Which protocol should be implemented for secure remote access to Linux servers to protect against snooping?

Implementing SSH, or Secure Shell, is the most appropriate choice for secure remote access to Linux servers. SSH provides a secure channel over an unsecured network by using encryption. This ensures that all data transmitted between the client and server is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping or "snooping" attacks. Additionally, SSH authenticates the user with either password authentication or public-key authentication, adding another layer of security.

In contrast, other protocols like RDP and Telnet do not provide the same level of security as SSH. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is primarily used for Windows systems and is not optimal for Linux servers. Telnet transmits data, including user credentials, in plain text, making it highly vulnerable to interception. IPsec is a network-level protocol that secures Internet Protocol (IP) communications; while it can provide secure connections, it is more complex to implement specifically for direct access to Linux servers compared to the straightforward setup of SSH. Thus, for secure remote management of Linux systems, SSH is the preferred protocol.