easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 That they cannot access a file server Practice Question
A user reports that they cannot access a file server. The security policy requires that all access be logged and monitored. What is the most likely reason for the access failure?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between network-layer access controls (IP allow lists) and application-layer authentication failures, leading candidates to mistakenly choose account lockout or password expiry because they focus on user credentials rather than the policy's logging requirement.
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
✓
The user's IP address is not in the allowed list
The security policy requiring all access to be logged and monitored strongly implies that access controls are enforced at the network level, such as through an IP-based allow list (e.g., a firewall ACL or host-based security group). If the user's IP address is not in the allowed list, the connection will be dropped or rejected before any authentication or file-sharing protocol (like SMB or NFS) can proceed, resulting in an access failure. This is the most likely cause because it directly aligns with the policy's enforcement mechanism, whereas account lockouts or password expiry would still generate authentication attempts that could be logged.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The user's account is locked
Why it's wrong here
Account lockout could prevent access but is not directly tied to access logging policy.
- ✗
The file server is down
Why it's wrong here
Server downtime would affect all users, not just one.
- ✓
The user's IP address is not in the allowed list
Why this is correct
Policy might restrict access based on IP, causing failure and triggering logs.
- ✗
The user's password has expired
Why it's wrong here
Password expiration would cause a different error, not necessarily related to access logging.
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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.