The correct approach is to work with the vendor to define a list of specific IPs that cover their redundancy needs while adhering to policy. This solution directly addresses the vendor remote access policy non-compliance by enforcing the principle of least privilege—limiting access to only the necessary IP addresses rather than an entire subnet—while still accommodating the vendor’s legitimate requirement for failover. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of balancing security policy enforcement with operational necessity, a common trap where candidates either rigidly enforce policy without flexibility or accept a broader range that weakens the security posture. A key memory tip is to think of “specificity with flexibility”: always narrow the scope to individual IPs, but allow the vendor to propose a controlled list that meets their redundancy needs, ensuring compliance without compromising security.
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 vendor security policy requires that all third-party remote access be limited to specific IP addresses and use multi-factor authentication. During an audit, it is discovered that a vendor's entire office subnet is allowed instead of individual IPs. The vendor argues that the broader range is necessary for redundancy. What is the best way to handle this from a policy perspective?
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
✓
Work with the vendor to define a list of specific IPs that cover their redundancy needs while adhering to policy
Option C is correct because it acknowledges the vendor's need while insisting on compliance through technical controls (e.g., restricting to specific IPs within the subnet). Option A forces the vendor to comply without flexibility. Option B risks security. Option D allows non-compliance.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Amend the policy to allow entire subnets for vendors with multi-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
Weakening policy sets a bad precedent and increases risk unnecessarily.
✗
Accept the subnet as long as multi-factor authentication is used
Why it's wrong here
Broader IP range increases attack surface; policy should be maintained.
✗
Require the vendor to comply with the existing policy exactly as written
Why it's wrong here
Strict enforcement may disrupt operations if redundant IPs are needed; a collaborative solution is better.
✓
Work with the vendor to define a list of specific IPs that cover their redundancy needs while adhering to policy
Why this is correct
This balances security requirements with operational needs and ensures policy compliance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Security Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Work with the vendor to define a list of specific IPs that cover their redundancy needs while adhering to policy — Option C is correct because it acknowledges the vendor's need while insisting on compliance through technical controls (e.g., restricting to specific IPs within the subnet). Option A forces the vendor to comply without flexibility. Option B risks security. Option D allows non-compliance.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 200-201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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