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FC0-U71 Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are advantages of…
Which TWO of the following are advantages of using a virtual private network (VPN) for remote employees?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the misconception that a VPN replaces other security controls like antivirus or that it increases bandwidth — candidates may pick these because they sound like benefits, but VPNs only provide encrypted access to internal resources.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Provides encrypted communication
Option B is correct because a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel (typically using protocols such as IPsec, TLS, or WireGuard) between the remote employee's device and the corporate network, protecting data in transit from eavesdropping on untrusted networks like public Wi-Fi. Option C is correct because a VPN extends the corporate network to the remote user, allowing them to reach internal resources such as file servers, intranet sites, and internal applications as if they were on-site. Option A is incorrect because a VPN secures transmission but does not detect or remove malware, so endpoint antivirus is still required. Option D is incorrect because VPNs are a software/connectivity solution and do not inherently reduce hardware costs. Option E is incorrect because encryption and tunneling overhead typically reduce, not increase, effective bandwidth.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Eliminates need for antivirus software
Why it's wrong here
A VPN secures data in transit through encryption; it does not inspect, detect or remove malicious files on the endpoint, so antivirus remains necessary. It is tempting because encrypted tunnels feel comprehensive, but a VPN would be the correct answer to a question about protecting data confidentiality over untrusted networks, not malware defence.
- ✓
Provides encrypted communication
Why this is correct
A VPN tunnels traffic through an encrypted channel, typically IPsec or TLS, so data in transit between the remote employee and the corporate network cannot be read or altered by intermediaries. This confidentiality satisfies the remote-access advantage the question asks for.
- ✓
Allows access to internal resources
Why this is correct
A VPN tunnel encrypts traffic between the remote employee and the corporate network, effectively placing the device on the internal network. This satisfies the requirement to reach private servers, file shares and intranet applications that are otherwise unreachable from the public internet.
- ✗
Reduces hardware costs
Why it's wrong here
A VPN is software or a service running on existing endpoints and routers; it does not replace physical equipment, so hardware spending is unaffected. It is tempting because cloud-delivered VPNs avoid some appliance purchases, but a VPN would be the correct answer to a question about secure connectivity, not cost reduction.
- ✗
Increases network bandwidth
Why it's wrong here
A VPN encapsulates and encrypts traffic, adding overhead that typically reduces throughput rather than increasing available bandwidth, which is capped by the underlying link. It is tempting because tunnelling can compress some payloads, but a VPN would be the correct answer to a question about confidentiality or secure remote access, not bandwidth gains.
Visual reference
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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Courseiva writes every FC0-U71 question from scratch — 988 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 FC0-U71 exam.