- A
L2TP tunneling protocol
Why wrong: L2TP alone does not provide encryption; it requires IPsec for security.
- B
EAP-TLS for authentication
EAP-TLS uses certificates for mutual authentication, preventing MITM.
- C
IPsec in tunnel mode
IPsec tunnel mode encrypts and authenticates the entire IP packet, securing the VPN.
- D
PPTP with MPPE encryption
Why wrong: PPTP is outdated and vulnerable; not recommended for secure remote access.
- E
IKEv2 key exchange protocol
IKEv2 is a robust key exchange protocol supporting strong authentication and mobility.
Question 707 of 1,000
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications 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 network administrator is designing a secure remote access solution for employees using company laptops. The solution must support strong authentication, encryption, and be resistant to man-in-the-middle attacks. Which THREE components should be included?
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
✓
EAP-TLS for authentication
IKEv2 supports strong authentication and mobility; EAP-TLS provides certificate-based authentication; IPsec provides encryption and authentication.
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.
- ✗
L2TP tunneling protocol
Why it's wrong here
L2TP alone does not provide encryption; it requires IPsec for security.
- ✓
EAP-TLS for authentication
Why this is correct
EAP-TLS uses certificates for mutual authentication, preventing MITM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
IPsec in tunnel mode
- ✗
PPTP with MPPE encryption
Why it's wrong here
PPTP is outdated and vulnerable; not recommended for secure remote access.
- ✓
IKEv2 key exchange protocol
Why this is correct
IKEv2 is a robust key exchange protocol supporting strong authentication and mobility.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: EAP-TLS for authentication — IKEv2 supports strong authentication and mobility; EAP-TLS provides certificate-based authentication; IPsec provides encryption and authentication.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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