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Telnet over TLS/SSL
Port 992 is designated for Telnet communications secured through TLS/SSL encryption, augmenting the traditional Telnet protocol by providing a secure channel that protects data integrity and confidentiality during remote command-line sessions. It is used primarily where legacy Telnet access needs to be maintained while enhancing security..
Port 992 facilitates Telnet access encapsulated within TLS/SSL, often called Secure Telnet. This configuration enables encrypted bidirectional text-based communication commonly used for remote system management, troubleshooting, and command-line interactions. Unlike Telnet on its default port 23—which transmits plaintext data including passwords—port 992 wraps all traffic inside an encrypted tunnel.
Typically, TLS negotiation occurs immediately upon connection, before credentials or commands are transmitted, mitigating the risk of interception. The implementation requires both server and client to support TLS extensions on their Telnet software. Despite being an IANA-assigned official port, support and deployment can vary across platforms.
Secure Telnet remains relevant mainly for backward-compatibility scenarios where SSH adoption may be impractical. However, protocols like SSH have largely superseded it due to better integrated security features and key management systems. Still, port 992’s capability allows organizations to enhance security without completely overhauling existing Telnet infrastructure.