The answer is that the port will be placed into the errdisable state. This is correct because the port security violation mode is configured as shutdown, and the violation count has already reached 5, exceeding the default maximum of 1. When a frame with an unauthorized source MAC address—such as 0011.2233.4477—arrives, it triggers a security violation, and in shutdown mode, the port immediately transitions to errdisable, blocking all traffic. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how port security violation modes interact with the errdisable state, often appearing in exhibit-based questions where you must track the violation counter. A common trap is assuming the port simply shuts down administratively, but shutdown mode actually places the port into errdisable, requiring manual or automatic recovery. Memory tip: think of “shutdown” as the trigger that sends the port to “errdisable jail”—once the violation count maxes out, the port is locked down until cleared.
350-601 Security Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
! Output from show port-security interface ethernet 1/1
Port Security : Enabled
Port Status : Secure-up
Violation Mode : Shutdown
Maximum MAC Addresses : 2
Sticky MAC Addresses : 2
Last Violation : 00:00:15 ago
Security Violation Count : 5
! Current sticky MACs: 0011.2233.4455, 0011.2233.4466
Refer to the exhibit. The interface showed a security violation 15 seconds ago and has a violation count of 5. What would happen if a frame with source MAC 0011.2233.4477 arrived now?
Refer to the exhibit.
! Output from show port-security interface ethernet 1/1
Port Security : Enabled
Port Status : Secure-up
Violation Mode : Shutdown
Maximum MAC Addresses : 2
Sticky MAC Addresses : 2
Last Violation : 00:00:15 ago
Security Violation Count : 5
! Current sticky MACs: 0011.2233.4455, 0011.2233.4466
A
The frame will be dropped but the port remains up.
Why wrong: Violation mode shutdown will disable the port.
B
The port will be placed into errdisable state.
A violation in 'shutdown' mode causes the port to shut down (errdisable).
C
The frame will be allowed because sticky MACs are learned dynamically.
Why wrong: The MAC is different from the two sticky MACs, so it will not be allowed.
D
The frame will be dropped and the violation counter will increment, but the port stays up.
Why wrong: That describes 'restrict' mode, not 'shutdown'.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The port will be placed into errdisable state.
The correct answer is B because the port security violation mode is configured as 'shutdown' (the default), and the violation count has reached 5, which exceeds the allowed maximum of 1 (the default). When a security violation occurs and the port is in shutdown mode, the port immediately transitions to the errdisable state, blocking all traffic. Since the frame with source MAC 0011.2233.4477 is not the allowed MAC (0011.2233.4455), it triggers a violation, and the port is placed into errdisable state, as indicated by the violation counter incrementing to 5.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The frame will be dropped but the port remains up.
Why it's wrong here
Violation mode shutdown will disable the port.
✓
The port will be placed into errdisable state.
Why this is correct
A violation in 'shutdown' mode causes the port to shut down (errdisable).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The frame will be allowed because sticky MACs are learned dynamically.
Why it's wrong here
The MAC is different from the two sticky MACs, so it will not be allowed.
✗
The frame will be dropped and the violation counter will increment, but the port stays up.
Why it's wrong here
That describes 'restrict' mode, not 'shutdown'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the default violation mode (shutdown) and the fact that the port enters errdisable state immediately upon the first violation, not after multiple violations, and that the violation counter increments even after the port is down, which can confuse candidates into thinking the port remains up.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Port security violation modes are configured with the 'switchport port-security violation {protect | restrict | shutdown}' command. In 'shutdown' mode (default), the port is error-disabled and must be manually re-enabled or automatically recovered via errdisable recovery. The violation counter increments each time an unauthorized MAC is seen, and once the maximum MAC count is exceeded, the configured action triggers immediately. In this scenario, the maximum MAC count is 1 (default), and the violation count of 5 indicates multiple violations have occurred, so the port is already in errdisable state from the first violation; the arrival of a new frame with an unauthorized MAC would not change the state because the port is already down.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-601 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The port will be placed into errdisable state. — The correct answer is B because the port security violation mode is configured as 'shutdown' (the default), and the violation count has reached 5, which exceeds the allowed maximum of 1 (the default). When a security violation occurs and the port is in shutdown mode, the port immediately transitions to the errdisable state, blocking all traffic. Since the frame with source MAC 0011.2233.4477 is not the allowed MAC (0011.2233.4455), it triggers a violation, and the port is placed into errdisable state, as indicated by the violation counter incrementing to 5.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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