This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of system and network administration. 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.
An administrator needs to back up the FortiGate configuration to a remote server using SCP. Which command is correct?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
execute backup config copy <server> <filename>
Why wrong: This is not a valid command.
execute backup config scp <server> <filename>
SCP is used for secure copy.
execute backup config tftp <server> <filename>
Why wrong: This uses TFTP, not SCP.
execute backup config ftp <server> <filename>
Why wrong: FTP is not secure.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
execute backup config scp <server> <filename>
The correct command is 'execute backup config scp <server> <filename>' because SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is the only option listed that provides encrypted file transfer over SSH, which is required for securely backing up the FortiGate configuration to a remote server. FortiGate uses this CLI command to initiate an SCP session to the specified server and save the configuration file with the given filename.
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.
execute backup config copy <server> <filename>
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid command.
execute backup config scp <server> <filename>
Why this is correct
SCP is used for secure copy.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
execute backup config tftp <server> <filename>
Why it's wrong here
This uses TFTP, not SCP.
execute backup config ftp <server> <filename>
Why it's wrong here
FTP is not secure.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'scp' with 'ftp' or 'tftp' because they all transfer files, but only SCP provides encryption, which is the key requirement for a secure remote backup.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is not a valid command.
Detailed technical explanation
SCP relies on SSH for authentication and encryption, ensuring the configuration file (which may contain sensitive data like passwords and VPN keys) is protected during transit. FortiGate's 'execute backup config' command supports multiple protocols (FTP, TFTP, SCP, SFTP), but SCP is preferred for remote backups over untrusted networks. A subtle behavior: if the SCP server requires a specific port, you can append ':port' to the server address, e.g., 'execute backup config scp 192.168.1.100:2222 backup.conf'.
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 NSE4 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
System and Network Administration — This question tests System and Network Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: execute backup config scp <server> <filename> — The correct command is 'execute backup config scp <server> <filename>' because SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is the only option listed that provides encrypted file transfer over SSH, which is required for securely backing up the FortiGate configuration to a remote server. FortiGate uses this CLI command to initiate an SCP session to the specified server and save the configuration file with the given filename.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This NSE4 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Fortinet 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 NSE4 exam.
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