Quick Answer
The answer is FTP and Telnet, as both are insecure protocols that transmit all data, including login credentials, in cleartext over the network, making them highly vulnerable to packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. Telnet operates over TCP port 23 without any encryption or authentication, while FTP uses port 21 and similarly exposes usernames, passwords, and file contents to anyone monitoring the traffic. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this topic tests your understanding of network security fundamentals and the principle of replacing cleartext protocols with encrypted alternatives; a common trap is confusing FTPS (FTP over SSL) with SFTP, which is actually a subsystem of SSH. To remember which protocols to swap, think of the mnemonic “T and F are for the past, S and S are built to last”—replace Telnet with SSH and FTP with SFTP or FTPS.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. 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 TWO protocols are considered insecure and should be replaced with secure alternatives? (Choose two.)
IPsec
Why wrong: IPsec provides encryption.
Telnet
Telnet sends data in plaintext.
HTTPS
Why wrong: HTTPS is secure.
SNMPv3
Why wrong: SNMPv3 supports encryption and authentication.
FTP
FTP transmits credentials in the clear.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Telnet
Telnet (B) is insecure because it transmits all data, including login credentials, in cleartext over TCP port 23. It lacks encryption and authentication mechanisms, making it vulnerable to packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. Secure alternatives like SSH (port 22) should be used instead.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
IPsec
Why it's wrong here
IPsec provides encryption.
Telnet
Why this is correct
Telnet sends data in plaintext.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
HTTPS
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS is secure.
SNMPv3
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv3 supports encryption and authentication.
FTP
Why this is correct
FTP transmits credentials in the clear.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between secure and insecure versions of protocols, where candidates mistakenly think SNMPv3 or IPsec are insecure because they confuse them with older versions (SNMPv1/v2c) or assume all VPN protocols are vulnerable.
Detailed technical explanation
Telnet operates over TCP port 23 and uses the Network Virtual Terminal (NVT) format, but it sends all data, including the 'USER' and 'PASS' commands, as plain ASCII text. FTP (E) similarly transmits credentials and data in cleartext over TCP ports 20 and 21, unless secured with FTPS (FTP over TLS) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). Both protocols are deprecated in favor of SSH-based alternatives for remote access and file transfer.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Telnet — Telnet (B) is insecure because it transmits all data, including login credentials, in cleartext over TCP port 23. It lacks encryption and authentication mechanisms, making it vulnerable to packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. Secure alternatives like SSH (port 22) should be used instead.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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