200-201 Security Policies and Procedures Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing the organization's data classification policy. The policy defines four levels: Public, Internal, Confidential, and Restricted. The analyst finds that a marketing team has stored a file containing customer credit card numbers on a shared drive accessible to all employees. The analyst must recommend the appropriate classification and handling for this file. What should the analyst recommend?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is underestimating the sensitivity of credit card numbers and choosing a lower classification like Confidential or Internal, when they actually require the highest level of protection.
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
✓
Classify as Restricted, encrypt the file, and limit access to authorized personnel only.
Customer credit card numbers are highly sensitive and regulated by PCI DSS. They should be classified as Restricted, the highest level in the policy, requiring encryption and strict access controls. Leaving them on a shared drive accessible to all employees is a serious violation. The analyst should recommend reclassification and secure handling to prevent data breaches and regulatory penalties.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Classify as Public, because the customers consented to sharing their data.
Why it's wrong here
Public classification means the data can be freely shared with anyone. Customer consent for a specific transaction does not make credit card numbers public. Sharing them openly would violate privacy laws and PCI DSS. This classification is completely inappropriate and dangerous. The analyst must recommend a much higher classification.
- ✗
Classify as Internal, because it is used by the marketing team for business purposes.
Why it's wrong here
Internal classification is for data not intended for public release but with limited harm if disclosed. Credit card numbers would cause significant harm and legal penalties if exposed. Classifying as Internal ignores the sensitivity and regulatory obligations. The marketing team's use does not lower the classification; the data type dictates the level.
- ✓
Classify as Restricted, encrypt the file, and limit access to authorized personnel only.
Why this is correct
Credit card numbers are sensitive personal data subject to regulations like PCI DSS. They require the highest level of protection, typically Restricted. Encryption and strict access controls are necessary to prevent unauthorized disclosure. The analyst should recommend reclassifying the file and moving it to a secure location with access limited to those with a business need.
- ✗
Classify as Confidential, apply password protection, and leave on the shared drive.
Why it's wrong here
Confidential is a lower classification than Restricted and may not provide sufficient protection for credit card numbers. Password protection alone is weak; the file remains on a shared drive accessible to many. This does not meet regulatory requirements for cardholder data. The file should be removed from the shared drive and access strictly controlled.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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.