mediumMultiple Choice
200-201 Practice Question: An organization's security policy states that all…
An organization's security policy states that all external connections must be authenticated using multi-factor authentication. Which type of policy is this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between a Remote Access Policy (which mandates technical controls like MFA for external connections) and an Acceptable Use Policy (which governs user behavior), causing candidates to confuse the two when the question mentions 'authentication'.
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
✓
Remote Access Policy
A Remote Access Policy specifically governs how external users or devices connect to an internal network, and requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all external connections is a standard control within this policy. This policy defines authentication methods, encryption standards (e.g., IPsec, TLS), and access controls for remote access, directly addressing the security policy's mandate for MFA on external connections.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Password Policy
Why it's wrong here
A Password Policy specifies password complexity, length, rotation and reuse rules for credentials; it does not mandate a second authentication factor for external connections. It is tempting because MFA does involve credentials, but a Password Policy would be correct when the requirement concerns password construction or expiry rather than additional verification factors.
- ✗
Data Classification Policy
Why it's wrong here
A Data Classification Policy defines sensitivity labels and handling requirements for information assets, not authentication controls on external connections. It is tempting because it is a security policy governing access to data, but it would be the correct choice when the requirement is to categorise data and prescribe protection levels based on sensitivity.
- ✓
Remote Access Policy
Why this is correct
A remote access policy governs authentication requirements for connections originating outside the trusted network, which is exactly the scope the stem describes. MFA enforcement for all external connections belongs in this policy type rather than an acceptable use or password policy.
- ✗
Acceptable Use Policy
Why it's wrong here
An Acceptable Use Policy governs how employees may use organisational IT resources, not authentication requirements for external connections. It is tempting because it does set security expectations for user behaviour, but it would be the correct choice when defining permitted use of systems, devices or data rather than mandating MFA at connection points.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 968 original 200-201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.