Question:

A school is developing a digital learning platform where students can submit projects and communicate with teachers online. The school wants to ensure that the system is efficient, reliable, and secure for sending and receiving files. A student is required to send an electronic project report as an email attachment to the teacher.
Based on the given scenario, answer the following questions:
a. Identify the protocol used for sending emails and justify your answer with one appropriate reason.
b. Explain one possible problem that could occur if an unsuitable or insecure protocol is used, and suggest one measure the school can implement to ensure secure email communication.

Show Hint

Outgoing mail uses one particular protocol. For part (b) think who could read an unprotected message.
Updated On: Nov 3, 2026
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The student sends a project report as an email attachment. Part (a) asks for the protocol used to send mail and one reason. Part (b) asks for one problem with an insecure protocol and one safety measure.

Step 2: Part (a): the protocol:
Emails are sent using SMTP, the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It moves the mail from the sender's email client to the mail server, and from server to server until it reaches the receiver's server.

Step 3: Part (a): the reason:
SMTP is the standard protocol for sending emails, and it supports attachments such as a project report file. So it suits this task.

Step 4: Part (b): one problem:
If an unsuitable or insecure protocol is used, messages could be intercepted and read by unauthorised persons. The project report may also be changed or stolen. Another problem is that mail may fail or be delayed.

Step 5: Part (b): one measure:
The school can use strong authentication for student and teacher accounts (for example strong passwords with a one-time code). It can also teach users to check the recipient address before sending files.

Final Answer:
The protocol is SMTP. Insecure use can let others read the mail, and strong authentication helps keep it safe. \[ \boxed{\text{a. SMTP;\ b. Interception risk; strong authentication}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top CBSE X Questions

View More Questions