ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
Which protocol is considered insecure because it transmits data, including passwords, in cleartext, and its use should be avoided in favor of more secure alternatives?
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
✓
Telnet
Telnet (port 23) transmits data in cleartext. SSH is its secure replacement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH is encrypted and secure.
- ✗
SFTP
Why it's wrong here
SFTP is secure.
- ✗
HTTPS
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS is encrypted.
- ✓
Telnet
Why this is correct
Correct. Telnet is cleartext and insecure.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Secure Network Architecture and Design
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.
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.
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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.