Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Which statement best explains why least privilege remains important even when administrators already use SSH and named accounts?
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
Because secure login and named identity do not remove the need to limit permissions to what each user actually needs.
This is correct because least privilege addresses authorization scope, not just identity or encryption.
B
Distractor review
Because least privilege is required only for wireless guest accounts.
This is wrong because least privilege applies broadly, not only to guests.
C
Distractor review
Because SSH automatically grants full access to all named users.
This is wrong because SSH does not define authorization scope by itself.
D
Distractor review
Because logging becomes unnecessary when least privilege is used.
This is wrong because logging still adds accountability and visibility.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is believing that SSH encryption and named user accounts alone provide complete security by limiting user permissions. Candidates may incorrectly assume that once a user is authenticated via SSH, they automatically have restricted access. However, SSH only secures the session and confirms identity; it does not enforce what commands or configurations the user can perform. Overlooking the need for least privilege leads to granting excessive permissions, increasing the risk of accidental or malicious changes. Recognizing that authorization is a separate layer from authentication is critical to avoid this mistake.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Least privilege is a fundamental security principle that ensures users and administrators have only the permissions necessary to perform their specific duties. In Cisco networking, this means configuring devices so that each named account or user role has restricted access tailored to their responsibilities. While SSH secures the communication channel and authenticates the user, it does not control what commands or configurations the user can execute once logged in. Therefore, least privilege focuses on authorization, which is separate from authentication and encryption. The decision process for enforcing least privilege involves defining user roles, privilege levels, or using role-based access control (RBAC) on Cisco devices. Administrators assign permissions carefully to prevent users from executing commands beyond their scope. This reduces risks such as accidental misconfiguration, malicious activity, or damage from compromised accounts. Even with SSH and named accounts, without least privilege, users might have full administrative rights, which contradicts security best practices. A common exam trap is assuming that secure login methods like SSH or having named accounts automatically enforce access restrictions. This misconception leads to overlooking the need for explicit authorization controls. In practice, Cisco devices require additional configuration to limit privileges, such as setting privilege levels or using Cisco IOS RBAC. Understanding this distinction helps avoid mistakes and ensures layered security by combining secure transport, identity verification, and strict authorization policies.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Least privilege enforces that users receive only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their assigned tasks, reducing security risks from excessive access.
- SSH provides encrypted communication and authenticates user identity but does not inherently restrict user permissions or access rights after login.
- Named accounts improve accountability by associating actions with specific users but do not automatically limit the scope of their privileges.
- Authorization and authentication are distinct processes; authentication verifies identity, while authorization controls what resources a user can access.
- Applying least privilege limits the potential damage from compromised credentials or accidental misuse by restricting user capabilities.
- Layered security requires combining transport security, identity management, and strict authorization policies to effectively protect network devices.
- Administrators must configure role-based access control or privilege levels to enforce least privilege on Cisco devices.
- Failing to apply least privilege despite secure login methods can lead to unauthorized changes or data exposure if accounts have excessive rights.
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?
Least privilege enforces that users receive only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their assigned tasks, reducing security risks from excessive access.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Because secure login and named identity do not remove the need to limit permissions to what each user actually needs. — Least privilege remains important because secure transport and individual identity do not automatically limit what a user is allowed to do after login. In practical terms, SSH protects the session and named accounts improve accountability, but permissions still need to be constrained to what each administrator actually requires. That reduces risk from mistakes, misuse, or compromised credentials. This is a layered-security principle: transport security, identity, and authorization each solve different parts of the problem.
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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