hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
350-701 Practice Question: A company uses Cisco WSA with multiple…
A company uses Cisco WSA with multiple authentication realms (LDAP, RADIUS, and local). They want to require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for external users but allow single sign-on (SSO) for internal corporate users. Which configuration approach should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that a single authentication realm can handle multiple authentication methods simultaneously, or that features like SSL VPN or SAML alone can solve policy-based MFA differentiation without realm-level configuration.
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
✓
Configure two authentication realms: one for internal (LDAP with Kerberos SSO) and one for external (RADIUS with MFA), then assign each realm to appropriate access policies
Cisco WSA supports multiple authentication realms, allowing you to assign different realms to different access policies. By configuring an internal realm with LDAP and Kerberos SSO for seamless authentication, and a separate external realm with RADIUS and MFA for stronger security, you can enforce MFA only for external users while maintaining SSO for internal users. This approach directly maps authentication methods to user groups based on policy, not on client IP or a single realm.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a single authentication realm with both LDAP and RADIUS configured, and rely on the client IP to choose method
Why it's wrong here
WSA cannot combine realm authentication methods; it uses one realm per policy.
- ✗
Configure a SSL VPN on WSA to differentiate user groups
Why it's wrong here
WSA does not function as an SSL VPN gateway.
- ✓
Configure two authentication realms: one for internal (LDAP with Kerberos SSO) and one for external (RADIUS with MFA), then assign each realm to appropriate access policies
Why this is correct
Multiple realms allow different authentication methods per policy.
- ✗
Use SAML authentication with an Identity Provider that supports MFA
Why it's wrong here
SAML is not typically supported for WSA authentication; LDAP and RADIUS are standard.
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.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every 350-701 question from scratch — 978 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-701 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 350-701 exam.