- A
FTP
Why wrong: FTP transmits data in cleartext.
- B
SFTP
SFTP runs over SSH and encrypts all traffic.
- C
TFTP
Why wrong: TFTP has no encryption.
- D
SCP
SCP uses SSH for secure file transfer.
- E
FTPS
FTPS adds SSL/TLS encryption to FTP.
Question 369 of 1,000
CISSP Communication and Network Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of communication and network security. 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 security administrator is evaluating secure file transfer protocols. Which THREE of the following protocols provide encryption for data in transit? (Select THREE.)
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
✓
SFTP
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is correct because it operates over the SSH protocol (typically port 22), which provides strong encryption for both authentication and data in transit. Unlike FTP, SFTP encrypts all commands and data, ensuring confidentiality and integrity during file transfers.
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.
- ✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP transmits data in cleartext.
- ✓
SFTP
Why this is correct
SFTP runs over SSH and encrypts all traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
TFTP
Why it's wrong here
TFTP has no encryption.
- ✓
SCP
Why this is correct
SCP uses SSH for secure file transfer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
FTPS
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse SFTP with FTPS or assume FTP is secure because it is widely used, but the CISSP exam tests the distinction that only protocols like SFTP, SCP, and FTPS provide encryption for data in transit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SFTP is often confused with FTPS, but SFTP is an extension of SSH (RFC 4251) and provides a secure channel for file operations, directory listings, and remote file management. A subtle behavior is that SFTP does not use FTP over SSH; it is a distinct protocol that uses the SSH protocol's encrypted tunnel, making it immune to FTP-specific vulnerabilities like Bounce Attacks.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Communication and Network Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Communication and Network Security — This question tests Communication and Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SFTP — SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is correct because it operates over the SSH protocol (typically port 22), which provides strong encryption for both authentication and data in transit. Unlike FTP, SFTP encrypts all commands and data, ensuring confidentiality and integrity during file transfers.
What should I do if I get this CISSP 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
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