SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
During a security assessment, you discover that a Windows server has the Telnet service running. Which of the following is the BEST action to harden the server against this finding?
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
✓
Remove the Telnet service and use SSH instead
Telnet is an unencrypted protocol that transmits credentials in cleartext. Removing unnecessary services reduces the attack surface; disabling Telnet eliminates a known vulnerability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure a host-based firewall to allow Telnet only from specific IPs
Why it's wrong here
While restricting access reduces exposure, it does not eliminate the risk of cleartext credential transmission. Removing the service is more secure.
- ✗
Enable encryption on Telnet
Why it's wrong here
Telnet does not support native encryption; enabling encryption is not an option. The correct approach is to disable the service.
- ✓
Remove the Telnet service and use SSH instead
Why this is correct
This removes an insecure service and replaces it with a secure alternative (SSH), which is a best practice for system hardening.
- ✗
Audit Telnet connections in Event Viewer
Why it's wrong here
Auditing does not remove the vulnerability; it only logs activity. The service should be disabled.
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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.