- A
Use SNMPv2c for monitoring
Why wrong: SNMPv2c uses community strings in clear text.
- B
Enable Telnet for remote access
Why wrong: Telnet is insecure and should be disabled.
- C
Disable password encryption
Why wrong: Password encryption should be enabled.
- D
Implement AAA with TACACS+
TACACS+ provides granular authorization and accounting.
- E
Enable SSH only
SSH provides encrypted remote access.
Question 190 of 1,000
350-501 Security and Services Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of security and services. 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.
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.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enable SSH only
Why this is correct
SSH provides encrypted remote access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-501 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-501 question test?
Security and Services — This question tests Security and Services — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-501 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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