The answer is that the accounting command references a TACACS+ server group that is not defined. This is the most likely cause because the `accounting exec default` statement points to a group named 'tacacs_server_group', but no `tacacs server` or `server group` configuration exists under that name, so the router has no destination for accounting records. Even though SSH authentication succeeds—likely via the local database—the AAA accounting process fails silently when it cannot resolve the undefined server group. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between authentication and accounting flows, and it is a common trap: candidates often overlook that a missing group definition breaks accounting without affecting login. A useful memory tip is "Auth works, accounting fails—check the group name trails."
200-201 Security Policies and Procedures Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security policies and procedures. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
! Output from show running-config | include aaa
! on a Cisco router
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default local
aaa authentication login CONSOLE none
aaa authorization exec default local
aaa accounting exec default start-stop group tacacs+
!
! Output from show running-config | include tacacs
! on the same router
tacacs server TACACS1
address ipv4 192.168.1.100
key cisco123
!
Refer to the exhibit. A network administrator notices that remote SSH logins to the router succeed, but the router is not sending accounting records. Based on the configuration, what is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit.
! Output from show running-config | include aaa
! on a Cisco router
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default local
aaa authentication login CONSOLE none
aaa authorization exec default local
aaa accounting exec default start-stop group tacacs+
!
! Output from show running-config | include tacacs
! on the same router
tacacs server TACACS1
address ipv4 192.168.1.100
key cisco123
!
A
The AAA authorization method is set to local, not TACACS+.
Why wrong: Authorization method is independent of accounting.
B
The TACACS+ server key is not configured correctly.
Why wrong: The key 'cisco123' is configured under the server.
C
The AAA authentication method uses local database instead of TACACS+.
Why wrong: Authentication method does not affect accounting.
D
The accounting command references a TACACS+ group that is not defined.
The group 'tacacs+' is not defined; only a server is configured.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The accounting command references a TACACS+ group that is not defined.
The correct answer is D because the `accounting exec default` command references a TACACS+ server group named 'tacacs_server_group' that is not defined in the configuration. Without a defined server group, the router cannot send accounting records to any TACACS+ server, even though SSH authentication succeeds via the local database.
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 AAA authorization method is set to local, not TACACS+.
Why it's wrong here
Authorization method is independent of accounting.
✗
The TACACS+ server key is not configured correctly.
Why it's wrong here
The key 'cisco123' is configured under the server.
✗
The AAA authentication method uses local database instead of TACACS+.
Why it's wrong here
Authentication method does not affect accounting.
✓
The accounting command references a TACACS+ group that is not defined.
Why this is correct
The group 'tacacs+' is not defined; only a server is configured.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) components, and the trap here is that candidates assume a working authentication implies accounting is also functional, overlooking that accounting requires a correctly defined and referenced server group.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Cisco IOS AAA accounting uses the `aaa accounting` command to specify which events (e.g., exec, commands, network) to log and to which server group. If the server group name in the accounting command does not match a defined `group` under `tacacs server` or `aaa group server tacacs+`, the router will not attempt to send accounting packets, resulting in no records. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured server group name is a common oversight that leads to silent accounting failures, while authentication and authorization may still function correctly.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 accounting command references a TACACS+ group that is not defined. — The correct answer is D because the `accounting exec default` command references a TACACS+ server group named 'tacacs_server_group' that is not defined in the configuration. Without a defined server group, the router cannot send accounting records to any TACACS+ server, even though SSH authentication succeeds via the local database.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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