The correct answer is the configuration using AES-256 encryption and SHA-1 authentication. This is verified by the VPN parameters 'esp-aes 256' for the encryption algorithm and 'esp-sha-hmac' for the authentication algorithm, which together secure the IPsec tunnel by encrypting data with a 256-bit key and ensuring integrity via a 160-bit hash. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this tests your ability to interpret common IPsec transform sets, where the 'esp' prefix indicates Encapsulating Security Payload and the trailing algorithm names define the cryptographic strength. A common trap is confusing SHA-1 with SHA-2 or assuming 'aes' defaults to 128-bit, but the explicit '256' in the command leaves no ambiguity. For a quick memory tip, remember that AES-256 is the strongest symmetric encryption in the Cisco suite, and SHA-1, though older, remains a frequent exam choice for authentication when paired with 'hmac'.
200-201 Security Policies and Procedures Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security policies and procedures. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
crypto ipsec transform-set ESP-AES256-SHA esp-aes 256 esp-sha-hmac
!
crypto map CMAP 10 ipsec-isakmp
set peer 203.0.113.5
set transform-set ESP-AES256-SHA
match address VPN-TRAFFIC
An analyst is verifying a VPN configuration. Which of the following is true about this configuration?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The VPN uses AES-256 encryption and SHA-1 authentication.
Option A is correct because 'esp-aes 256' uses AES-256, and 'esp-sha-hmac' uses SHA-1. Option B uses DES/MD5. Option C uses 3DES/SHA-256. Option D uses AES-128/SHA-1. Option E uses AES-256/SHA-2, but SHA-2 is not specified.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 VPN uses AES-128 encryption and SHA-1 authentication.
Why it's wrong here
AES-256 not 128.
✗
The VPN uses AES-256 encryption and SHA-2 authentication.
Why it's wrong here
SHA-1 is used, not SHA-2.
✓
The VPN uses AES-256 encryption and SHA-1 authentication.
Why this is correct
Correct interpretation of transform set.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The VPN uses 3DES encryption and SHA-256 authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect algorithm.
✗
The VPN uses DES encryption and MD5 authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect algorithm.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VPN uses AES-256 encryption and SHA-1 authentication. — Option A is correct because 'esp-aes 256' uses AES-256, and 'esp-sha-hmac' uses SHA-1. Option B uses DES/MD5. Option C uses 3DES/SHA-256. Option D uses AES-128/SHA-1. Option E uses AES-256/SHA-2, but SHA-2 is not specified.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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