350-501 Security and Services Practice Question
A service provider is hardening management plane access on IOS XR routers. Which TWO measures should be implemented to secure management access? (Choose two)
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
✓
Implement AAA with TACACS+
Enabling SSH only and using AAA with TACACS+ are key management plane hardening steps. SNMPv3 with encryption is also important but not listed as an 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.
- ✗
Use SNMPv2c for monitoring
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv2c uses community strings in clear text.
- ✗
Enable Telnet for remote access
Why it's wrong here
Telnet is insecure and should be disabled.
- ✗
Disable password encryption
Why it's wrong here
Password encryption should be enabled.
- ✓
Implement AAA with TACACS+
Why this is correct
TACACS+ provides granular authorization and accounting.
- ✓
Enable SSH only
Why this is correct
SSH provides encrypted remote access.
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.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-501 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 350-501 exam.