Quick Answer
The answer is that MACsec operates at Layer 2, as defined by the IEEE 802.1AE standard. This standard specifies a security protocol that provides data confidentiality, integrity, and origin authenticity directly on Ethernet frames, encrypting the payload while preserving the frame header for transparent Layer 2 forwarding. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of where encryption occurs in the OSI model versus protocols like IPsec (Layer 3) or TLS (Layer 4). A common trap is confusing MACsec with 802.1X port-based authentication; remember that 802.1X controls access, while 802.1AE secures the data after access is granted. For a memory tip, think "MACsec = MAC address security at Layer 2, IEEE 802.1AE is the standard."
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO of the following are true about MACsec?
It requires a PKI
Why wrong: MACsec can use pre-shared keys; PKI is optional.
It uses IEEE 802.1AE standard
MACsec is defined by IEEE 802.1AE.
It provides data confidentiality only
Why wrong: MACsec also provides integrity and authentication.
It is used for WLAN security
Why wrong: MACsec is designed for wired Ethernet, not wireless.
It operates at Layer 2
MACsec is a Layer 2 encryption standard.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It uses IEEE 802.1AE standard
MACsec is defined by the IEEE 802.1AE standard, which specifies a security protocol for providing data confidentiality, integrity, and origin authenticity at Layer 2. It operates directly on Ethernet frames, encrypting the payload while preserving the frame header for transparent forwarding. This makes option B correct because the standard is the foundational reference for MACsec.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
It requires a PKI
Why it's wrong here
MACsec can use pre-shared keys; PKI is optional.
It uses IEEE 802.1AE standard
Why this is correct
MACsec is defined by IEEE 802.1AE.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It provides data confidentiality only
Why it's wrong here
MACsec also provides integrity and authentication.
It is used for WLAN security
Why it's wrong here
MACsec is designed for wired Ethernet, not wireless.
It operates at Layer 2
Why this is correct
MACsec is a Layer 2 encryption standard.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that MACsec is a Layer 3 or application-layer security protocol, but the trap here is that candidates confuse it with IPsec (Layer 3) or WLAN security (Layer 2 but wireless), when MACsec is strictly a Layer 2 wired Ethernet security standard.
Detailed technical explanation
MACsec uses a Cipher Suite, typically GCM-AES-128 or GCM-AES-256, to encrypt the Ethernet payload and append an Integrity Check Value (ICV) for tamper detection. It operates at the MAC sublayer of the Data Link Layer, inserting a SecTAG (Security Tag) between the source MAC address and the EtherType field, which allows intermediate switches to forward frames without decryption. In a real-world scenario, MACsec is often deployed on campus access ports to secure traffic between a switch and an endpoint, such as a server or IP phone, preventing eavesdropping on the physical link.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-701 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security Concepts — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Security Concepts practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-701 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Endpoint Protection and Detection.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Security Concepts.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Network Security.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Cloud Security.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Content Security.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to 350-701 fundamentals.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to 350-701 scenario.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to 350-701 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: It uses IEEE 802.1AE standard — MACsec is defined by the IEEE 802.1AE standard, which specifies a security protocol for providing data confidentiality, integrity, and origin authenticity at Layer 2. It operates directly on Ethernet frames, encrypting the payload while preserving the frame header for transparent forwarding. This makes option B correct because the standard is the foundational reference for MACsec.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.