Quick Answer
The correct answer is TCP port 443. HTTPS, which stands for HTTP over TLS, relies on TCP as its transport protocol because TCP provides the reliable, connection-oriented delivery essential for secure web traffic, ensuring that encrypted data packets are properly sequenced and retransmitted if lost. This is defined in RFC 2818, which establishes port 443 as the default port for HTTPS. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of secure network protocols and firewall rule configuration, often appearing in questions about allowing inbound traffic to a web server. A common trap is confusing HTTPS with HTTP, which uses TCP port 80, or mistakenly allowing UDP instead of TCP. Remember the memory tip: "Secure Sockets need a Solid Connection" — the "S" in HTTPS stands for secure, and it always uses TCP for that reliable handshake.
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 network administrator is configuring a firewall rule to allow inbound HTTPS traffic to a web server. Which protocol and port should be allowed?
UDP port 80
Why wrong: Not a standard service.
UDP port 443
Why wrong: HTTPS uses TCP, not UDP.
TCP port 443
HTTPS uses TCP port 443 by default.
TCP port 80
Why wrong: Port 80 is for HTTP, not HTTPS.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
TCP port 443
HTTPS (HTTP over TLS) uses TCP as its transport protocol because it requires reliable, connection-oriented delivery for secure web traffic. The default port for HTTPS is 443, as defined in RFC 2818. Therefore, allowing TCP port 443 is the correct firewall rule.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
UDP port 80
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard service.
UDP port 443
TCP port 443
TCP port 80
Why it's wrong here
Port 80 is for HTTP, not HTTPS.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse HTTP (TCP 80) with HTTPS (TCP 443) or mistakenly think HTTPS can use UDP, but the SSCP exam expects you to know that standard HTTPS uses TCP port 443.
Detailed technical explanation
HTTPS encapsulates HTTP data within TLS (Transport Layer Security), which itself runs over TCP to ensure ordered, error-checked delivery. While QUIC (RFC 9000) uses UDP for HTTP/3, traditional HTTPS (HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2) relies on TCP port 443. Firewall rules must match the transport protocol and port exactly; misconfiguring UDP for HTTPS would block legitimate traffic.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: TCP port 443 — HTTPS (HTTP over TLS) uses TCP as its transport protocol because it requires reliable, connection-oriented delivery for secure web traffic. The default port for HTTPS is 443, as defined in RFC 2818. Therefore, allowing TCP port 443 is the correct firewall rule.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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. A security administrator is configuring a firewall to allow HTTPS traffic from the internet to a web server. Which default port must be permitted?
easyWhy C: HTTPS uses port 443 by default. Port 80 is HTTP, 8080 is common HTTP alternative, and 8443 is HTTPS alternative but not default.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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