Question 1mediummulti select
Full question →mediummulti selectObjective-mapped
A security policy requires administrators to permit SSH to network devices but block insecure remote CLI access. Which two actions support that goal?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
Enable SSH on the VTY lines and use local or AAA authentication
SSH provides encrypted remote management.
B
Best answer
Disable Telnet access on the VTY lines
Telnet sends credentials and session data in clear text and should be blocked.
C
Distractor review
Enable CDP globally
CDP is a discovery protocol and does not secure management access.
D
Distractor review
Configure the console line for transport input ssh
SSH applies to remote VTY access, not the physical console port.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is selecting options related to the console line or CDP when the question focuses on securing remote CLI access. The console line is for local physical access and does not support SSH, so configuring SSH there does not meet the requirement. Similarly, enabling CDP is unrelated to securing management access and does not block insecure protocols like Telnet. Another common mistake is assuming that enabling SSH alone is sufficient without disabling Telnet, which leaves an insecure access method open. Candidates must carefully distinguish between local and remote access methods and ensure insecure protocols are explicitly blocked on VTY lines.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Secure remote management of Cisco network devices relies heavily on the use of SSH (Secure Shell). SSH encrypts all session data, including usernames and passwords, which protects against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Unlike Telnet, which sends data in plaintext, SSH ensures confidentiality and integrity of management traffic. Cisco devices use VTY (Virtual Teletype) lines to handle remote CLI sessions, and these lines can be configured to accept only SSH connections by specifying the allowed transport protocols. To comply with security policies that require encrypted remote access, administrators must enable SSH on the VTY lines and configure authentication methods such as local user databases or AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting). This setup ensures that only authorized users can establish SSH sessions. Additionally, Telnet access must be explicitly disabled on the VTY lines to prevent insecure remote CLI access. This is done by removing Telnet from the allowed transport input protocols, effectively blocking any unencrypted remote management attempts. A common exam trap is confusing the console line with VTY lines. The console line provides local physical access and does not support SSH; therefore, configuring SSH on the console line is ineffective. Another practical consideration is that enabling CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) globally does not affect remote management security and does not block insecure access. Understanding these distinctions helps avoid misconfigurations and ensures compliance with security policies that mandate encrypted remote CLI access via SSH only.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- SSH encrypts remote management sessions, preventing credential and data interception during CLI access to network devices.
- Telnet transmits data and credentials in clear text, which exposes devices to security risks and should be disabled on VTY lines.
- VTY lines on Cisco devices control remote access protocols such as SSH and Telnet for CLI management.
- Local or AAA authentication on VTY lines ensures that only authorized users can access network devices remotely via SSH.
- Configuring transport input on VTY lines explicitly defines which protocols are allowed for remote CLI access.
- The console line is a physical access method and does not support SSH; SSH applies only to remote VTY sessions.
- Security policies requiring encrypted remote access must enable SSH and disable insecure protocols like Telnet on VTY lines.
- Network devices must be configured to prevent insecure remote CLI access by blocking Telnet and permitting only SSH.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
SSH encrypts remote management sessions, preventing credential and data interception during CLI access to network devices.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable SSH on the VTY lines and use local or AAA authentication — To meet the requirement, the device should allow encrypted SSH access and explicitly avoid Telnet for remote management.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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