Quick Answer
The answer is SSL/TLS, the correct technology to protect data in transit between clients and web servers. SSL/TLS encrypts HTTP traffic at the application layer, creating HTTPS, which ensures that sensitive data like passwords or credit card numbers cannot be read by an attacker eavesdropping on the network. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of encryption for web traffic and how it prevents man-in-the-middle attacks. A common trap is confusing SSL/TLS with IPsec—remember that SSL/TLS secures web traffic specifically, while IPsec secures entire network tunnels. For a quick memory tip: think of the “S” in HTTPS as standing for “Secure” because SSL/TLS adds that encryption layer.
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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.
An attacker is eavesdropping on network traffic to capture sensitive data sent over an unencrypted HTTP connection. Which technology should be implemented to protect data in transit between clients and web servers?
SSL/TLS
SSL/TLS is the standard for encrypting web traffic (HTTPS).
IPSec
Why wrong: IPSec is used for VPNs and encrypts at the network layer, but it is not typically used for individual web sessions.
SSH
Why wrong: SSH is used for secure remote shell and file transfer, not for web traffic.
SNMPv3
Why wrong: SNMPv3 provides secure network management, not encryption for web traffic.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SSL/TLS
SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) operates at the application layer to encrypt HTTP traffic, creating HTTPS. This ensures that data transmitted between clients and web servers is encrypted, preventing eavesdroppers from reading sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. TLS is the standard protocol for securing HTTP communications, as defined in RFC 8446.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SSL/TLS
IPSec
Why it's wrong here
IPSec is used for VPNs and encrypts at the network layer, but it is not typically used for individual web sessions.
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH is used for secure remote shell and file transfer, not for web traffic.
SNMPv3
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv3 provides secure network management, not encryption for web traffic.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between encryption protocols by layering (e.g., IPSec at Layer 3 vs. TLS at Layer 4/Application), causing candidates to pick IPSec because it is a well-known security protocol, even though it does not directly protect HTTP traffic.
Detailed technical explanation
TLS uses a handshake process that includes certificate exchange, key agreement (e.g., Diffie-Hellman), and symmetric encryption (e.g., AES) to establish a secure channel. A subtle behavior is that TLS can be configured with different cipher suites, and weak ciphers (like RC4) are now deprecated; in real-world scenarios, misconfigured TLS (e.g., allowing SSLv3) can lead to attacks like POODLE. The protocol also supports session resumption via session IDs or tickets to reduce handshake overhead.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SSL/TLS — SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) operates at the application layer to encrypt HTTP traffic, creating HTTPS. This ensures that data transmitted between clients and web servers is encrypted, preventing eavesdroppers from reading sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. TLS is the standard protocol for securing HTTP communications, as defined in RFC 8446.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
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