The correct design change is to allow the use of authenticator apps that generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP). This solution directly addresses the problem because TOTP authenticator apps, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, generate one-time passwords locally on the user’s device using a shared secret and the current time, as defined by RFC 6238, without requiring any cellular network connectivity. This makes them ideal for traveling employees who cannot receive SMS codes internationally, balancing strong MFA security with practical usability since the codes are valid for a short window, typically 30 seconds. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of authentication mechanisms and their operational constraints, often appearing in questions about balancing security policies with real-world user challenges. A common trap is assuming SMS-based MFA is always reliable, but remember: TOTP works offline, SMS does not. Memory tip: TOTP = Time Offline, Trusted Password.
200-201 Security Policies and Procedures Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security policies and procedures. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 network administrator is implementing a new security policy that requires all employees to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when accessing email from external networks. However, several employees report that they cannot receive SMS codes while traveling internationally. Which design change best balances security and usability?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Allow the use of authenticator apps that generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP).
Option A is correct because TOTP authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) generate one-time passwords locally on the user's device without requiring cellular network connectivity. This solves the international SMS delivery problem while maintaining strong MFA security, as the TOTP algorithm (RFC 6238) uses a shared secret and the current time to produce codes that are valid for a short window (typically 30 seconds).
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.
✓
Allow the use of authenticator apps that generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP).
Why this is correct
TOTP apps work offline and are a common alternative to SMS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Allow email access without MFA from trusted countries.
Why it's wrong here
Trusting countries does not address the security requirement.
✗
Provide hardware tokens to all traveling employees.
Why it's wrong here
Hardware tokens are expensive and may not be available immediately.
✗
Disable MFA for users who travel frequently.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling MFA removes the security requirement, violating policy.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'something you have' (phone/authenticator app) and 'something you receive' (SMS), where candidates mistakenly think SMS is the only 'something you have' factor, missing that TOTP apps provide the same factor without network dependency.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TOTP works by combining a pre-shared secret key (provisioned during enrollment) with the current Unix timestamp divided by a time step (usually 30 seconds), then applying HMAC-SHA1 to generate a 6-8 digit code. Unlike SMS-based OTP, TOTP does not depend on SS7 signaling or SMS delivery infrastructure, which are often unreliable or blocked internationally. In real-world deployments, organizations often combine TOTP with backup codes or push notifications to handle device loss scenarios.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Allow the use of authenticator apps that generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP). — Option A is correct because TOTP authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) generate one-time passwords locally on the user's device without requiring cellular network connectivity. This solves the international SMS delivery problem while maintaining strong MFA security, as the TOTP algorithm (RFC 6238) uses a shared secret and the current time to produce codes that are valid for a short window (typically 30 seconds).
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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