SCP is the correct choice for encrypted configuration backup because it combines encryption and authentication by operating over SSH, securing both the data in transit and the identity of the remote server through public-key cryptography. This makes SCP ideal for automating router configuration backups over the internet, as it supports non-interactive scripting using SSH keys or tools like expect, eliminating the need for manual password entry. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of secure file transfer protocols and their encryption mechanisms; a common trap is confusing SCP with TFTP or FTP, which lack encryption entirely. Remember that SCP is essentially "SSH for copying files," so if the scenario demands secure, automated transfers, think SCP over SSH. A useful memory tip: SCP stands for Secure Copy, and the "S" is for SSH—the same "S" that secures your remote shell sessions.
N10-009 Network Operations Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 network administrator needs to automate the backup of router configuration files to a remote server over the internet. The backup must be encrypted and authenticated. Which protocol should the administrator use in the automated script?
Why wrong: TFTP is unencrypted and lacks authentication; it is not secure for internet transfers.
B
FTP
Why wrong: FTP transmits credentials and data in plaintext, making it insecure over the internet.
C
SCP
SCP uses SSH for encryption and authentication, providing secure file transfer, and is commonly supported on network equipment for automated backups.
D
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is unencrypted and not typically used for device configurations; HTTPS could be used but is less common for automated router backups than SCP.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SCP
SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is the correct choice because it provides both encryption and authentication by operating over SSH (Secure Shell), which encrypts the entire session and verifies the server's identity using public-key cryptography. This makes it suitable for automating secure backups of router configuration files to a remote server over the internet, as it supports scripting with tools like expect or SSH keys without interactive password prompts.
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.
✗
TFTP
Why it's wrong here
TFTP is unencrypted and lacks authentication; it is not secure for internet transfers.
✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP transmits credentials and data in plaintext, making it insecure over the internet.
✓
SCP
Why this is correct
SCP uses SSH for encryption and authentication, providing secure file transfer, and is commonly supported on network equipment for automated backups.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is unencrypted and not typically used for device configurations; HTTPS could be used but is less common for automated router backups than SCP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between secure and insecure file transfer protocols, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse FTP with SFTP or FTPS, assuming FTP itself provides encryption, or they may choose TFTP because it is commonly used for router backups in lab environments, forgetting that the question specifies 'over the internet' and requires encryption and authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SCP relies on the SSH protocol (typically on TCP port 22) to establish a secure channel, using the same authentication methods as SSH (e.g., password, public key, or Kerberos). Under the hood, SCP invokes the `scp` command on the remote host via an SSH session, copying files through an encrypted tunnel; however, it lacks the ability to list or delete remote files like SFTP, making it a simpler but effective tool for automated backups. In real-world scenarios, network administrators often pair SCP with cron jobs and SSH key-based authentication to schedule encrypted backups without manual intervention, but must ensure the router's SSH server is properly configured and that the remote server's host key is trusted to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
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 practitioner preparing for the N10-009 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Operations — This question tests Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SCP — SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is the correct choice because it provides both encryption and authentication by operating over SSH (Secure Shell), which encrypts the entire session and verifies the server's identity using public-key cryptography. This makes it suitable for automating secure backups of router configuration files to a remote server over the internet, as it supports scripting with tools like expect or SSH keys without interactive password prompts.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A network administrator needs to automatically back up the configuration files of all network devices (routers, switches, firewalls) to a central server every night. The administrator requires the transfer to be encrypted to protect sensitive configuration data. Which protocol should the administrator use to retrieve the configuration files?
medium
A.TFTP
B.FTP
✓ C.SCP
D.HTTP
Why C: SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) uses SSH for encrypted file transfers, making it ideal for securely retrieving configuration files from network devices to a central server. It ensures both authentication and data encryption, protecting sensitive configuration data during transit.
Variation 2. A network administrator needs to securely transfer backup configuration files from a router to a remote server over the internet. Which protocol should be used?
medium
A.TFTP
B.FTP
✓ C.SCP
D.SNMP
Why C: SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is the correct choice because it provides encrypted file transfers over SSH, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of backup configuration files transmitted over the internet. Unlike TFTP or FTP, SCP authenticates the remote server and encrypts the data in transit, which is essential for secure remote backups.
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This N10-009 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 N10-009 exam.
Question Discussion
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