The answer is enabling SNMPv3 with strong authentication, along with disabling unused services and implementing secure administrative access. These three practices are considered common network device hardening best practices because they directly address the most critical vulnerabilities: weak or default credentials, unencrypted management protocols, and unnecessary attack surfaces. SNMPv3 provides encryption and authentication, unlike its insecure predecessors, while disabling unused ports and services reduces the potential entry points for an attacker. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your understanding of foundational security controls for routers and switches, often appearing as a multiple-select item where Telnet and default credentials are the common traps—Telnet sends data in plaintext and default credentials are universally weak. A useful memory tip is to remember the three Ds: Disable unused services, Defend with encrypted protocols like SNMPv3, and Ditch default credentials.
200-201 Security Policies and Procedures Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security policies and procedures. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 security policy mandates that all network devices must be hardened. Which THREE of the following are common hardening best practices for routers and switches? (Select three.)
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
✓
Implement access control lists (ACLs)
Options A, B, and D are correct hardening practices. Option C is wrong as default credentials are weak. Option E is wrong because Telnet is insecure.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Implement access control lists (ACLs)
Why this is correct
ACLs restrict traffic to only necessary communications.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
Disable unused services
Why this is correct
Reduces attack surface by eliminating unnecessary services.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Enable Telnet for remote management
Why it's wrong here
Telnet sends data in plaintext; SSH should be used instead.
✗
Use default credentials for initial setup
Why it's wrong here
Default credentials are well-known and should be changed immediately.
✓
Enable SNMPv3 with strong authentication
Why this is correct
SNMPv3 provides encryption and authentication, unlike earlier versions.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 200-201 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Security Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement access control lists (ACLs) — Options A, B, and D are correct hardening practices. Option C is wrong as default credentials are weak. Option E is wrong because Telnet is insecure.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 200-201 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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