SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
A security administrator is configuring a VPN between two branch offices. The requirement is to encrypt the entire original IP packet and add a new IP header for routing over the internet. Which IPsec mode should be used?
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
✓
Tunnel mode
In tunnel mode, the entire original IP packet is encapsulated and encrypted, with a new IP header added, suitable for site-to-site VPNs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Aggressive mode
Why it's wrong here
Aggressive mode is an IKE phase 1 exchange mode, not a security protocol mode.
- ✗
Transport mode
Why it's wrong here
Transport mode only encrypts the payload, not the original IP header.
- ✗
Main mode
Why it's wrong here
Main mode is also an IKE exchange mode, not a data protection mode.
- ✓
Tunnel mode
Why this is correct
Tunnel mode encrypts the entire IP packet and adds a new header.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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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.