Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingSecurity FundamentalsMedium

An IT manager wants to ensure that all data transmitted from the company's web server to client browsers is encrypted to protect sensitive customer information. Which security protocol, commonly used with HTTP, achieves this goal?

  1. ASMTP
  2. BDNS
  3. CTLS
  4. DFTP
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. TLS

Transport Layer Security (TLS), often seen as HTTPS (HTTP Secure), encrypts communication between a web server and a client browser, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over the internet. SSL is its predecessor.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used for sending email messages and does not encrypt web browser communication.
  • B. DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names to IP addresses and is not for encrypting web traffic.
  • D. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is for file transfer and is generally unencrypted unless explicitly secured (FTPS/SFTP).

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

A cryptographic protocol designed to provide communication security over a computer network. It is the successor to SSL and is widely used for securing web browsing (HTTPS), email, instant messaging, and other data transfers.

  • Encrypts data in transit
  • Ensures data integrity
  • Provides server authentication
  • Forms the 'S' in HTTPS

Memory trick: TLS 'T'ransmits 'L'ocked 'S'ecurely for web.

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