The SecOps Group CNSP Exam - Topic 7 Question 2 Discussion

Actual exam question for The SecOps Group's CNSP exam

Question #: 2
Topic #: 7

[All CNSP Questions]

Which SMB (Server Message Block) network protocol version introduced support for encrypting SMB traffic?

ASMBv1

BSMBv2

CSMBv3

DNone of the above

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

The SMB protocol, used for file and printer sharing, has evolved across versions, with significant security enhancements in later iterations.

Why C is correct: SMBv3, introduced with Windows 8 and Server 2012, added native support for encrypting SMB traffic. This feature uses AES-CCM encryption to protect data in transit, addressing vulnerabilities in earlier versions. CNSP notes SMBv3's encryption as a critical security improvement.

Why other options are incorrect:

A . SMBv1: Lacks encryption support and is considered insecure, often disabled due to vulnerabilities like WannaCry exploitation.

B . SMBv2: Introduces performance improvements but does not support encryption natively.

D . None of the above: Incorrect, as SMBv3 is the version that introduced encryption.

by Alex at Mar 24, 2025, 08:40 AM

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Carin

7 months ago

I thought SMBv2 had some security features too, but I guess not.

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Keith

7 months ago

Totally agree, SMBv3 is the way to go.

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Gertude

7 months ago

Wait, SMBv1 had no encryption? That's surprising!

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Lavera

7 months ago

SMBv2 doesn't have encryption, just SMBv3.

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Ezekiel

8 months ago

SMBv3 introduced encryption support!

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Elfrieda

8 months ago

I vaguely recall a practice question about SMB encryption, and it pointed towards SMBv3 as well.

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Benedict

8 months ago

I’m pretty certain that SMBv3 added encryption, but I might be mixing it up with another protocol.

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Catalina

8 months ago

I remember studying about SMB versions, and I feel like SMBv2 was more about performance improvements.

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Gaston

9 months ago

I think SMBv3 is the one that introduced encryption, but I’m not 100% sure.

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Malissa

9 months ago

I'm feeling confident about this one. I remember learning that SMBv3 was the version that introduced support for encrypting SMB traffic to improve security. I'll select C as my answer.

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Murray

9 months ago

Okay, let me think this through step-by-step. SMBv1 was the original version, SMBv2 added some improvements, and I believe SMBv3 is the one that focused on security features like encryption. I'm going to go with C for SMBv3.

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Bernardine

9 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure about this one. I know SMB has gone through several versions, but I can't recall off the top of my head which one added encryption. I'll have to think this through carefully.

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