What protocol is used for secure remote access to network devices?

SSH, or Secure Shell, is the protocol specifically designed for secure remote access to network devices. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network by encrypting the session, ensuring that both the commands sent from the client and the responses from the server are protected from eavesdropping and interception. This is essential for maintaining confidentiality and integrity when managing network devices, as it prevents unauthorized access and potential data leakage.

In contrast, Telnet is a protocol that allows for remote access but does not incorporate encryption, making it vulnerable to various types of attacks, such as packet sniffing. Therefore, using Telnet can expose sensitive information, including usernames and passwords, to anyone who might be monitoring the network traffic.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for transferring web pages and does not provide the necessary security features required for remote device management. While there is a secure version known as HTTPS, it is still not typically used for managing network devices directly.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used for network management tasks and monitoring but does not provide a means for secure remote command-line access to devices. It is primarily focused on gathering and organizing information about managed devices on IP networks rather than secure communication for configuration purposes.

Thus, SSH stands out