This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
! IPsec IKEv2 configuration
crypto ikev2 proposal 1
encryption aes-cbc-256
integrity sha-256
group 14
!
Refer to the exhibit. What is the purpose of the 'group 14' parameter in the IKEv2 proposal?
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
! IPsec IKEv2 configuration
crypto ikev2 proposal 1
encryption aes-cbc-256
integrity sha-256
group 14
!
A
Defines the integrity checking method
Why wrong: Integrity is specified by the 'integrity' command.
B
Specifies the encryption algorithm
Why wrong: Encryption is specified by the 'encryption' command.
C
Sets the Diffie-Hellman group for key exchange
Group 14 is a 2048-bit Diffie-Hellman group used for key exchange.
D
Indicates the authentication method
Why wrong: Authentication is configured separately.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Sets the Diffie-Hellman group for key exchange
In IKEv2 proposals, the 'group 14' parameter specifies the Diffie-Hellman (DH) group used for the key exchange process. DH group 14 corresponds to a 2048-bit modular exponentiation group, which provides the cryptographic strength for establishing a shared secret over an insecure channel. This is distinct from encryption, integrity, or authentication parameters.
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.
✗
Defines the integrity checking method
Why it's wrong here
Integrity is specified by the 'integrity' command.
✗
Specifies the encryption algorithm
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is specified by the 'encryption' command.
✓
Sets the Diffie-Hellman group for key exchange
Why this is correct
Group 14 is a 2048-bit Diffie-Hellman group used for key exchange.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Indicates the authentication method
Why it's wrong here
Authentication is configured separately.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates often misinterpret 'group' as referring to an integrity or encryption algorithm due to its usage in other networking contexts (e.g., router configuration for routing protocols), but in IKEv2 proposals it specifically denotes the Diffie-Hellman group used for key exchange.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Integrity is specified by the 'integrity' command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Diffie-Hellman group determines the prime modulus and generator used in the DH key exchange, directly impacting the computational security of the derived keys. Group 14 (2048-bit MODP) is defined in RFC 3526 and is commonly used to balance security and performance; weaker groups like group 2 (1024-bit) are deprecated in modern deployments. In IKEv2, the DH group is negotiated during the initial SA exchange, and mismatched groups will cause the IKE SA to fail to establish.
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.
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.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Sets the Diffie-Hellman group for key exchange — In IKEv2 proposals, the 'group 14' parameter specifies the Diffie-Hellman (DH) group used for the key exchange process. DH group 14 corresponds to a 2048-bit modular exponentiation group, which provides the cryptographic strength for establishing a shared secret over an insecure channel. This is distinct from encryption, integrity, or authentication parameters.
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.
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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