The correct answer is to use a VPN to encrypt all traffic before initiating RDP. This is necessary because while RDP traffic is encrypted, it lacks transport-layer authentication, leaving it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks—a critical risk when securing an RDP session over public WiFi or any untrusted international network. A VPN, such as IPsec or OpenVPN, wraps the entire session in an additional layer of encryption and authentication, ensuring confidentiality and integrity even if the RDP protocol itself is compromised. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that RDP alone is not sufficient for remote access over hostile networks; a common trap is assuming RDP’s built-in encryption is enough. Remember the mnemonic “VPN Before RDP” to always layer a VPN first for safe remote file access.
220-1102 Remote Access Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of remote access technologies. 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.
A technician is setting up remote access for a user who will be traveling internationally. The user needs to access files on a Windows server using RDP. Which additional security measure should the technician implement to protect the RDP session?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a VPN to encrypt all traffic before initiating RDP
B is correct because RDP traffic is encrypted but not authenticated at the transport layer, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, especially over untrusted international networks. A VPN (e.g., IPsec or OpenVPN) provides an additional layer of encryption and authentication for the entire session before RDP traffic is sent, ensuring confidentiality and integrity even if the RDP protocol itself is compromised.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) on the server
Why it's wrong here
NLA is important but only protects the authentication phase, not the entire session after connection.
✓
Use a VPN to encrypt all traffic before initiating RDP
Why this is correct
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel, securing the entire RDP session from interception.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the RDP port to a non-standard number
Why it's wrong here
Changing the port only obscures the service; it does not encrypt or secure the session.
✗
Disable clipboard redirection in the RDP session
Why it's wrong here
Disabling clipboard redirection reduces data leakage risk but does not protect the session from interception.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that RDP's built-in encryption is sufficient for all scenarios, leading candidates to overlook the need for a VPN when the connection traverses untrusted networks, especially in international travel contexts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RDP uses its own encryption (RC4 or AES-128/256 depending on the version) but relies on the server's certificate for key exchange; if the certificate is self-signed or the client does not validate it, the session is vulnerable to interception. A VPN creates a secure tunnel (e.g., using IPsec with IKEv2 or TLS in OpenVPN) that encapsulates all RDP traffic, providing mutual authentication and perfect forward secrecy, which is critical when traversing untrusted networks like hotel or airport Wi-Fi.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 220-1202 question in full detail.
Remote Access Technologies — This question tests Remote Access Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a VPN to encrypt all traffic before initiating RDP — B is correct because RDP traffic is encrypted but not authenticated at the transport layer, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, especially over untrusted international networks. A VPN (e.g., IPsec or OpenVPN) provides an additional layer of encryption and authentication for the entire session before RDP traffic is sent, ensuring confidentiality and integrity even if the RDP protocol itself is compromised.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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