The answer is to change the tunnel group authentication method to certificate. When an ASA is configured for AnyConnect certificate-based authentication, the tunnel group’s authentication method must explicitly be set to “certificate” rather than “AAA” or “LOCAL”; otherwise, the ASA will ignore the client certificate and fall back to prompting for a username and password. This configuration tells the ASA to validate the user identity solely through the certificate presented during the SSL handshake, bypassing any credential prompt. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of remote access VPN authentication flows and the hierarchy of tunnel group settings—a common trap is assuming that simply having a CA server configured is sufficient, but the tunnel group method is the decisive toggle. Remember the mnemonic: “AAA asks, certificate skips”—if you want no password prompt, set the method to certificate.
CCNP VPN Technologies Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vpn technologies. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network engineer is configuring a remote access VPN using Cisco AnyConnect on an ASA. The engineer wants to use certificate-based authentication. The ASA is configured with a CA server. After configuration, users can connect, but they are prompted for a username and password instead of using certificates. The engineer checks the ASA configuration and sees that the tunnel group has authentication method set to AAA. What should the engineer do to fix this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the tunnel group authentication method to certificate.
For certificate-based authentication, the tunnel group must be configured to use certificate authentication. If it is set to AAA, the ASA will prompt for credentials. Option D is correct because the authentication method must be changed. Option A is incorrect because the CA is already configured. Option B is incorrect because the connection profile is not the issue. Option C is incorrect because the group policy does not control authentication method.
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.
✗
Re-enroll the CA certificate on the ASA.
Why it's wrong here
The CA is already working since users can connect.
✗
Change the connection profile to use the correct group.
Why it's wrong here
The connection profile is separate from authentication method.
✗
Configure the group policy to require certificates.
Why it's wrong here
Group policies do not control authentication method.
✓
Change the tunnel group authentication method to certificate.
Why this is correct
Correct because the authentication method must be set to certificate.
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.
VPN Technologies — This question tests VPN Technologies — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the tunnel group authentication method to certificate. — For certificate-based authentication, the tunnel group must be configured to use certificate authentication. If it is set to AAA, the ASA will prompt for credentials. Option D is correct because the authentication method must be changed. Option A is incorrect because the CA is already configured. Option B is incorrect because the connection profile is not the issue. Option C is incorrect because the group policy does not control authentication method.
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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