Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)Cybersecurity FundamentalsMedium
A network administrator is configuring a new firewall and needs to implement a rule that allows only secure web traffic (HTTPS) to external websites while blocking all other web protocols. Which port number should be explicitly allowed for this rule?
- A80
- B443
- C21
- D22
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 443
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) uses TCP port 443 for encrypted communication over the web. Port 80 is used for unencrypted HTTP, while ports 21 and 22 are for FTP and SSH, respectively.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Port 80 is used for HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), which is unencrypted web traffic.
- C. Port 21 is used for FTP (File Transfer Protocol), not secure web traffic.
- D. Port 22 is used for SSH (Secure Shell), not secure web traffic.
Common Network Ports
Standardized port numbers used by specific network protocols for communication.
- Port 21: FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
- Port 22: SSH (Secure Shell)
- Port 23: Telnet
- Port 25: SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
- Port 53: DNS (Domain Name System)
- Port 80: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
Memory trick: Ports are like doors; 80 is for regular web, 443 for secure web, others for different services.