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Quick Answer
The answer is to keep device firmware and operating systems up to date with security patches, along with disabling unused ports, implementing role-based access control (RBAC), and enabling logging. These four practices form the foundation of securing network services and devices because they systematically reduce the attack surface, enforce least-privilege access, provide visibility into suspicious activity, and close known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this topic tests your understanding of foundational network hardening, often appearing in multiple-choice questions that pair secure options with common traps like using Telnet instead of SSH or placing all devices on the same VLAN, which breaks segmentation and allows lateral movement. A quick memory tip is the acronym D.R.L.P.: Disable unused ports, RBAC, Logging, and Patches—if you see Telnet or a flat VLAN in the options, they are always the wrong choices.
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. 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.
Which four of the following are best practices for securing network services and devices? (Choose four.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
✓
Disable unused ports and services on routers and switches.
Disabling unused ports, implementing role-based access control (RBAC), enabling logging, and keeping firmware updated are all critical security best practices: they reduce the attack surface, limit user permissions, detect threats, and patch known vulnerabilities. Using Telnet is insecure because it transmits data in cleartext, unlike SSH. Placing all devices on the same VLAN undermines network segmentation and allows lateral movement by attackers.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that Telnet is acceptable for management in a secure environment because it is easier to configure, but the exam expects you to recognize that SSH is the mandatory secure alternative.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Disabling unused ports involves using commands like 'interface range' followed by 'shutdown' on Cisco switches, while disabling unused services (e.g., CDP, LLDP, HTTP server) is done via global configuration commands like 'no cdp run' or 'no ip http server'. This practice aligns with the principle of least functionality, ensuring that only necessary services are active to minimize the risk of exploitation through default or forgotten services.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disable unused ports and services on routers and switches. — Disabling unused ports, implementing role-based access control (RBAC), enabling logging, and keeping firmware updated are all critical security best practices: they reduce the attack surface, limit user permissions, detect threats, and patch known vulnerabilities. Using Telnet is insecure because it transmits data in cleartext, unlike SSH. Placing all devices on the same VLAN undermines network segmentation and allows lateral movement by attackers.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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