Quick Answer
The answer is both the `enable password` and `enable secret` commands, as these are the two methods to prevent unauthorized access to privileged EXEC mode on a Cisco router. The `enable secret` command is the stronger choice because it stores the password using an MD5-based hash (or SHA-256 in modern IOS), while the `enable password` stores it in plain text within the running configuration, making it vulnerable to anyone who can view the config. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this distinction is frequently tested to ensure you understand that while both commands restrict access, only `enable secret` provides cryptographic protection—a common trap is assuming `enable password` is secure enough. A reliable memory tip is to think of the word “secret” as meaning “secure,” so always choose the secret command over the password command when security is a priority.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 TWO methods can be used to prevent unauthorized access to the privileged EXEC mode on a Cisco router? (Choose two.)
Enable AAA authentication.
Why wrong: AAA is a broader framework.
Configure the enable secret password.
Provides encrypted access.
Use the service password-encryption command.
Why wrong: Encrypts passwords but does not set enable password.
Configure the enable password.
Sets an unencrypted enable password.
Configure login local on the console line.
Why wrong: This is for user authentication, not enable.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure the enable secret password.
The privileged EXEC mode (enable mode) is protected by either the `enable password` or `enable secret` command. The `enable secret` command uses a stronger MD5-based hash (or SHA-256 in newer IOS versions) to store the password, making it the recommended method. Both commands restrict access to privileged EXEC mode by requiring a password before executing `enable`.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Enable AAA authentication.
Why it's wrong here
AAA is a broader framework.
Configure the enable secret password.
Why this is correct
Provides encrypted access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use the service password-encryption command.
Why it's wrong here
Encrypts passwords but does not set enable password.
Configure the enable password.
Why this is correct
Sets an unencrypted enable password.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Configure login local on the console line.
Why it's wrong here
This is for user authentication, not enable.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between commands that protect privileged EXEC mode (enable password/secret) versus commands that protect user EXEC mode (login local) or merely obscure passwords (service password-encryption), leading candidates to select options that do not actually control access to the enable prompt.
Detailed technical explanation
The `enable secret` command stores the password using a cryptographic hash (MD5 by default, or SHA-256 in IOS 15.x with `enable algorithm-type sha256`), while `enable password` stores it in plaintext (or type 7 if encrypted). In a real-world scenario, an attacker who gains read access to the configuration file can easily reverse type 7 encryption but cannot reverse the hash, making `enable secret` the secure choice. Both commands, however, are valid methods to set a password for privileged EXEC access.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Configure the enable secret password. — The privileged EXEC mode (enable mode) is protected by either the `enable password` or `enable secret` command. The `enable secret` command uses a stronger MD5-based hash (or SHA-256 in newer IOS versions) to store the password, making it the recommended method. Both commands restrict access to privileged EXEC mode by requiring a password before executing `enable`.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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