- A
IMAPS
IMAPS is IMAP over TLS, used for retrieving email securely.
- B
HTTPS
Why wrong: HTTPS secures web traffic, not email.
- C
SSH
Why wrong: SSH is for remote shell access, not email.
- D
SMTPS
SMTPS is SMTP over TLS, used for sending email securely.
- E
SFTP
Why wrong: SFTP is for file transfer.
Question 939 of 1,000
SSCP Cryptography Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of cryptography. 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 security administrator is evaluating encryption protocols for email communication. Which of the following protocols can secure email in transit? (Select TWO)
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
✓
IMAPS
IMAPS (Internet Message Access Protocol over SSL/TLS) encrypts email retrieval by wrapping IMAP traffic in TLS, typically on port 993. This ensures that email messages and credentials are protected from eavesdropping while in transit between the client and the mail server.
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.
- ✓
IMAPS
Why this is correct
IMAPS is IMAP over TLS, used for retrieving email securely.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
HTTPS
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS secures web traffic, not email.
- ✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH is for remote shell access, not email.
- ✓
SMTPS
- ✗
SFTP
Why it's wrong here
SFTP is for file transfer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between protocols that secure email in transit (IMAPS, SMTPS) versus protocols that secure other services (HTTPS for web, SSH for remote access, SFTP for file transfer), leading candidates to confuse secure versions of unrelated protocols.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMTPS (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol over SSL/TLS) uses port 465 or 587 with STARTTLS to encrypt email submission from a client to a mail server. IMAPS uses port 993 and establishes TLS before any IMAP commands are exchanged, preventing plaintext authentication. Both rely on X.509 certificates and TLS handshakes to negotiate session keys, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of email data in transit.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Cryptography — This question tests Cryptography — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: IMAPS — IMAPS (Internet Message Access Protocol over SSL/TLS) encrypts email retrieval by wrapping IMAP traffic in TLS, typically on port 993. This ensures that email messages and credentials are protected from eavesdropping while in transit between the client and the mail server.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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