works for site-to-site connections. Remember the memory tip: IPsec secures the “pipe” (network layer), while SSL secures the “package” (application data).
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are common network security protocols? (Choose two.)
IPsec
IPsec provides secure IP communications.
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is for file transfer, not security.
SSL
SSL (now TLS) provides encryption for network communications.
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is a web protocol without inherent security.
SNMP
Why wrong: SNMP is for network management, not security.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
IPsec
IPsec is a suite of protocols used to secure IP communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet in a data stream. It operates at the network layer (Layer 3) and is commonly used in VPNs to provide confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. This makes it a fundamental network security protocol.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
IPsec
Why this is correct
IPsec provides secure IP communications.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP is for file transfer, not security.
SSL
Why this is correct
SSL (now TLS) provides encryption for network communications.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is a web protocol without inherent security.
SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is for network management, not security.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between protocols that are inherently secure (like IPsec and SSL/TLS) versus those that are not (like FTP, HTTP, and SNMPv1/v2c), leading candidates to mistakenly select common but insecure protocols as security protocols.
Detailed technical explanation
IPsec can operate in two modes: transport mode, which encrypts only the payload of the IP packet, and tunnel mode, which encrypts the entire IP packet and adds a new IP header. It uses protocols like AH (Authentication Header) for integrity and ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) for both encryption and authentication, often combined with IKE (Internet Key Exchange) for key management. In real-world scenarios, IPsec is widely deployed in site-to-site VPNs between corporate routers to secure traffic across untrusted networks like the internet.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: IPsec — IPsec is a suite of protocols used to secure IP communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet in a data stream. It operates at the network layer (Layer 3) and is commonly used in VPNs to provide confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. This makes it a fundamental network security protocol.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.
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