CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

Which protocol would provide encryption for remote management of network devices?

1. Telnet

2. SSH

3. HTTP

4. FTP

The correct answer is: SSH

The chosen answer, SSH, is the correct protocol for providing encryption for remote management of network devices due to its robust security features. SSH, or Secure Shell, is designed specifically for secure remote login and command execution over a potentially insecure network. It encrypts the session data between the client and server, ensuring that sensitive information such as passwords and configuration commands cannot be easily intercepted by malicious actors. In contrast, Telnet does not provide any form of encryption; it transmits data in plaintext, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping. HTTP is another insecure protocol, primarily for transferring hypertext over the web, and it also sends information unencrypted. Similarly, FTP, which stands for File Transfer Protocol, transmits data without encryption by default, making it unsuitable for secure remote management. Thus, SSH stands out as the appropriate choice for securely managing network devices remotely.