Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Which VPN technology is considered the preferred method for securely connecting a remote endpoint device back to an enterprise network?

1. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)

2. Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP)

3. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

4. Internet Protocol Security (IPsec)

The correct answer is: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

The preferred method for securely connecting a remote endpoint device back to an enterprise network is Internet Protocol Security (IPsec). IPsec is a set of protocols that provide security at the network layer by encrypting and authenticating each packet in a communication session. This makes it an excellent choice for establishing secure virtual private networks (VPNs) because it not only protects the confidentiality and integrity of the data transmitted over potentially insecure networks like the internet, but it also supports strong authentication methods. IPsec can operate in two modes: transport mode, which encrypts only the payload of the IP packet, and tunnel mode, which encrypts the entire IP packet and is commonly used for site-to-site VPNs. This versatility and the robust security features it offers make IPsec a strong choice for enterprises looking to secure remote connectivity. While Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is also a popular technology, it does not provide the same level of network layer security and is primarily used for securing web traffic rather than establishing a VPN connection back to an enterprise network. Other technologies like PPTP and SSTP have their limitations, such as security vulnerabilities or dependency on specific operating systems.