The answer is that a switchport security violation has caused the ports to error-disable or drop traffic. This is correct because the switch logs show 'Authentication failed' messages for MAC addresses in the finance VLAN, and when switchport security is enabled, a violation—such as exceeding the allowed MAC address limit or detecting an unauthorized MAC—triggers the configured action, typically error-disabling the port or dropping frames. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between Layer 2 port security violations and 802.1X authentication failures; a common trap is confusing the “authentication failed” log message with an 802.1X issue, but here the switchport security feature is the culprit, not RADIUS-based authentication. Remember the memory tip: “Security violation = port shutdown; 802.1X failure = user denied,” so when you see “authentication failed” alongside port security enabled, think MAC address violation first.
350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of secure network access, visibility and enforcement. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network administrator is troubleshooting an issue where users in the finance VLAN are unable to access a critical server in the server VLAN. The switch logs show multiple 'Authentication failed' messages for MAC addresses in the finance VLAN. The switchport security feature is enabled on the access ports. What is the most likely cause of the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Switchport security violation has caused the ports to error-disable or drop traffic.
The switch logs show 'Authentication failed' messages for MAC addresses in the finance VLAN, and switchport security is enabled. When a switchport security violation occurs (e.g., due to a MAC address limit or an unauthorized MAC address), the port can be configured to error-disable or drop traffic. This explains why users in the finance VLAN cannot reach the server, as the access ports are effectively blocking traffic due to the security violation.
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 switch ports are configured as trunks and are not allowing the finance VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
Trunk configuration would affect all VLANs, not just specific MAC addresses.
✗
802.1X authentication is failing for the finance users.
Why it's wrong here
802.1X would show authentication failures, but the logs mention 'switchport security', not 802.1X.
✗
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is blocking the ports in the finance VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
STP blocking would affect the entire VLAN, not individual MAC addresses.
✓
Switchport security violation has caused the ports to error-disable or drop traffic.
Why this is correct
Switchport security violation can disable the port or drop traffic from unauthorized MAC addresses.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between switchport security MAC authentication and 802.1X authentication; the trap here is assuming 'Authentication failed' always refers to 802.1X, when it can also be generated by switchport security's 'restrict' or 'shutdown' violation modes.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
802.1X would show authentication failures, but the logs mention 'switchport security', not 802.1X.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Switchport security uses MAC address tables to restrict access; a violation can be configured with the 'switchport port-security violation {protect | restrict | shutdown}' command. The 'shutdown' mode (default) places the port in an error-disabled state, which is cleared manually or via errdisable recovery. In real-world scenarios, a common misconfiguration is setting the maximum MAC address count too low (e.g., 'switchport port-security maximum 1') on a port connected to a phone and PC, causing frequent violations.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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.
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Switchport security violation has caused the ports to error-disable or drop traffic. — The switch logs show 'Authentication failed' messages for MAC addresses in the finance VLAN, and switchport security is enabled. When a switchport security violation occurs (e.g., due to a MAC address limit or an unauthorized MAC address), the port can be configured to error-disable or drop traffic. This explains why users in the finance VLAN cannot reach the server, as the access ports are effectively blocking traffic due to the security violation.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.