- A
Port forwarding
Port forwarding can create tunnels that bypass network security controls; it should be restricted to authorized users.
- B
Using SSH protocol version 1
Why wrong: SSH-1 is deprecated and insecure, but the question asks for features to disable/manage; version 1 is not a feature but a protocol version that should not be used at all. The best answers are X11 and port forwarding.
- C
X11 forwarding
X11 forwarding can allow an attacker to access the user's display, keystrokes, etc.; it should be disabled unless explicitly needed.
- D
Public-key authentication
Why wrong: Public-key authentication is a secure method and should be encouraged.
- E
Using SSH protocol version 2
Why wrong: SSH-2 is secure and recommended; it is not a risk.
Question 707 of 1,000
CISSP Communication and Network Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of communication and network security. 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.
An organization is reviewing its use of SSH for remote administration. Which TWO features of SSH should be disabled or carefully managed to reduce security risks? (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
✓
Port forwarding
Port forwarding (option A) allows SSH to tunnel arbitrary TCP connections, which can bypass network firewalls and expose internal services to external attackers if misconfigured or left enabled for non-administrative users. Disabling or restricting port forwarding reduces the risk of unauthorized tunneling and lateral movement within the network.
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.
- ✓
Port forwarding
Why this is correct
Port forwarding can create tunnels that bypass network security controls; it should be restricted to authorized users.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Using SSH protocol version 1
Why it's wrong here
SSH-1 is deprecated and insecure, but the question asks for features to disable/manage; version 1 is not a feature but a protocol version that should not be used at all. The best answers are X11 and port forwarding.
- ✓
X11 forwarding
Why this is correct
X11 forwarding can allow an attacker to access the user's display, keystrokes, etc.; it should be disabled unless explicitly needed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Public-key authentication
Why it's wrong here
Public-key authentication is a secure method and should be encouraged.
- ✗
Using SSH protocol version 2
Why it's wrong here
SSH-2 is secure and recommended; it is not a risk.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between features that are inherently insecure (like SSHv1) versus features that are secure by default but introduce risk when misused (like port forwarding and X11 forwarding), leading candidates to incorrectly select SSHv1 as a feature to 'carefully manage' rather than outright disable.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SSH port forwarding (local, remote, and dynamic) uses the SSH connection to create encrypted tunnels that can carry arbitrary TCP traffic, effectively creating a VPN-like capability. X11 forwarding (option C) tunnels the X Window System protocol, which can allow an attacker to capture keystrokes, clipboard contents, or screenshots if the X11 security extensions are not properly configured; it should be disabled unless explicitly needed for GUI applications. Both features are controlled via sshd_config directives (AllowTcpForwarding and X11Forwarding) and should be set to 'no' by default in hardened environments.
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.
Visual reference
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.
- →
Communication and Network Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Communication and Network Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CISSP questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CISSP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CISSP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security and Risk Management practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Security and Risk Management.
Asset Security practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Asset Security.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Architecture and Engineering practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Security Architecture and Engineering.
Communication and Network Security practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Communication and Network Security.
Security Assessment and Testing practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Security Assessment and Testing.
Software Development Security practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Software Development Security.
Identity and Access Management practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Identity and Access Management.
CISSP fundamentals practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to CISSP fundamentals.
CISSP scenario practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to CISSP scenario.
CISSP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to CISSP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CISSP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Port forwarding — Port forwarding (option A) allows SSH to tunnel arbitrary TCP connections, which can bypass network firewalls and expose internal services to external attackers if misconfigured or left enabled for non-administrative users. Disabling or restricting port forwarding reduces the risk of unauthorized tunneling and lateral movement within the network.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.