Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which protocol governs communication for sending instant messages securely?

1. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

2. Transport Layer Security (TLS)

3. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

4. Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)

The correct answer is: Transport Layer Security (TLS)

The protocol that governs communication for sending instant messages securely is Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS is designed to provide a secure channel over an insecure network, and it is widely used for securing communication between clients and servers. For instant messaging applications, TLS encrypts the messages being sent, ensuring that only the intended recipients can read them and that the messages are protected from eavesdroppers or tampering while they are being transmitted. Unlike the other protocols listed, TLS specifically addresses the need for security in data transmission, which is critical for instant messaging where privacy is paramount. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is primarily used for transferring files and does not include security features; Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is used for sending emails and typically operates without encryption by default, unless integrated with TLS; and Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is used for secure web communications but does not specifically apply to the context of instant messaging. Thus, it is the properties and functions of TLS that make it the appropriate choice for ensuring secure instant messaging communications.