SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
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.
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.
- ✓
IPsec in tunnel mode
Why this is correct
IPsec tunnel mode encrypts and authenticates the entire IP packet, securing the VPN.
- ✗
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PPTP is outdated and vulnerable; not recommended for secure remote access.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.
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.
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.