CCNP Security Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are characteristics of Cisco TrustSec (CTS) security architecture?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that TrustSec uses VLANs or IPsec for segmentation and encryption, when in fact it uses SGTs for classification and MACsec for Layer 2 encryption.
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
✓
It uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify traffic.
C is correct because Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify traffic based on user, device, or role, rather than IP addresses. SGTs are 16-bit values (0–65535) assigned dynamically via authentication (e.g., 802.1X) or static mapping, enabling scalable policy enforcement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It uses IPsec to encrypt traffic between network devices.
Why it's wrong here
CTS uses MACsec, not IPsec.
- ✗
It uses VLANs to segment traffic based on security roles.
Why it's wrong here
Segmentation is via SGTs, not VLANs.
- ✓
It uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify traffic.
Why this is correct
SGTs are used for classification.
- ✓
It provides data confidentiality using IEEE 802.1AE (MACsec) encryption.
Why this is correct
MACsec provides link-layer encryption.
- ✓
It uses Security Group Access Control Lists (SGACLs) to enforce policies.
Why this is correct
SGACLs are enforced based on SGTs.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.