The answer is to configure an IPsec site-to-site VPN between the office router and the colocation firewall. This option best balances security and cost because it creates an encrypted tunnel that secures all electronic health record (EHR) traffic between the two fixed endpoints without requiring per-user client software or expensive dedicated appliances, directly satisfying the EHR vendor’s recommendation for secure remote access via VPN. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network security controls and cost-benefit analysis for small business environments, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose a client-based VPN or a more complex, costly solution. The key insight is that a site-to-site VPN leverages existing infrastructure—the office router and colocation firewall—to provide always-on encryption for all traffic, which is ideal for a small medical office with limited IT resources. Memory tip: think “site-to-site, no client required” to remember that this approach secures the whole network path without per-user overhead.
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. 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 small medical office has 10 employees who use laptops to access electronic health records (EHR) via a web application hosted at a colocation facility. The office currently uses a consumer-grade wireless router with WPA2-PSK for internet access. The EHR vendor requires all connections to be encrypted with TLS 1.2 and recommends using a VPN for remote access. The office manager wants to ensure secure connections from the office to the EHR system, while keeping costs low. The network consultant proposes several options. Which option best balances security and cost?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an IPsec site-to-site VPN between the office router and the colocation firewall.
Option C is correct because an IPsec site-to-site VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the office router and the colocation firewall, securing all EHR traffic without requiring per-user software or high ongoing costs. This directly satisfies the EHR vendor's VPN recommendation while using existing infrastructure (the office router and colocation firewall) and avoiding the expense of a dedicated appliance or complex client management.
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.
✗
Upgrade the wireless router to one that supports WPA3-Enterprise.
Why it's wrong here
Wireless security alone does not protect traffic to the EHR system.
✗
Install a dedicated SSL VPN appliance at the office for clientless access.
Why it's wrong here
SSLVPN appliances can be expensive for a small office.
✓
Configure an IPsec site-to-site VPN between the office router and the colocation firewall.
Why this is correct
IPsecVPN provides end-to-end encryption and is cost-effective with existing hardware.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use only HTTPS with TLS 1.2 and disable HTTP access on the EHR server.
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS encrypts only the web traffic, but the local network could still be vulnerable.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often focus on securing the wireless link (WPA3) or the application layer (HTTPS), forgetting that the EHR vendor explicitly requires a VPN to protect data across the untrusted internet path, not just at the endpoints.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IPsec site-to-site VPNs operate at Layer 3, encapsulating entire IP packets in ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) with IKEv2 for key exchange, ensuring confidentiality and integrity for all traffic between the two gateways. In a small office, this can be configured on the existing router if it supports IPsec, avoiding additional hardware; the colocation firewall typically already supports IPsec termination. A common real-world pitfall is misconfigured NAT traversal or MTU issues, which can cause packet fragmentation and dropped connections, requiring careful adjustment of the IPsec policy.
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.
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an IPsec site-to-site VPN between the office router and the colocation firewall. — Option C is correct because an IPsec site-to-site VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the office router and the colocation firewall, securing all EHR traffic without requiring per-user software or high ongoing costs. This directly satisfies the EHR vendor's VPN recommendation while using existing infrastructure (the office router and colocation firewall) and avoiding the expense of a dedicated appliance or complex client management.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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