easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A company's security policy requires that all…
A company's security policy requires that all employees change their passwords every 90 days. Which type of security control does this policy enforce?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between preventive and detective controls by presenting a policy that seems to 'detect' non-compliance (e.g., auditing password changes), but the core function of the policy itself is to prevent unauthorized access, not to detect it.
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
Password expiration policies enforce a preventive control by requiring users to change passwords at regular intervals, which reduces the risk of unauthorized access from compromised credentials. This control acts before a security incident occurs by limiting the window of opportunity for an attacker to use a stolen password. It is a proactive measure, not a reactive one, aligning with the definition of preventive controls in the NIST SP 800-53 framework.
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 provide alternative protection when primary controls are not feasible.
- ✗
Detective
Why it's wrong here
Detective controls identify incidents, not enforce time limits.
- ✗
Corrective
Why it's wrong here
Corrective controls remediate after an incident.
- ✓
Preventive
Why this is correct
Password aging reduces the chance of using stolen credentials long-term.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 979 original 200-201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.