A network administrator needs to keep the user ID, password, and session contents private when establishing remote CLI connectivity with a switch to manage it. Which access method should be chosen?

The best choice for maintaining user ID, password, and session content privacy when establishing remote CLI connectivity with a switch is Secure Shell (SSH). SSH is designed to provide a secure channel over an unsecured network by using encryption. This means that any data transmitted, including user credentials and command inputs, is encrypted, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to intercept and read the information.

Using SSH is essential in environments where sensitive configurations and administrative tasks need protection from eavesdroppers. It provides a secure authentication method, typically requiring minimal setup for users while ensuring that all data exchanged during the session is kept confidential. Additionally, SSH supports various authentication methods, including public key authentication, which enhances security further.

In contrast, Telnet transmits data, including login credentials, in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception. FTP is primarily used for file transfers and lacks encryption by default, similarly exposing data during transmission. HTTP, used for web traffic, also does not encrypt data, which poses security risks for sensitive remote management tasks.