- A
WPA3-Enterprise
Provides the strongest security with 802.1X authentication and GCMP-256 encryption.
- B
WEP
Why wrong: WEP is easily cracked.
- C
WPA3-PSK
Why wrong: Suitable for small offices, not enterprise with many users.
- D
WPA2-PSK
Why wrong: Shared key is vulnerable to brute force.
- E
WPA2-Enterprise
Why wrong: Strong, but WPA3-Enterprise is more current and secure.
Question 604 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Encryption protocols should be used to secure…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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 encryption protocols should be used to secure wireless traffic in an enterprise environment?
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
✓
WPA3-Enterprise
WPA3-Enterprise is the correct choice because it provides the highest level of security for enterprise wireless networks, incorporating mandatory 192-bit Suite B cryptographic suites (AES-256 in GCM mode, HMAC-SHA384, and ECDHE key exchange) to protect against offline dictionary attacks, forward secrecy, and brute-force attempts. It also uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) for the handshake, replacing the vulnerable 4-way handshake of WPA2, and supports 802.1X/EAP authentication with RADIUS for centralized user management.
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.
- ✓
WPA3-Enterprise
Why this is correct
Provides the strongest security with 802.1X authentication and GCMP-256 encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
WEP
Why it's wrong here
WEP is easily cracked.
- ✗
WPA3-PSK
Why it's wrong here
Suitable for small offices, not enterprise with many users.
- ✗
WPA2-PSK
Why it's wrong here
Shared key is vulnerable to brute force.
- ✗
WPA2-Enterprise
Why it's wrong here
Strong, but WPA3-Enterprise is more current and secure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between 'PSK' and 'Enterprise' modes, trapping candidates who see 'WPA3' and assume it is always best, but the question's 'enterprise environment' requirement specifically demands the Enterprise mode (with 802.1X/RADIUS), not the PSK variant, even though both use SAE.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
WPA3-Enterprise mandates the use of GCMP-256 encryption (Galois/Counter Mode with 256-bit AES) and HMAC-SHA384 for integrity, as defined in IEEE 802.11-2016 and Wi-Fi Alliance certification. A subtle but critical behavior is that WPA3-Enterprise also requires Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) via ECDHE key exchange, meaning that if a long-term private key is compromised, past session keys remain secure—a feature absent in WPA2-Enterprise. In a real-world scenario, a financial institution deploying WPA3-Enterprise with EAP-TLS and smart cards can ensure that even if an attacker captures encrypted traffic, they cannot decrypt historical sessions or perform offline brute-force attacks against the handshake.
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
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: WPA3-Enterprise — WPA3-Enterprise is the correct choice because it provides the highest level of security for enterprise wireless networks, incorporating mandatory 192-bit Suite B cryptographic suites (AES-256 in GCM mode, HMAC-SHA384, and ECDHE key exchange) to protect against offline dictionary attacks, forward secrecy, and brute-force attempts. It also uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) for the handshake, replacing the vulnerable 4-way handshake of WPA2, and supports 802.1X/EAP authentication with RADIUS for centralized user management.
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
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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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