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200-201 Practice Question: A company implements a policy requiring all…
A company implements a policy requiring all employees to use a hardware token for remote access. This is an example of which type of security control?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between preventive and deterrent controls by using a technology that physically blocks access (like a token or firewall) and expecting candidates to recognize that 'deterrent' applies only to psychological discouragement, not technical enforcement.
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
✓
Preventive
A hardware token for remote access implements multifactor authentication (something you have), which directly prevents unauthorized access by requiring a physical device in addition to credentials. This is a preventive control because it stops the threat before it can occur, aligning with the NIST definition of preventive controls that block or mitigate attacks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Compensating
Why it's wrong here
Compensating controls are alternative measures.
- ✗
Deterrent
Why it's wrong here
Deterrent controls discourage but do not block.
- ✓
Preventive
Why this is correct
Preventive controls block unauthorized access, as the token does.
- ✗
Detective
Why it's wrong here
Detective controls discover attacks after they happen.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 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 200-201 exam.