SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
Which protocol and port combination is commonly used for secure remote administration of a server?
⚠ Common exam trap
SSCP often tests the confusion between secure web management (HTTPS) and secure command-line administration (SSH) — candidates pick HTTPS because it is 'secure' but it is not the remote shell protocol.
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 on TCP 22
SSH on TCP port 22 is the standard protocol for secure remote administration of Linux/Unix servers, providing encrypted authentication and session traffic. It replaces insecure protocols like Telnet and rlogin by encrypting the entire session, including credentials, using strong ciphers and key exchange.
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 on TCP 443
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS on TCP 443 secures web traffic to a management interface, not an interactive remote administration session. It is tempting because browser-based consoles and APIs use TLS on 443, and it would be right for administering a device through its web UI rather than a shell.
- ✗
Telnet on TCP 23
Why it's wrong here
Telnet on TCP 23 transmits credentials and session data in cleartext, so it cannot be considered secure remote administration. It is tempting because it is a classic remote administration protocol, and it would be correct only where confidentiality is irrelevant, such as an isolated lab.
- ✗
RDP on TCP 3389
Why it's wrong here
RDP on TCP 3389 provides remote administration, but native RDP encrypts only the session's own traffic and lacks the transport-layer protection of SSH. It tempts because it is a genuine remote administration protocol, and would be correct for GUI access to Windows servers.
- ✓
SSH on TCP 22
Why this is correct
SSH on TCP 22 encrypts the entire remote administration session, including credentials and commands, satisfying the requirement for secure remote server management. Unlike Telnet on port 23, which transmits data in cleartext, SSH provides confidentiality and integrity through cryptographic tunnelling, making it the standard choice for hardened administrative access.
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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.