ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing network traffic and needs to identify which of the following protocols are inherently insecure because they transmit data in cleartext. (Select TWO.)
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
✓
FTP
Telnet and FTP transmit data, including credentials, in cleartext. SSH and HTTPS encrypt all traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS queries are typically cleartext, but the question asks for inherently insecure protocols for data transmission; DNS is not primarily for data transfer.
- ✗
HTTPS
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS encrypts HTTP traffic.
- ✓
FTP
Why this is correct
FTP transmits credentials and data in cleartext.
- ✓
Telnet
Why this is correct
Telnet transmits in cleartext.
- ✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH encrypts all traffic.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
SSH
SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that provides secure, encrypted communication and remote administration between two devices over an unsecured network.
Key term
Telnet
Telnet is a network protocol that provides a bidirectional, interactive text-based communication session between two machines over a network, typically used for remote access and management of network devices.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.