Quick Answer
The correct answer is TLS 1.3, as it is the specific protocol designed to provide encryption in transit for web traffic. TLS, or Transport Layer Security, establishes an encrypted tunnel between a client and a server, ensuring that sensitive financial data remains confidential while traversing the internet. This directly addresses the core concept of protecting data during transmission, as opposed to encryption at rest, which secures stored data. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between encryption in transit and encryption at rest, with common traps including confusing AES (used for data at rest) or SHA-256 (a hashing algorithm) with TLS. A VPN can also encrypt in transit, but TLS is the more precise and standard choice for securing web-based communications. Remember the memory tip: “TLS travels, AES stays” to quickly recall that TLS secures data on the move, while AES secures it when stored.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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.
A network administrator needs to ensure that sensitive financial data remains confidential while in transit over the internet. Which technology should they implement?
Digital signatures
Why wrong: Digital signatures provide integrity and non-repudiation, not confidentiality.
SHA-256
Why wrong: SHA-256 is a hashing algorithm, not for confidentiality.
TLS 1.3
TLS encrypts data in transit, providing confidentiality.
AES-256
Why wrong: AES is a symmetric encryption algorithm used for data at rest.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
TLS 1.3
TLS encrypts data in transit. AES is encrypting at rest. SHA-256 is hashing. VPN can also encrypt but TLS is more specific for web traffic.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Digital signatures
Why it's wrong here
Digital signatures provide integrity and non-repudiation, not confidentiality.
SHA-256
Why it's wrong here
SHA-256 is a hashing algorithm, not for confidentiality.
TLS 1.3
AES-256
Why it's wrong here
AES is a symmetric encryption algorithm used for data at rest.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CC NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: TLS 1.3 — TLS encrypts data in transit. AES is encrypting at rest. SHA-256 is hashing. VPN can also encrypt but TLS is more specific for web traffic.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CC NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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