- A
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is not encrypted; use SFTP or FTPS instead.
- B
SSH
SSH encrypts all traffic, making it secure for remote administration.
- C
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is not encrypted; use HTTPS.
- D
Telnet
Why wrong: Telnet is insecure and should not be used.
Question 724 of 1,000
SSCP Cryptography Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of cryptography. 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.
Which of the following is a secure protocol for remote administration of a server, replacing insecure protocols like Telnet?
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) is the correct answer because it provides encrypted remote administration capabilities, replacing insecure protocols like Telnet that transmit data in plaintext. SSH uses public-key cryptography for authentication and symmetric encryption (e.g., AES, ChaCha20) for session confidentiality, protecting against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
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.
- ✗
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP is not encrypted; use SFTP or FTPS instead.
- ✓
SSH
Why this is correct
SSH encrypts all traffic, making it secure for remote administration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is not encrypted; use HTTPS.
- ✗
Telnet
Why it's wrong here
Telnet is insecure and should not be used.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse Telnet with SSH or think that FTP or HTTP can be used for remote administration, but the question specifically asks for a secure replacement for Telnet, which is SSH.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SSH operates on TCP port 22 and uses a client-server model where the server hosts an SSH daemon (sshd). During key exchange, SSH uses Diffie-Hellman or ECDH to establish a shared secret, then authenticates the server via its host key (stored in known_hosts) and optionally the user via password, public key, or keyboard-interactive methods. In real-world scenarios, SSH is also used for secure file transfer (SFTP), port forwarding, and tunneling other protocols (e.g., X11 forwarding).
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
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 |
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Cryptography — This question tests Cryptography — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SSH — SSH (Secure Shell) is the correct answer because it provides encrypted remote administration capabilities, replacing insecure protocols like Telnet that transmit data in plaintext. SSH uses public-key cryptography for authentication and symmetric encryption (e.g., AES, ChaCha20) for session confidentiality, protecting against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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