What encryption technology should be used for non-console administrator access to web-based management interfaces?

Using HTTPS for non-console administrator access to web-based management interfaces is the most appropriate choice because HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) combines the standard HTTP protocol with TLS (Transport Layer Security) or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt the data transmitted between the user and the web server. This encryption provides confidentiality and integrity, ensuring that any sensitive information exchanged, such as login credentials or configuration settings, is protected from eavesdropping and tampering.

HTTPS is specifically designed for securing web traffic, making it an ideal choice for managing web-based interfaces securely. By employing HTTPS, administrators can safeguard access to these interfaces against potential cyber threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker could intercept and manipulate the communication if it were transmitted over an unencrypted connection.

While SSL, as a standalone option, establishes a secure connection for data transmission and is part of what makes HTTPS secure, it is not a protocol that can be used on its own for managing web interfaces. IPSec operates at the network layer and is generally used for securing IP communications, while SSH (Secure Shell) is typically used for secure command-line access and is not designed specifically for web-based management interfaces. Thus, HTTPS remains the most suitable solution for this context.