Master the Windows Server 2012 Challenge 2025 – Power Up Your IT Skills Now!

Securing communications over a network in Windows Server 2012 can effectively be achieved by configuring SSL/TLS certificates within IIS. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols that encrypt data transmitted over the network, ensuring that sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and payment details remain secure while in transit. When SSL/TLS is properly configured in Internet Information Services (IIS), it establishes a secure channel between the client and server, mitigating the risk of data interception or tampering.

Once the SSL/TLS certificates are installed and the necessary bindings are set up in IIS, clients connecting to the server will communicate over HTTPS. This not only enhances security and builds trust with users but also helps in compliance with various data protection regulations.

Other options, while relevant to network management and security in their own contexts, do not directly contribute to securing communications in the way SSL/TLS does. For instance, minimizing network traffic may improve performance but does not encrypt or secure the data being transmitted. Enabling guest accounts and using simpler password protocols can actually weaken the security posture, exposing the network to unauthorized access and potential attacks.