Final Answer:
It is crucial that a password not be transmitted as plaintext to prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Instead, passwords should be transmitted as ciphertext for enhanced security.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sending passwords as plaintext poses a severe security risk because it means transmitting the actual characters of the password without encryption. If intercepted, attackers can easily obtain and misuse the password, compromising user accounts and sensitive information. On the other hand, transmitting passwords as ciphertext involves encrypting the password using cryptographic algorithms, making it unreadable without the corresponding decryption key.
This adds a layer of security, as even if intercepted, the ciphertext is challenging to decipher without the proper credentials. Implementing secure communication practices, such as using encryption protocols like HTTPS, ensures that passwords are protected during transmission, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and enhancing overall cybersecurity.
Using ciphertext instead of plaintext is the answer.