Which SNMP version adds authentication and encryption and is recommended for secure monitoring?

Which SNMP version adds authentication and encryption and is recommended for secure monitoring?

• A. SNMP v1
• B. SNMP v2c
• C. SNMP v3
• D. TLS

Answer: (C)

SNMP v3 adds authentication and encryption, making it the secure choice for monitoring. Earlier SNMP versions rely on a simple community string that travels in clear text, so anyone listening on the network could read SNMP data or impersonate a device if they guess the string. SNMP v3 introduces a User-Based Security Model that provides authenticated access (verifying who is communicating) and privacy (encrypting the SNMP payload) along with better access control. This combination protects both the data and the integrity of management actions. TLS, while it can secure other protocols, is not an SNMP version and isn’t the standard way to secure SNMP itself. So for secure monitoring within the SNMP framework, SNMP v3 is the recommended option.

SNMP v3 adds authentication and encryption, making it the secure choice for monitoring. Earlier SNMP versions rely on a simple community string that travels in clear text, so anyone listening on the network could read SNMP data or impersonate a device if they guess the string. SNMP v3 introduces a User-Based Security Model that provides authenticated access (verifying who is communicating) and privacy (encrypting the SNMP payload) along with better access control. This combination protects both the data and the integrity of management actions.

TLS, while it can secure other protocols, is not an SNMP version and isn’t the standard way to secure SNMP itself. So for secure monitoring within the SNMP framework, SNMP v3 is the recommended option.