- A
TFTP
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.
Question 506 of 520
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?
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
✓
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
- ✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP transmits credentials and data in plaintext, making it insecure over the internet.
When this WOULD be correct
An administrator needs to transfer files within a trusted local network where security is not a concern, and the devices support FTP for simple file transfers without encryption overhead.
- ✓
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.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The N10-009 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓SCPCorrect answer▾
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.
✗TFTPWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
TFTP lacks encryption and authentication, making it unsuitable for secure backups over the internet.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A network administrator needs to quickly transfer a router configuration file to a local TFTP server on the same LAN segment, with no security requirements.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may associate TFTP with router configuration backup due to its simplicity and common use in local network environments, overlooking the security requirements for internet-based transfers.
✗FTPWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
FTP transmits data in plaintext, including authentication credentials, and does not provide encryption or authentication for the backup files, failing the security requirements.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
An administrator needs to transfer files within a trusted local network where security is not a concern, and the devices support FTP for simple file transfers without encryption overhead.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may associate FTP with file transfer automation and overlook its lack of encryption, assuming it is sufficient for remote backups over the internet.
✗HTTPWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
HTTP does not provide encryption or authentication by default; it transmits data in plaintext, making it unsuitable for secure backup of router configurations over the internet.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A question asking for a protocol to transfer configuration files within a secure internal network where encryption is not required, or when using HTTPS (HTTP over SSL/TLS) for secure web-based management interfaces.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse HTTP with HTTPS, assuming it provides security, or think that web-based management is sufficient for automated backups without considering encryption requirements.
Analysis generated from the official N10-009blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The N10-009 exam 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.
Quick reference
Asymmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Exchange | Signatures | Equivalent Security Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSA-3072 | Yes | Yes | 128-bit | Widely deployed; slow for bulk data |
| ECDSA P-256 | No | Yes | 128-bit | Fast signatures; standard TLS certs |
| ECDH / ECDHE | Yes | No | 128-bit | Perfect forward secrecy in TLS 1.3 |
| DH / DHE | Yes | No | 128-bit (3072-bit key) | Replaced by ECDHE in modern TLS |
| Ed25519 | No | Yes | ~128-bit | SSH keys, modern PKI |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Network Operations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Network Operations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All N10-009 questions
520 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA Network+ N10-009 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
N10-009 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related N10-009 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Networking Concepts practice questions
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Networking Concepts.
Network Implementation practice questions
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network Implementation.
Network Operations practice questions
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network Operations.
Network Security practice questions
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network Security.
Network Troubleshooting practice questions
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network Troubleshooting.
Network+ network fundamentals practice questions
Practise N10-009 questions linked to Network+ network fundamentals.
Practice this exam
Start a free N10-009 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More N10-009 practice questions
- Which of the following network devices operates primarily at Layer 2 of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to forward…
- Which of the following is a characteristic of UDP when compared to TCP?
- Which of the following IPv6 addresses is a valid link-local address?
- Which of the following security mechanisms requires a user to authenticate before gaining access to the wired network at…
- Which of the following network protocols operates at the Transport layer of the OSI model and provides connection-orient…
- Which of the following is a characteristic of a connectionless protocol at the transport layer?
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.