350-601 Security Practice Question
An engineer needs to ensure that only authorized servers can connect to a specific switch port in a data center. The port connects to a critical database server with fixed MAC address 00:1a:2b:3c:4d:5e. Which configuration is most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between specifying a static MAC address versus relying on dynamic learning with a maximum count, where candidates mistakenly think limiting to one MAC is sufficient without binding the specific authorized address.
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
✓
switchport port-security switchport port-security mac-address 001a.2b3c.4d5e switchport port-security violation shutdown
It explicitly binds the specific MAC address 001a.2b3c.4d5e to the port using port security, and sets the violation mode to shutdown, which disables the port if any unauthorized device attempts to connect. This ensures only the authorized database server can use the port, meeting the requirement precisely.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
switchport port-security switchport port-security mac-address 001a.2b3c.4d5e switchport port-security violation shutdown
Why this is correct
Statically configures the authorized MAC, exactly meeting the requirement.
- ✗
switchport port-security switchport port-security maximum 1 switchport port-security violation shutdown
Why it's wrong here
Learns first MAC dynamically; if an attacker connects first, it learns attacker's MAC.
- ✗
no switchport port-security spanning-tree portfast
Why it's wrong here
Disables port security and only enables PortFast, no MAC restriction.
- ✗
switchport port-security switchport port-security maximum 2 switchport port-security violation protect
Why it's wrong here
Allows up to two MACs, too permissive.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-601 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 350-601 exam.