Which two IPsec protocols are primarily used to ensure data integrity?

The IPsec protocol suite uses two main protocols, which are ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) and AH (Authentication Header), to provide security features, including data integrity.

The correct choice focuses specifically on the Authentication Header (AH), which is designed specifically for integrity and authentication of IP packets. AH provides data integrity by using a hash function to ensure that the contents of the packet have not been altered in transit. It uses cryptographic hash algorithms to generate a message digest that accompanies the packet, which can be verified by the recipient.

On the other hand, other options like MD5 and SHA are hashing algorithms rather than protocols. While these algorithms can be used to provide data integrity within various protocols, including AH, they do not operate as standalone protocols within the IPsec framework. ESP, while it provides confidentiality and can also ensure integrity through optional integrity checks, is not solely focused on integrity like AH is.

In summary, AH is the IPsec protocol specifically aimed at ensuring data integrity, while MD5 and SHA are hashing algorithms and not protocols, which is why they would not be considered correct in this context.