- A
143
Why wrong: Port 143 is standard IMAP, which is unencrypted and not secure on public Wi-Fi.
- B
110
Why wrong: Port 110 is POP3, which is also unencrypted.
- C
993
Port 993 is IMAPS, the secure version of IMAP using SSL/TLS.
- D
995
Why wrong: Port 995 is POP3S, used for secure POP3, not IMAP.
Question 165 of 1,020
IMAP over SSL Port 993 for CompTIA A+ 220-1201
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of tcp & udp ports. 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 user wants to access their company's webmail using a secure connection from a public Wi-Fi hotspot. The webmail server is configured to use IMAP over SSL. Which port should the email client use?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is port 993, as IMAP over SSL—often abbreviated as IMAPS—uses this port to establish a secure, encrypted connection between an email client and a mail server. When a user accesses webmail from a public Wi-Fi hotspot, SSL encryption ensures that login credentials and email content are protected from eavesdropping, which is why port 993 is the standard choice for secure IMAP traffic. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your knowledge of common port numbers and their security protocols, often appearing alongside other email ports like 143 (unencrypted IMAP) and 587 (SMTP with STARTTLS). A common trap is confusing port 993 with port 143, but remember that SSL encryption always bumps the port number up—think of it as “993 is 143 with a security upgrade.” To lock it in, use the mnemonic: “993, SSL’s key—secure IMAP for you and me.”
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
✓
993
IMAP over SSL (IMAPS) uses TCP port 993 to establish an encrypted connection. Since the user is on a public Wi-Fi hotspot and the server is configured for IMAP over SSL, the email client must connect to port 993 to ensure all traffic is encrypted via TLS/SSL. Port 143 is the default for unencrypted IMAP, which would expose credentials and email data on an insecure network.
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.
- ✗
143
Why it's wrong here
Port 143 is standard IMAP, which is unencrypted and not secure on public Wi-Fi.
- ✗
110
Why it's wrong here
Port 110 is POP3, which is also unencrypted.
- ✓
993
Why this is correct
Port 993 is IMAPS, the secure version of IMAP using SSL/TLS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
995
Why it's wrong here
Port 995 is POP3S, used for secure POP3, not IMAP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the distinction between default ports for encrypted vs. unencrypted protocols, and the trap here is that candidates confuse port 993 (IMAP over SSL) with port 995 (POP3 over SSL) or assume port 143 can be used with SSL without realizing it requires STARTTLS rather than implicit TLS.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IMAP over SSL (IMAPS) negotiates a TLS handshake immediately upon connection on port 993, wrapping all subsequent IMAP commands (like LOGIN, SELECT, FETCH) in an encrypted tunnel. In contrast, STARTTLS on port 143 upgrades an initially plaintext connection to encryption, which can be vulnerable to downgrade attacks if the client or server does not enforce TLS. Real-world scenarios often involve corporate policies that require IMAPS on port 993 to prevent accidental plaintext fallback on untrusted networks like public Wi-Fi.
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 220-1201 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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
TCP & UDP Ports — This question tests TCP & UDP Ports — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 993 — IMAP over SSL (IMAPS) uses TCP port 993 to establish an encrypted connection. Since the user is on a public Wi-Fi hotspot and the server is configured for IMAP over SSL, the email client must connect to port 993 to ensure all traffic is encrypted via TLS/SSL. Port 143 is the default for unencrypted IMAP, which would expose credentials and email data on an insecure network.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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