The answer is requiring multi-factor authentication for all RDP connections because it directly addresses the root cause of the breach—compromised credentials—by adding a second verification factor that attackers cannot easily bypass. In the context of ransomware defense and prevention, MFA ensures that even if an attacker steals a password from an infected workstation on the corporate network, they cannot authenticate to the ICS file server without the additional factor. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense-in-depth principles, specifically how network segmentation alone fails when trusted paths are exploited. A common trap is choosing to block RDP entirely, but the question specifies that legitimate remote administration is required; MFA provides the most effective long-term control without breaking operational needs. Remember the memory tip: “MFA stops the RDP key from turning the lock”—credentials alone are no longer enough to open the door.
200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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 manufacturing company's ICS network was infected with ransomware that encrypted files on the file server. The company has offline backups and restores the files. However, during the investigation, the security analyst finds that the ransomware entered through an RDP connection from an infected workstation on the corporate network. The corporate network and ICS network are separated by a firewall that allows RDP from specific corporate IPs to the ICS file server. The analyst wants to prevent a recurrence. Which of the following is the most effective long-term control?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Require multi-factor authentication for all RDP connections.
Requiring multi-factor authentication for all RDP connections adds a critical layer of security, making it much harder for attackers to gain access even if credentials are compromised.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Require multi-factor authentication for all RDP connections.
Why this is correct
MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized RDP access even if passwords are compromised.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable RDP on the ICS file server and use a jump box.
Why it's wrong here
A jump box can reduce exposure but still requires strong authentication; MFA on RDP is more direct.
✗
Implement network segmentation with a DMZ for file transfers.
Why it's wrong here
Segmentation is good but does not prevent access if RDP is still allowed and credentials are stolen.
✗
Install antivirus on all corporate workstations.
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus may not prevent a targeted attack using stolen credentials.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Require multi-factor authentication for all RDP connections. — Requiring multi-factor authentication for all RDP connections adds a critical layer of security, making it much harder for attackers to gain access even if credentials are compromised.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are common security controls used to defend against ransomware?
medium
✓ A.Implementing application whitelisting
B.Allowing macros in office documents
C.Disabling user accounts after 3 failed attempts
✓ D.Regular offline backups
✓ E.Network segmentation to limit lateral movement
Why A: Application whitelisting is a security control that prevents unauthorized executables, scripts, and macros from running. By default allowing only approved software, it blocks ransomware payloads that arrive as unknown or untrusted files, even if a user inadvertently executes them.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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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.
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