- A
IAM authorization
Why wrong: IAM is for AWS service authorization, not VPN authentication.
- B
SAML-based federated authentication
SAML allows integration with Active Directory for user authentication.
- C
Certificate-based authentication using AWS Certificate Manager
Why wrong: Certificates authenticate devices, not users.
- D
Mutual authentication
Why wrong: Mutual authentication uses certificates on both sides, not Active Directory.
Question 1,014 of 1,705
ANS-C01 Network Security, Compliance and Governance Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network security, compliance and governance. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is using AWS Client VPN to provide remote access to their VPC. They want to ensure that only authenticated users from their corporate Active Directory can access the VPN. Which authentication method should they use?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SAML-based federated authentication
Option B is correct because AWS Client VPN supports SAML-based federated authentication, which can integrate with your corporate Active Directory to authenticate users. Option A is wrong because IAM authorization is not an authentication method for Client VPN; it is used for controlling access to AWS APIs. Option C is wrong because certificate-based authentication uses client certificates and does not directly tie to Active Directory user identities. Option D is wrong because mutual authentication still relies on certificates and does not inherently provide integration with Active Directory.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
IAM authorization
Why it's wrong here
IAM is for AWS service authorization, not VPN authentication.
- ✓
SAML-based federated authentication
Why this is correct
SAML allows integration with Active Directory for user authentication.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Certificate-based authentication using AWS Certificate Manager
Why it's wrong here
Certificates authenticate devices, not users.
- ✗
Mutual authentication
Why it's wrong here
Mutual authentication uses certificates on both sides, not Active Directory.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related ANS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ANS-C01 question test?
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SAML-based federated authentication — Option B is correct because AWS Client VPN supports SAML-based federated authentication, which can integrate with your corporate Active Directory to authenticate users. Option A is wrong because IAM authorization is not an authentication method for Client VPN; it is used for controlling access to AWS APIs. Option C is wrong because certificate-based authentication uses client certificates and does not directly tie to Active Directory user identities. Option D is wrong because mutual authentication still relies on certificates and does not inherently provide integration with Active Directory.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related ANS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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