hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst notices that an employee is…
A security analyst notices that an employee is accessing the corporate network from an unauthorized device. According to the security policy, which action should the analyst take first?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between immediate containment actions (like disabling network access) versus long-term administrative or policy changes, trapping candidates who confuse incident response phases or prioritize HR reporting over security controls.
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
✓
Disable the device's network access immediately
The immediate priority when an unauthorized device is detected on the corporate network is to contain the threat by disabling network access. This aligns with the principle of least privilege and incident response procedures, where the first step is to stop the unauthorized access to prevent potential data breaches or malware propagation. The security policy typically mandates such immediate action to enforce access control, often implemented via 802.1X or MAC address filtering at the switch or NAC (Network Access Control) level.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Report the employee to human resources for disciplinary action
Why it's wrong here
HR involvement may come after containment.
- ✗
Ignore the incident because it is a minor violation
Why it's wrong here
All violations should be addressed per policy.
- ✓
Disable the device's network access immediately
Why this is correct
Immediate containment is a typical first step.
- ✗
Update the security policy to allow personal devices
Why it's wrong here
Policy changes are not an immediate response.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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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.