hardMultiple Choice
SSCP Practice Question: A security administrator is configuring a…
A security administrator is configuring a wireless network for a branch office. The office has legacy devices that only support WPA2-PSK. The administrator wants to provide the highest level of security while maintaining compatibility. Which configuration should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume WPA2-Enterprise is always more secure than WPA2-PSK, but the question explicitly requires compatibility with legacy devices that only support WPA2-PSK, making WPA2-Enterprise an invalid choice despite its stronger authentication model.
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
✓
WPA2-PSK with AES (CCMP)
WPA2-PSK with AES (CCMP) is correct because it provides the highest security level compatible with legacy devices that only support WPA2-PSK. AES-CCMP is the mandatory encryption protocol for WPA2, offering strong data confidentiality and integrity, whereas TKIP is deprecated due to known vulnerabilities. This configuration avoids the need for a RADIUS server (required by WPA2-Enterprise) and does not force an upgrade to WPA3, which legacy devices cannot support.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
WPA2-Enterprise with RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
WPA2-Enterprise requires 802.1X supplicant support and a RADIUS infrastructure, which the legacy WPA2-PSK-only devices cannot use. It is tempting because it removes the shared passphrase and gives per-user credentials, making it the right choice when clients support 802.1X.
- ✓
WPA2-PSK with AES (CCMP)
Why this is correct
WPA2-PSK with AES (CCMP) satisfies the legacy compatibility constraint while delivering strong encryption. CCMP uses AES in counter mode with CBC-MAC for integrity, replacing the weaker TKIP. Since the devices only support WPA2-PSK, this pairing provides the highest security available within that constraint.
- ✗
WPA3-SAE only
Why it's wrong here
WPA3-SAE is not supported by the legacy devices, so they cannot associate at all. It is tempting because SAE defeats offline dictionary attacks against the handshake, making WPA3 the correct selection when all clients are modern and compatibility with WPA2-PSK hardware is not required.
- ✗
WPA2-PSK with TKIP
Why it's wrong here
TKIP is deprecated and its RC4-based cipher has known weaknesses, so it lowers security rather than raising it. It is tempting because TKIP interoperates with very old hardware, making it the fallback when devices cannot support AES-CCMP at all.
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.
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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.