SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
In IPsec VPNs, which protocol provides authentication and encryption of the entire IP packet, including the IP header, in tunnel mode?
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
✓
ESP
ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) in tunnel mode encrypts and authenticates the entire original IP packet, adding a new IP header. AH (Authentication Header) does not provide encryption.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
L2TP
Why it's wrong here
L2TP is a tunneling protocol often used with IPsec for encryption, but it does not encrypt on its own.
- ✗
IKE
Why it's wrong here
IKE is used for key exchange and negotiation of security associations, not for packet encryption.
- ✓
ESP
Why this is correct
ESP provides both authentication and encryption, and in tunnel mode protects the entire original packet.
- ✗
AH
Why it's wrong here
AH provides authentication but no encryption.
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.
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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.