TACACS+ is the correct choice because it supports per-command authorization, which allows an administrator to define granular access policies based on attributes such as time of day and source IP address. Unlike RADIUS, which only authorizes at the network-access level, TACACS+ separates authentication, authorization, and accounting, enabling the AAA server to evaluate each command request against rules that restrict administrative sessions by time windows and specific source addresses. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how TACACS+ enforces device administration security, often appearing in questions that contrast it with RADIUS or local authentication. A common trap is choosing RADIUS for time-based restrictions, but remember: RADIUS lacks per-command granularity. Memory tip: “TACACS+ for Time and Commands” — the plus sign reminds you it adds per-command control for time and IP filtering.
350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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.
An organization wants to restrict administrative access to Cisco network devices based on the time of day and source IP address. Which technology should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
TACACS+ with per-command authorization
TACACS+ is the correct choice because it supports per-command authorization, which allows an administrator to define granular access policies based on attributes such as time of day and source IP address. This is achieved through the TACACS+ authorization process, where the AAA server evaluates the user's request against configured authorization rules before granting access to specific commands or sessions.
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.
✓
TACACS+ with per-command authorization
Why this is correct
TACACS+ allows granular control over administrative access, including time and source IP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SNMPv3 with ACLs
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv3 secures management traffic but is not designed for administrative access control.
✗
802.1X with EAP-TLS
Why it's wrong here
802.1X is for network access control, not for administrative access to devices.
✗
IPsec VPN with extended authentication
Why it's wrong here
IPsecVPN provides encryption but does not enforce time-based policies.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between TACACS+ and RADIUS, where candidates mistakenly choose RADIUS-based options (like 802.1X) for device administration, not realizing that TACACS+ is the only protocol that supports per-command authorization and time-based access control for CLI access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TACACS+ separates authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) functions, allowing authorization to be applied at the command level using attributes like time, source IP, and command arguments. In a real-world scenario, an organization can configure a TACACS+ server with a rule that permits 'configure terminal' only between 9 AM and 5 PM from a specific management subnet, while denying all other commands outside those parameters. This granularity is not possible with RADIUS, which combines authentication and authorization and lacks per-command support.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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 Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: TACACS+ with per-command authorization — TACACS+ is the correct choice because it supports per-command authorization, which allows an administrator to define granular access policies based on attributes such as time of day and source IP address. This is achieved through the TACACS+ authorization process, where the AAA server evaluates the user's request against configured authorization rules before granting access to specific commands or sessions.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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