What is a significant risk associated with using unsecured connections like Telnet?

Using unsecured connections such as Telnet poses a significant risk because data packets transmitted over these connections are not encrypted. As a result, any information exchanged can be intercepted by attackers during transmission. This includes sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or any command executed in the session. Without encryption, these data packets are sent in plaintext, making them easily readable by anyone who has the capability to monitor network traffic.

The other options presented do not accurately represent the risks associated with unsecured connections. For example, secure remote access is not a feature of Telnet, and it does not contribute positively to network resource management. Furthermore, encryption is not part of Telnet's functionality, which is precisely what makes it a less secure option compared to alternatives like SSH (Secure Shell) that do provide the necessary encryption to safeguard data and enhance security during remote access.