Quick Answer
The answer is RADIUS with a token server. This is correct because RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a networking protocol designed to centralize authentication, authorization, and accounting for remote access, and it natively supports integration with a one-time password token server to verify time-based or event-based OTPs. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your understanding of how authentication protocols enforce security policies—specifically, that RADIUS acts as the intermediary between the remote user and the token server, while alternatives like LDAP with static passwords, SSH keys, or pre-shared keys fail to provide the rotating, single-use credential required by an OTP policy. A common trap is confusing SSH keys or pre-shared keys with OTPs, but remember that OTPs are ephemeral and server-validated, not stored secrets. Memory tip: think “RADIUS rotates” to link the protocol with the token server’s dynamic codes.
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 requires that all remote access be authenticated using a one-time password (OTP) token. Which technology should be implemented?
SSH key pairs
Why wrong: SSH keys are cryptographic keys, not one-time passwords.
RADIUS with token server
RADIUS can authenticate users against an OTP token server, meeting the requirement.
LDAP with username and password
Why wrong: LDAP provides password-based authentication, not OTP.
VPN with pre-shared key
Why wrong: Pre-shared keys are static, not one-time.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
RADIUS with token server
Option A is correct because RADIUS can integrate with an OTP token server. Option B is wrong because LDAP with password does not provide OTP. Option C is wrong because SSH keys are not OTP. Option D is wrong because pre-shared keys are not OTP.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SSH key pairs
Why it's wrong here
SSH keys are cryptographic keys, not one-time passwords.
RADIUS with token server
Why this is correct
RADIUS can authenticate users against an OTP token server, meeting the requirement.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
LDAP with username and password
Why it's wrong here
LDAP provides password-based authentication, not OTP.
VPN with pre-shared key
Why it's wrong here
Pre-shared keys are static, not one-time.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Security Policies and Procedures — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: RADIUS with token server — Option A is correct because RADIUS can integrate with an OTP token server. Option B is wrong because LDAP with password does not provide OTP. Option C is wrong because SSH keys are not OTP. Option D is wrong because pre-shared keys are not OTP.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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