Secure Protocol

Updated 31 Jul 2026

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def
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  a network protocol with built-in encryption, in contrast to protocols that send everything in the clear (e.g., Telnet, FTP, SMTP, IMAP)
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insecure vs. secure pairs
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  remote console: Telnet vs. SSH
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  web browsing: HTTP (port 80) vs. HTTPS (port 443)
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  email client access: IMAP vs. IMAPS
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  file transfer: FTP vs. SFTP
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note
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  the port number alone doesn't guarantee security — confirm the actual security features are enabled, using a packet capture if needed
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related
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  Transport Encryption
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cards
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  Name 2 insecure-to-secure protocol pairs
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    Telnet to SSH, HTTP to HTTPS (also FTP to SFTP, IMAP to IMAPS)

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