The answer is RDP, or Remote Desktop Protocol, because it is the protocol that provides full graphical remote control of a Windows computer but, when left in its default configuration, transmits all data—including keystrokes and screen updates—in cleartext. This lack of encryption makes it a severe security risk, as any attacker on the same network can capture the session and steal credentials or sensitive information. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of common unencrypted protocols and their secure replacements; a frequent trap is confusing RDP with SSH or VNC, but remember that RDP is Microsoft’s native tool for full GUI remote access. The exam expects you to know that unencrypted RDP should be replaced with RDP over TLS or accessed through a VPN to protect the data in transit. A simple memory tip: “RDP without encryption is like a postcard—anyone can read it, so always put it in an envelope with TLS or a VPN.”
220-1101 Network Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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.
During a network security audit, a technician finds that an employee is using a protocol that allows remote control of a computer with full graphical interface but without encryption. Which protocol should be replaced with a more secure alternative?
RDP allows graphical remote control; if not configured with encryption, it is insecure and should be replaced with an encrypted version or alternative.
B
SSH
Why wrong: SSH is encrypted by default and used for command-line access, not full graphical interface.
C
Telnet
Why wrong: Telnet is unencrypted but provides only command-line access, not a graphical interface.
D
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is for file transfer, not remote control.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
RDP
This question tests knowledge of RDP, which provides remote desktop access. Unencrypted RDP is a security risk; it should be replaced with RDP over TLS or a VPN.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
RDP
Why this is correct
RDP allows graphical remote control; if not configured with encryption, it is insecure and should be replaced with an encrypted version or alternative.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH is encrypted by default and used for command-line access, not full graphical interface.
✗
Telnet
Why it's wrong here
Telnet is unencrypted but provides only command-line access, not a graphical interface.
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SSH is encrypted by default and used for command-line access, not full graphical interface.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: RDP — This question tests knowledge of RDP, which provides remote desktop access. Unencrypted RDP is a security risk; it should be replaced with RDP over TLS or a VPN.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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