SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
A security engineer is configuring a site-to-site VPN between two branch offices using IPsec in tunnel mode. Which protocol provides both authentication and encryption of the entire original IP packet?
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
✓
ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) in tunnel mode
ESP in tunnel mode encrypts and authenticates the entire original IP packet, while AH only authenticates.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
IKEv2 in transport mode
Why it's wrong here
IKEv2 is a key exchange protocol, not a security protocol for data.
- ✓
ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) in tunnel mode
Why this is correct
ESP provides both encryption and authentication, encapsulating the entire original packet.
- ✗
L2TP in tunnel mode
Why it's wrong here
L2TP does not provide encryption; it relies on IPsec for security.
- ✗
AH (Authentication Header) in tunnel mode
Why it's wrong here
AH provides authentication but no encryption.
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.
Go deeper
Related to this question
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SSCP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. In IPsec VPNs, which protocol provides authentication and encryption of the entire IP packet, including the IP header, in tunnel mode?
hard- A.L2TP
- B.IKE
- ✓ C.ESP
- D.AH
Why C: ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) in tunnel mode encrypts and authenticates the entire original IP packet, adding a new IP header. AH (Authentication Header) does not provide encryption.
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.