The answer is to disable unused services and use SSH version 2 for secure remote access. Disabling services like the HTTP server and CDP reduces the router’s attack surface, as HTTP can be exploited for web-based attacks and CDP leaks sensitive network topology data. SSH v2 provides strong encryption and authentication, replacing the vulnerable Telnet and older SSH v1 protocols. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this concept tests your ability to apply foundational device hardening from the “Securing Network Devices” domain, often appearing in multi-select questions where one distractor is “enable Telnet for fallback access.” A common trap is assuming CDP is harmless—remember it broadcasts neighbor details that attackers can map. Memory tip: “Disable the chatter, encrypt the ladder”—turn off chatty protocols like CDP and HTTP, and always use SSH v2 for your management ladder.
350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
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 best practices for securing Cisco routers against unauthorized access? (Choose two.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable unused services like HTTP server and CDP
C is correct because disabling unused services like HTTP server and CDP reduces the attack surface of the router. The HTTP server can be exploited for web-based attacks, and CDP can leak sensitive network topology information. Cisco best practices recommend disabling all unnecessary services to minimize exposure.
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.
✗
Enable SNMP read-write community string for monitoring
Why it's wrong here
SNMP read-write is a security risk; use read-only or SNMPv3.
✗
Use the 'service password-enforcement' command to encrypt passwords with type 7
Why it's wrong here
Type 7 encryption is reversible; use type 8 or 9 for stronger security.
✓
Disable unused services like HTTP server and CDP
Why this is correct
Disabling unnecessary services reduces the attack surface.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure authentication using HTTP with local username/password
The clue word "best" 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 'service password-encryption' (type 7) and the stronger 'enable secret' (MD5 hash), leading candidates to mistakenly think type 7 encryption is secure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco IOS uses the 'ip http server' command to enable the HTTP interface, which by default listens on TCP port 80 and can be exploited for brute-force attacks or information disclosure. CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) operates at Layer 2 and broadcasts device details (e.g., hostname, IOS version, IP addresses) every 60 seconds by default, which an attacker can capture to map the network. Disabling these services with 'no ip http server' and 'no cdp run' is a fundamental hardening step.
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 350-701 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
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: Disable unused services like HTTP server and CDP — C is correct because disabling unused services like HTTP server and CDP reduces the attack surface of the router. The HTTP server can be exploited for web-based attacks, and CDP can leak sensitive network topology information. Cisco best practices recommend disabling all unnecessary services to minimize exposure.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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