200-201 Security Policies and Procedures Practice Question
A company's security policy requires that all data classified as 'Confidential' must be encrypted at rest and in transit. This requirement is part of which policy?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between a policy that defines data sensitivity levels (data classification) and a policy that implements access controls (remote access), leading candidates to confuse the encryption requirement with the method of access.
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
✓
Data Classification Policy
The requirement to encrypt 'Confidential' data is a direct outcome of a data classification policy, which defines categories (e.g., Public, Internal, Confidential, Restricted) and mandates specific security controls for each category. Encryption at rest and in transit is a typical control for the 'Confidential' tier, ensuring data is protected using mechanisms like AES-256 for storage and TLS 1.2+ for transmission.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Remote Access Policy
Why it's wrong here
A Remote Access Policy governs how external users connect to internal resources — VPN, MFA, endpoint requirements — not encryption of data at rest. It is tempting because it mentions encryption for connections, but at-rest encryption for Confidential data sits in the data classification policy.
- ✗
Password Policy
Why it's wrong here
A Password Policy specifies credential complexity, length, rotation and reuse rules, not encryption of stored or transmitted data. It is tempting because it is a security control over data access, but encryption-at-rest and in-transit requirements for Confidential data belong in the data classification policy.
- ✓
Data Classification Policy
Why this is correct
A Data Classification Policy defines the sensitivity tiers and mandates the handling controls each tier requires, including encryption at rest and in transit for 'Confidential' data. It is the governing document that translates classification labels into enforceable protection requirements, satisfying the stem's demand that classified data carry specific encryption obligations.
- ✗
Acceptable Use Policy
Why it's wrong here
An Acceptable Use Policy governs how employees may use company systems and data, not cryptographic controls. It is tempting because it addresses data handling generally, but encryption-at-rest and in-transit mandates for classified data belong in a data classification or data handling policy.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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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.