- A
Token-based authentication typically uses the HTTP Authorization header to pass the token.
Correct because tokens are commonly sent in the Authorization header using the Bearer scheme.
- B
HTTPS is recommended for REST APIs to ensure data encryption in transit.
Correct because HTTPS uses TLS to encrypt HTTP traffic, protecting sensitive data.
- C
API keys provide the same level of security as OAuth 2.0 tokens.
Why wrong: Incorrect because API keys are simpler and less secure; OAuth 2.0 provides more robust authorization with scopes and expiration.
- D
Basic authentication over HTTP is secure because the credentials are base64-encoded.
Why wrong: Incorrect because base64 encoding is not encryption; it can be easily decoded, so HTTP without TLS is insecure.
- E
OAuth 2.0 is an authorization framework that can be used for REST API access.
Correct because OAuth 2.0 provides token-based authorization and is widely used for REST APIs.
Quick Answer
The answer is OAuth 2.0, an authorization framework that can be used for REST API access. This is correct because REST APIs commonly rely on token-based authentication, such as JSON Web Tokens, where the client includes the token in the HTTP Authorization header, while HTTPS (TLS) encrypts the entire communication to protect credentials in transit. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how API security differs from traditional network security; a common trap is confusing API keys with secure tokens—API keys identify clients but lack the cryptographic protection of OAuth tokens, and Basic authentication sends credentials in base64, which is not encrypted and must always be paired with HTTPS. Remember the mnemonic "TOKEN" for secure REST: Token-based, Over HTTPS, Keyed with OAuth, Encrypted, and Never plaintext.
CCNP REST APIs and Data Models Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of rest apis and data models. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 three statements about REST API authentication and security are true? (Choose three.)
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
Token-based authentication typically uses the HTTP Authorization header to pass the token.
REST APIs often use token-based authentication (e.g., JSON Web Tokens) where the client includes a token in the HTTP Authorization header. HTTPS (TLS) is essential to encrypt the communication and protect credentials. API keys are a common method for identifying clients but are less secure than token-based methods if used alone. Basic authentication sends credentials in base64 encoding, which is not encrypted and should only be used over HTTPS. OAuth 2.0 is a framework that provides token-based authorization, often used for delegated access.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged 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.
- ✓
Token-based authentication typically uses the HTTP Authorization header to pass the token.
Why this is correct
Correct because tokens are commonly sent in the Authorization header using the Bearer scheme.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
HTTPS is recommended for REST APIs to ensure data encryption in transit.
- ✗
API keys provide the same level of security as OAuth 2.0 tokens.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because API keys are simpler and less secure; OAuth 2.0 provides more robust authorization with scopes and expiration.
- ✗
Basic authentication over HTTP is secure because the credentials are base64-encoded.
- ✓
OAuth 2.0 is an authorization framework that can be used for REST API access.
Why this is correct
Correct because OAuth 2.0 provides token-based authorization and is widely used for REST APIs.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
REST APIs and Data Models — This question tests REST APIs and Data Models — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Token-based authentication typically uses the HTTP Authorization header to pass the token. — REST APIs often use token-based authentication (e.g., JSON Web Tokens) where the client includes a token in the HTTP Authorization header. HTTPS (TLS) is essential to encrypt the communication and protect credentials. API keys are a common method for identifying clients but are less secure than token-based methods if used alone. Basic authentication sends credentials in base64 encoding, which is not encrypted and should only be used over HTTPS. OAuth 2.0 is a framework that provides token-based authorization, often used for delegated access.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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