SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
Which of the following protocols operates on TCP port 443 and provides encrypted communication between a web browser and a web server?
⚠ Common exam trap
SSCP often tests port/protocol pairings — the trap is that candidates know HTTPS is secure but may confuse it with SSH (port 22) or forget that HTTP (port 80) is the unencrypted counterpart.
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
✓
HTTPS
HTTPS (HTTP over TLS) operates on TCP port 443 and provides encrypted communication between a web browser and a web server using TLS. It is the standard secure web protocol and the only option that matches both the port and the encryption requirement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
HTTPS
Why this is correct
HTTPS secures HTTP traffic by layering it over TLS, which encrypts the session between browser and web server. It listens on TCP port 443 by default, satisfying both constraints in the stem: the specified port and encrypted communication. Plain HTTP uses port 80 and offers no encryption.
- ✗
SMTP
Why it's wrong here
SMTP carries mail between servers on TCP port 25, not web traffic on 443, so it cannot encrypt browser-to-server sessions. It tempts because it is a genuine TCP application protocol, and would be the right answer if the question asked which protocol relays outbound email between message transfer agents.
- ✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH provides encrypted remote shell access on TCP port 22, not encrypted web browsing on 443. It is tempting because SSH also offers strong encryption, which suits scenarios requiring secure command-line administration of a remote server rather than protecting HTTP traffic.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP transmits web traffic in plaintext on port 80, providing no encryption, so it cannot secure browser-to-server communication on 443. It is tempting because HTTP is the web protocol browsers use, but HTTPS is the encrypted variant bound to port 443.
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Related to this question
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SSCP
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. Which TCP port is commonly used for secure web traffic (HTTPS) and is often allowed through firewalls for web browsing?
easy- A.22
- ✓ B.443
- C.80
- D.3389
Why B: HTTPS uses TCP port 443 by default, as defined in RFC 2818. Firewalls commonly allow outbound TCP 443 to permit secure web browsing, and it is the standard port for TLS-encrypted HTTP traffic.
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.