CCNP Security Practice Question
A network administrator needs to secure management access to a Cisco IOS XE switch. The requirement is to ensure that only SSH version 2 is used for remote CLI access, and that Telnet is disabled. Which configuration achieves this?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that setting 'ip ssh version 2' alone disables Telnet, when the VTY transport input must also be restricted to SSH.
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
✓
Configure 'transport input ssh' on the VTY lines and set 'ip ssh version 2' globally.
Restricting VTY access to SSH with 'transport input ssh' and forcing SSH version 2 with 'ip ssh version 2' ensures that only secure SSHv2 sessions are accepted. This combination disables Telnet and prevents fallback to the weaker SSH version 1, satisfying the management access hardening requirement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure 'transport input telnet ssh' on the VTY lines and set 'ip ssh version 2' globally.
Why it's wrong here
Allowing both Telnet and SSH on the VTY lines leaves Telnet enabled, which violates the requirement to disable Telnet. Even though SSH version 2 is set, the presence of 'telnet' in the transport input list means an administrator could still connect insecurely. This configuration does not achieve the stated security objective.
- ✗
Configure 'transport output ssh' on the VTY lines and set 'ip ssh version 1' globally.
Why it's wrong here
The 'transport output' command controls what protocols can be used for outgoing connections from the device, not incoming management sessions. Setting SSH version 1 also contradicts the requirement for SSH version 2. This combination does not restrict inbound access to SSHv2 and would leave the device less secure.
- ✓
Configure 'transport input ssh' on the VTY lines and set 'ip ssh version 2' globally.
Why this is correct
The 'transport input ssh' command on the VTY lines restricts remote CLI access to SSH only, effectively disabling Telnet. Setting 'ip ssh version 2' globally forces the device to use only SSH version 2. Together, these commands meet the requirement to allow only SSHv2 and block Telnet, which is the standard hardening practice for management access.
- ✗
Configure 'line vty 0 4' with 'login local' and 'password cisco', then set 'ip ssh version 2' globally.
Why it's wrong here
Configuring 'login local' and a password enables authentication but does not restrict the transport protocol. Telnet would still be allowed by default, so the requirement to disable Telnet is not met. While SSH version 2 is set, the lack of 'transport input ssh' means the VTY lines still accept Telnet connections, leaving the switch exposed.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.