ESP Encryption: What is Not Encrypted by ESP? | Cisco 400-251 Exam

What is Not Encrypted by ESP?

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Question

Which item is not encrypted by ESP?

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Explanations

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A. B. C. D. E.

A.

ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) is a protocol used for providing confidentiality, integrity, and authentication of IP packets. ESP operates by encrypting the payload (Data) of IP packets and adding an ESP header and trailer. The ESP header contains information about the security association being used for encryption and integrity protection. The ESP trailer includes the authentication data, which is used to ensure the integrity of the encrypted data.

Based on this, the answer to the question "Which item is not encrypted by ESP?" is option C, which is the IP header. The IP header is not encrypted by ESP because it contains information required for the proper routing and delivery of the packet through the network. If the IP header were encrypted, routers along the path would be unable to process the packet and forward it to its destination.

The other options are all encrypted by ESP. The ESP header contains information about the security association and the encryption algorithm being used to protect the packet. The ESP trailer includes the authentication data, which ensures the integrity of the encrypted data. The Data payload is encrypted to provide confidentiality for the data being transmitted. Finally, the TCP/UDP header is also encrypted along with the payload to provide end-to-end security for the entire packet.

It is worth noting that the encryption of the TCP/UDP header by ESP may vary depending on the mode of operation being used. In transport mode, only the payload of the packet is encrypted, while the IP header and TCP/UDP header remain unencrypted. In tunnel mode, the entire packet (including the IP header and TCP/UDP header) is encrypted and encapsulated within a new IP header.