Quick Answer
The answer is preventive. A hardware token for remote access is a classic example of a preventive security control because it enforces multifactor authentication—specifically, the “something you have” factor—which blocks unauthorized access before it can happen. Unlike detective or corrective controls that act after an incident, preventive controls like this token stop the threat at the gate by requiring a physical device in addition to credentials, directly aligning with the NIST definition of controls that mitigate or block attacks. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this concept tests your ability to categorize controls by their primary function; a common trap is confusing preventive with deterrent controls, but remember that preventive controls physically or logically stop the action (e.g., a token blocking login), while deterrent controls merely discourage it (e.g., a warning banner). For a quick memory tip, think “Prevent = Block the event, Deter = Discourage the actor.”
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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 company implements a policy requiring all employees to use a hardware token for remote access. This is an example of which type of security control?
Compensating
Why wrong: Compensating controls are alternative measures.
Deterrent
Why wrong: Deterrent controls discourage but do not block.
Preventive
Preventive controls block unauthorized access, as the token does.
Detective
Why wrong: Detective controls discover attacks after they happen.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Preventive
A hardware token for remote access implements multifactor authentication (something you have), which directly prevents unauthorized access by requiring a physical device in addition to credentials. This is a preventive control because it stops the threat before it can occur, aligning with the NIST definition of preventive controls that block or mitigate attacks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Compensating
Why it's wrong here
Compensating controls are alternative measures.
Deterrent
Why it's wrong here
Deterrent controls discourage but do not block.
Preventive
Why this is correct
Preventive controls block unauthorized access, as the token does.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Detective
Why it's wrong here
Detective controls discover attacks after they happen.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between preventive and deterrent controls by using a technology that physically blocks access (like a token or firewall) and expecting candidates to recognize that 'deterrent' applies only to psychological discouragement, not technical enforcement.
Detailed technical explanation
Hardware tokens typically use time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) per RFC 6238 or challenge-response mechanisms (e.g., HMAC-based OTP per RFC 4226), generating a unique code that changes every 30–60 seconds. In a remote access VPN scenario (e.g., IPsec or SSL VPN), the token code is combined with a PIN or password, and the authentication server validates the token's seed against the generated OTP; if the token is not present, authentication fails, enforcing a preventive barrier.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Preventive — A hardware token for remote access implements multifactor authentication (something you have), which directly prevents unauthorized access by requiring a physical device in addition to credentials. This is a preventive control because it stops the threat before it can occur, aligning with the NIST definition of preventive controls that block or mitigate attacks.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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