SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
Which TCP port is commonly used for secure web traffic (HTTPS) and is often allowed through firewalls for web browsing?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing port 80 (HTTP) with port 443 (HTTPS); candidates may pick 80 because it is the well-known web port, but the question specifically asks for secure web traffic.
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
✓
443
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
22
Why it's wrong here
Port 22 carries SSH for encrypted remote administration and secure file transfer, not HTTPS web traffic. It is tempting because SSH is also encrypted and firewall-permitted, and would be correct if the question asked which port secures remote shell access or SFTP rather than browser traffic.
- ✓
443
Why this is correct
TCP 443 carries HTTPS, using TLS to encrypt web traffic. Firewalls commonly permit it outbound so users can browse securely, satisfying the stem's requirement. Port 80 is unencrypted HTTP, while 22 and 25 serve SSH and SMTP respectively.
- ✗
80
Why it's wrong here
Port 80 carries unencrypted HTTP, so it cannot be the HTTPS port; HTTPS uses TCP 443. It is tempting because 80 is the standard web port and is commonly permitted through firewalls, and would be correct if the question asked about plain, non-secure web browsing traffic.
- ✗
3389
Why it's wrong here
Port 3389 carries RDP for remote desktop sessions, not HTTPS web browsing. It is tempting because RDP is encrypted and often allowed through firewalls for administration, and would be correct if the question asked which port supports remote graphical access to Windows hosts.
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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.