- A
RDP
RDP allows graphical remote control; if not configured with encryption, it is insecure and should be replaced with an encrypted version or alternative.
- B
SSH
Why wrong: SSH is encrypted by default and used for command-line access, not full graphical interface.
- C
Telnet
Why wrong: Telnet is unencrypted but provides only command-line access, not a graphical interface.
- D
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is for file transfer, not remote control.
Question 21 of 1,020
RDP Unencrypted Security Risk for CompTIA A+ 220-1201
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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.
During a network security audit, a technician finds that an employee is using a protocol that allows remote control of a computer with full graphical interface but without encryption. Which protocol should be replaced with a more secure alternative?
Quick Answer
The answer is RDP, or Remote Desktop Protocol, because it is the protocol that provides full graphical remote control of a Windows computer but, when left in its default configuration, transmits all data—including keystrokes and screen updates—in cleartext. This lack of encryption makes it a severe security risk, as any attacker on the same network can capture the session and steal credentials or sensitive information. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of common unencrypted protocols and their secure replacements; a frequent trap is confusing RDP with SSH or VNC, but remember that RDP is Microsoft’s native tool for full GUI remote access. The exam expects you to know that unencrypted RDP should be replaced with RDP over TLS or accessed through a VPN to protect the data in transit. A simple memory tip: “RDP without encryption is like a postcard—anyone can read it, so always put it in an envelope with TLS or a VPN.”
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
✓
RDP
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) provides full graphical interface remote control but, by default in older versions or misconfigurations, transmits data without encryption, exposing keystrokes, screen content, and credentials to eavesdropping. The secure alternative is to use RDP with TLS/SSL encryption (e.g., via Network Level Authentication) or a VPN, or to replace it with an encrypted remote desktop solution like SSH with X11 forwarding or a modern RDP client enforcing encryption.
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.
- ✓
RDP
Why this is correct
RDP allows graphical remote control; if not configured with encryption, it is insecure and should be replaced with an encrypted version or alternative.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH is encrypted by default and used for command-line access, not full graphical interface.
- ✗
Telnet
Why it's wrong here
Telnet is unencrypted but provides only command-line access, not a graphical interface.
- ✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP is for file transfer, not remote control.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often confuse remote control (graphical) with remote access (command-line) protocols. They may mistakenly choose Telnet because it lacks encryption, forgetting that Telnet provides only text-based remote access, not full graphical interface.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SSH is encrypted by default and used for command-line access, not full graphical interface.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RDP uses TCP port 3389 and, in its basic form, relies on the CredSSP (Credential Security Support Provider) protocol for authentication, but the session data can be encrypted using the RDP Security layer (RC4) or TLS. In practice, many legacy systems or misconfigured RDP servers disable encryption (e.g., setting 'fEncryptRPCTraffic' to 0), allowing plaintext transmission that can be captured with tools like Wireshark, exposing sensitive data like login credentials and clipboard contents.
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.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: RDP — RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) provides full graphical interface remote control but, by default in older versions or misconfigurations, transmits data without encryption, exposing keystrokes, screen content, and credentials to eavesdropping. The secure alternative is to use RDP with TLS/SSL encryption (e.g., via Network Level Authentication) or a VPN, or to replace it with an encrypted remote desktop solution like SSH with X11 forwarding or a modern RDP client enforcing encryption.
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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