Quick Answer
The answer is IPsec with IKEv2 and AES-256, as this combination delivers the strongest VPN encryption for remote access. IPsec provides robust network-layer security, while IKEv2 enhances that with mobility support and resistance to network changes, and AES-256 is a symmetric cipher with a 256-bit key that remains computationally infeasible to break via brute force. On the CISSP exam, this tests your understanding of secure communications and cryptography—specifically how protocol choices map to real-world security requirements like confidentiality and integrity. A common trap is confusing PPTP or L2TP/IPsec with IKEv2; remember that IKEv2 is the modern, more secure key exchange protocol, and AES-256 is the gold standard for symmetric encryption. For a memory tip, think "IKEv2 for the handshake, AES-256 for the lock."
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.
An organization wants to ensure that employees can securely access internal applications from home. They deploy a VPN solution. Which VPN type provides the strongest encryption and is most commonly used for remote access?
IPsec with IKEv2 and AES-256
This provides strong encryption and is widely used for remote access.
MPLS Layer 3 VPN
Why wrong: MPLS does not provide encryption.
L2TP without encryption
Why wrong: L2TP alone does not encrypt.
PPTP
Why wrong: PPTP is outdated and insecure.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
IPsec with IKEv2 and AES-256
IPsec with IKEv2 and AES-256 provides the strongest encryption for remote access VPNs. IKEv2 offers improved security features like mobility and multi-homing support, while AES-256 is a symmetric cipher with a 256-bit key that is currently considered unbreakable by brute force. This combination is widely deployed for secure client-to-site connections.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
IPsec with IKEv2 and AES-256
Why this is correct
This provides strong encryption and is widely used for remote access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
MPLS Layer 3 VPN
Why it's wrong here
MPLS does not provide encryption.
L2TP without encryption
Why it's wrong here
L2TP alone does not encrypt.
PPTP
Why it's wrong here
PPTP is outdated and insecure.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse MPLS Layer 3 VPN (a site-to-site provider-based solution) with remote access VPNs, or they underestimate the weakness of PPTP and unencrypted L2TP, assuming any tunneling protocol provides adequate security.
Detailed technical explanation
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) uses a Diffie-Hellman key exchange to establish a secure channel and supports EAP authentication for user-level access. AES-256 operates on 128-bit blocks with a 256-bit key, requiring 2^256 attempts to brute force, which is computationally infeasible. In real-world deployments, IPsec with IKEv2 and AES-256 is often paired with SHA-256 for integrity and Diffie-Hellman group 14 or higher for perfect forward secrecy.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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FAQ
Communication and Network Security — This question tests Communication and Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: IPsec with IKEv2 and AES-256 — IPsec with IKEv2 and AES-256 provides the strongest encryption for remote access VPNs. IKEv2 offers improved security features like mobility and multi-homing support, while AES-256 is a symmetric cipher with a 256-bit key that is currently considered unbreakable by brute force. This combination is widely deployed for secure client-to-site connections.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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