easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A system administrator needs to securely transfer…
A system administrator needs to securely transfer log files from a Linux server to a central log collector. Which protocol should be used to ensure confidentiality and integrity?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often choose FTP or NFS because they are familiar file transfer protocols, overlooking that neither provides native encryption or integrity, while SSH is the only option that guarantees both through its secure channel.
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
✓
SSH
SSH (Secure Shell) provides encrypted tunnels for data transfer, ensuring both confidentiality and integrity of log files in transit. It uses strong cryptographic algorithms (e.g., AES, ChaCha20) and HMAC-based integrity checks, making it the correct choice for secure file transfer over untrusted networks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
SSH
Why this is correct
SSH provides secure encrypted file transfer via SCP or SFTP.
- ✗
SMTP
Why it's wrong here
SMTP is for email, not file transfer.
- ✗
NFS
Why it's wrong here
NFS is for file sharing, not secure transfer.
- ✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP transfers data in cleartext.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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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.