SFTP is the correct choice for secure file transfer of network device backups because it provides encrypted, authenticated file transfers over an SSH session, ensuring both confidentiality and integrity of sensitive configuration data. Unlike TFTP, which offers no security and is often used for trivial file transfers like firmware updates, SFTP leverages the same encryption and authentication mechanisms as SSH, making it the standard protocol for backing up router, switch, and firewall configurations to a central server. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between secure and insecure file transfer protocols in a network operations context—a common trap is confusing TFTP’s speed and simplicity with security, but remember that TFTP lacks any encryption or authentication. The exam expects you to know that SFTP runs on TCP port 22 and is the go-to for any backup requiring data protection. A helpful memory tip: “S” in SFTP stands for “Secure” (via SSH), while TFTP’s “T” stands for “Trivial” (and totally insecure).
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 ensure that network device configurations are automatically backed up to a central server. Which protocol is commonly used for secure file transfer of configurations?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SFTP
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is the correct choice because it provides encrypted, secure file transfers over an SSH session, making it ideal for backing up sensitive network device configurations to a central server. Unlike TFTP or FTP, SFTP ensures both authentication and data confidentiality, which is critical for network operations.
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 a trivial file transfer protocol without security; it is often used for firmware upgrades but not for secure backups.
✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP transmits data in cleartext, including credentials, making it insecure for backup purposes.
✓
SFTP
Why this is correct
SFTP provides secure encrypted file transfers over SSH, ideal for backing up configurations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is unencrypted and not designed for file transfers; it is used for web traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse TFTP's simplicity and widespread use in network device booting (e.g., IOS image transfers) with a secure backup solution, overlooking that TFTP lacks any security mechanisms.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SFTP operates as a subsystem of SSH (typically on TCP port 22) and uses the SSH protocol's encryption and integrity checks to protect data in transit. Unlike FTPS (FTP over SSL), SFTP does not require a separate control channel and is often preferred in environments where firewall simplicity is needed. In real-world scenarios, network administrators commonly use SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) as an alternative, but SFTP offers more robust file management capabilities like directory listing and resuming transfers.
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: SFTP — SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is the correct choice because it provides encrypted, secure file transfers over an SSH session, making it ideal for backing up sensitive network device configurations to a central server. Unlike TFTP or FTP, SFTP ensures both authentication and data confidentiality, which is critical for network operations.
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.
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Question Discussion
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