Which of the following accurately describes the primary security services provided by the Authentication Header (AH) protocol in IPsec?

Correct option is B

The Authentication Header (AH) protocol in IPsec provides authentication and integrity of data packets. AH ensures that the identity of the data sender is verified and that the data has not been tampered with during transmission.
Important Key Points:
1. Authentication Header (AH) in IPsec provides authentication by verifying the origin of data packets.
2. AH also ensures integrity, meaning the data has not been altered during transmission, but it does not provide encryption or confidentiality.
3. AH is commonly used when data confidentiality is not a requirement, but data authenticity and integrity are critical.
Knowledge Booster:
· Encryption and Availability: Encryption is offered by ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) in IPsec, but AH does not provide encryption.
· Confidentiality and Access Control: Confidentiality is achieved through ESP in IPsec, but access control is typically handled at higher layers, not directly by IPsec.
· Encryption and Confidentiality: ESP provides encryption for confidentiality in IPsec, while AH does not.
· Non-repudiation and Key Exchange: Non-repudiation is not provided directly by IPsec; it requires logging mechanisms. Key exchange is typically handled by protocols like IKE (Internet Key Exchange), not by AH or ESP in IPsec.