CISSP Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The key characteristic of Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) is its simplicity, particularly in the context of file transfers, which includes the lack of authentication. TFTP is designed to be a lightweight protocol to facilitate the transfer of files across networks without the overhead of more complex protocols like FTP.

This simplicity is advantageous in scenarios where minimal configuration and ease of use are necessary, such as in bootstrapping devices or simple file transfers. Since TFTP does not require authentication, it allows for faster operations in environments where security is not a primary concern or where devices need to communicate quickly and easily, like routers and switches during a boot process.

In contrast, other options highlight features that TFTP does not possess. It does not provide robust error recovery mechanisms or complex directory structures and lacks authentication, which makes it less secure compared to other file transfer protocols. Hence, the focus on its simple, straightforward operation without authentication is what sets TFTP apart.