Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Which statement best describes why disabling unused switch ports is considered a hardening measure?
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
It reduces unnecessary exposure by removing potential unauthorized connection points
This is correct because unused active ports create avoidable risk.
B
Distractor review
It automatically increases OSPF metric accuracy
This is wrong because port hardening does not improve OSPF metrics.
C
Distractor review
It converts edge ports into routed interfaces
This is wrong because shutting unused ports down does not make them routed ports.
D
Distractor review
It replaces the need for authentication on active ports
This is wrong because authentication controls are still useful on active ports.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is assuming that disabling unused switch ports impacts routing protocols like OSPF or converts switch ports into routed interfaces. Some candidates mistakenly believe that shutting down ports automatically improves OSPF metric accuracy or changes port behavior at Layer 3. Another trap is thinking that disabling ports replaces the need for authentication mechanisms such as 802.1X. These misconceptions arise from confusing physical port status with logical routing or security features. The correct understanding is that disabling unused ports strictly reduces physical access points and does not alter routing or authentication functions.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Disabling unused switch ports is a fundamental security hardening technique in Cisco networking. Switch ports that are active but unused represent potential entry points for unauthorized devices, which can lead to network breaches or unauthorized access. By shutting down these ports, network administrators reduce the attack surface, limiting physical access to the network and preventing rogue devices from connecting unnoticed. This practice aligns with the principle of least privilege, ensuring only necessary ports remain active for legitimate traffic. The decision to disable unused ports is straightforward: any port not assigned to a specific device or function should be administratively shut down. This prevents attackers from plugging into an open port and gaining network access without authentication or monitoring. Unlike routing protocols such as OSPF or interface configurations that convert ports to routed interfaces, disabling ports is a layer 2 security measure focused on physical and logical access control. It complements other security features like port security, 802.1X authentication, and VLAN segmentation. A common exam trap is confusing port disabling with advanced routing or authentication mechanisms. For example, some may incorrectly believe that disabling ports affects OSPF metrics or converts ports into routed interfaces, which it does not. Practically, disabling unused ports is a simple yet effective way to prevent unauthorized network access and should be part of any Cisco network security baseline. It is a proactive measure that reduces risk without relying on complex configurations or protocols.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Disabling unused switch ports reduces the network's attack surface by preventing unauthorized devices from physically connecting to the network.
- An active but unused switch port represents a potential security vulnerability that can be exploited if left enabled.
- Disabling ports is a Layer 2 security measure focused on controlling physical access rather than influencing routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP.
- Shutting down unused ports does not convert them into routed interfaces; they remain Layer 2 ports unless explicitly configured otherwise.
- Port disabling does not replace the need for authentication mechanisms such as 802.1X on active ports.
- Effective network hardening includes disabling unused ports to complement other security controls like VLAN segmentation and port security.
- Network administrators should regularly audit switch ports to identify and disable any that are not in use to maintain security posture.
- Disabling unused ports is a proactive security habit that reduces risk without requiring complex configuration changes.
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?
Disabling unused switch ports reduces the network's attack surface by preventing unauthorized devices from physically connecting to the network.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It reduces unnecessary exposure by removing potential unauthorized connection points — Disabling unused switch ports is considered hardening because it reduces the attack surface. In plain language, every active but unused port is a potential place where an unauthorized device could be connected. By shutting those ports down, the administrator reduces unnecessary exposure and makes it harder for someone to exploit forgotten or unmanaged access points. This is a simple but important security habit. It is not glamorous, but it is effective. The correct answer is the one that focuses on reducing unnecessary exposure rather than on routing, encryption, or unrelated services.
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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