- A
Subject: An entity that requests access to an object.
This is correct because in access control terminology, a subject is the active entity (user, process, device) that initiates a request to access a resource (object).
- B
Subject: A resource or data that is being protected.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because a resource or data being protected is an object, not a subject. The subject is the entity requesting access.
- C
Subject: A set of permissions that define allowed actions.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because a set of permissions is typically called a role or permission set, not a subject.
- D
Subject: A list of permissions associated with an object.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because a list of permissions associated with an object is an access control list (ACL), not a subject.
Quick Answer
The answer is Subject: An entity that requests access to an object. This is correct because in access control concepts for CCNA, the subject is the active entity—such as a user, device, or process—that initiates a request to perform an operation on a passive resource, which is the object. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this distinction tests your understanding of how AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) frameworks operate, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify which component is acting. A common trap is confusing the subject with the object, but remember that the subject is always the one doing the asking, while the object is the thing being accessed. For a quick memory tip: think of the Subject as the one who “submits” the request, and the Object as the “objective” being targeted.
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. 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. A key principle to apply: authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network access.. 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.
Match each access-control concept to its most accurate meaning.
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
Subject: An entity that requests access to an object.
Authentication is correctly matched with 'Verification of identity' because it confirms who the user is. Authorization is correctly matched with 'Determination of allowed actions' because it defines what the user can do. Least privilege is correctly matched with 'Limiting access to only what is necessary' as it enforces minimal permissions. Local database is correctly matched with 'Credential store used directly on the device' as it stores credentials locally for authentication.
Key principle: Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network 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.
- ✓
Subject: An entity that requests access to an object.
Why this is correct
This is correct because in access control terminology, a subject is the active entity (user, process, device) that initiates a request to access a resource (object).
Related concept
Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network access.
- ✗
Subject: A resource or data that is being protected.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because a resource or data being protected is an object, not a subject. The subject is the entity requesting access.
- ✗
Subject: A set of permissions that define allowed actions.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because a set of permissions is typically called a role or permission set, not a subject.
- ✗
Subject: A list of permissions associated with an object.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because a list of permissions associated with an object is an access control list (ACL), not a subject.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Subject: An entity that requests access to an object.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because in access control terminology, a subject is the active entity (user, process, device) that initiates a request to access a resource (object).
✗Subject: A resource or data that is being protected.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Confuses the active entity (subject) with the passive resource (object).
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think 'subject' refers to the topic or item being accessed, but in access control it refers to the requester.
✗Subject: A set of permissions that define allowed actions.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Misidentifies a subject as a collection of permissions rather than an entity.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may associate 'subject' with the rules governing access, but it is the actor, not the rules.
✗Subject: A list of permissions associated with an object.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Confuses subject with an ACL, which is a mechanism to define permissions per object.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think 'subject' refers to the list of who can access what, but it is the entity that accesses.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Do not confuse 'subject' with 'object' or 'ACL'. Remember: subjects act, objects are acted upon. The subject is the 'who' requesting access, not the 'what' being accessed or the rules governing access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Access control in Cisco networking fundamentally involves verifying who is requesting access and what they are allowed to do. Authentication is the process that confirms the identity of a user or device, typically through credentials like usernames and passwords. Authorization follows authentication by determining the specific resources or actions the authenticated entity is permitted to access or perform. Least privilege is a security principle that restricts access rights to the minimum necessary, reducing potential damage from compromised accounts or errors. The local database is a method of storing user credentials directly on the network device, enabling local authentication without relying on external servers. In Cisco devices, authentication is the first gatekeeper step, often implemented via protocols like AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting). Once identity is confirmed, authorization policies decide the level of access granted, such as command privileges or network resource availability. Least privilege enforces strict access controls, ensuring users or processes only have permissions essential for their roles, which helps contain security risks. The local database stores usernames and passwords on the device itself, which is useful for small deployments or fallback scenarios but less scalable than centralized authentication servers like RADIUS or TACACS+. A frequent exam pitfall is conflating these related but distinct concepts. For example, assuming authorization includes identity verification or that least privilege is a form of authentication leads to incorrect answers. Practically, network administrators must clearly separate these functions to design secure access policies. Using a local database for authentication is straightforward but less flexible, so understanding when and why to use it versus external servers is critical for Cisco network security management.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network access.
- Authorization determines what actions or resources an authenticated user or device is allowed to access.
- Least privilege restricts user or device access rights to only what is necessary for their role or task.
- A local database stores user credentials directly on the Cisco device for authentication without external servers.
- Authentication and authorization are sequential steps in access control, with authentication always preceding authorization.
- Least privilege helps minimize security risks by limiting permissions and reducing potential attack surfaces.
- Using a local database is suitable for small networks or fallback scenarios but lacks scalability compared to centralized authentication.
- Confusing authentication with authorization or least privilege is a common exam mistake that leads to incorrect concept matching.
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network access., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Network Services and Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Network Services and Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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All 200-301 questions
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200-301 practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network access..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Subject: An entity that requests access to an object. — Authentication is correctly matched with 'Verification of identity' because it confirms who the user is. Authorization is correctly matched with 'Determination of allowed actions' because it defines what the user can do. Least privilege is correctly matched with 'Limiting access to only what is necessary' as it enforces minimal permissions. Local database is correctly matched with 'Credential store used directly on the device' as it stores credentials locally for authentication.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network access., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting network access.
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Last reviewed: Apr 12, 2026
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.
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