hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A company implements a policy where users must…
A company implements a policy where users must authenticate with a password and a one-time code from a token. Which AAA component is strengthened by this policy?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between authentication and authorization, where candidates mistakenly think that adding a token strengthens authorization (access control) rather than the identity verification step.
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
✓
Authentication
Authentication is the AAA component that verifies the identity of a user. By requiring both a password (something you know) and a one-time code from a token (something you have), the policy implements multi-factor authentication (MFA), which directly strengthens the authentication process. This ensures that even if a password is compromised, an attacker cannot authenticate without the token.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Authentication
Why this is correct
Multi-factor authentication strengthens the authentication component of AAA.
- ✗
Accounting
Why it's wrong here
Accounting logs activities, not the authentication process.
- ✗
Auditing
Why it's wrong here
Auditing is not a core AAA component; it relates to review of logs.
- ✗
Authorization
Why it's wrong here
Authorization is about permissions, not the authentication method.
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 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.