Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

Question: 1 / 1980

What is the function of the Authentication Header (AH) in IPsec?

To encrypt data packets

To provide confidentiality for network communications

To authenticate and ensure integrity for each packet of data

The Authentication Header (AH) in IPsec is designed primarily to provide authentication and integrity for the packets of data transmitted over a network. By incorporating a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC), AH ensures that the packets have not been altered in transit and verifies the identity of the sender. This is crucial for maintaining the security and trustworthiness of network communication, as it protects against potential threats such as replay attacks or tampering.

While other options mention encryption and confidentiality, AH does not perform encryption; instead, it focuses on authenticating the source of the data and verifying its integrity. Hence, AH is essential for ensuring that the data received is exactly what was sent, coming from a verified source, which reinforces trust in the communication process.

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To facilitate faster data transmission

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