Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which protocol is known for enabling users to share files between computers in a network but lacks encryption?

1. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

2. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

3. Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)

4. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

The correct answer is: File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the correct answer as it is specifically designed for transferring files between computers over a network. FTP operates primarily over two ports (21 for commands and 20 for data transfer) and facilitates the exchange of files without employing any encryption methods. This means that while it allows for efficient file transfer, it does so without ensuring the security and confidentiality of the data being transmitted. As a result, any sensitive information can potentially be intercepted by malicious actors, making FTP less secure compared to protocols that incorporate encryption. Other options tend to serve different purposes: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is primarily a protocol for establishing secure communications over a network; Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is focused on encrypting emails and files for secure communication; and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is utilized for network management and monitoring. None of these are specifically designed for file sharing like FTP, nor do they lack encryption capabilities as a feature of their primary function.