Quick Answer
The correct answer is IPsec VPN (IKE phase 1). This is the security protocol being configured because the exhibit shows the `crypto isakmp policy` command, which is exclusively used to define Internet Key Exchange (IKE) phase 1 parameters such as the encryption algorithm (e.g., AES), hash algorithm (e.g., SHA), Diffie-Hellman group (e.g., group 2), and authentication method (e.g., pre-shared key). IKE phase 1 establishes a secure, authenticated control channel between two VPN peers before phase 2 negotiates the actual data encryption. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this configuration tests your ability to distinguish IPsec VPN setup from other security protocols like SSL VPN, MACsec, or SSH, which use entirely different command syntax and purposes. A common trap is confusing IKE phase 1 with phase 2—remember that phase 1 uses `crypto isakmp` while phase 2 uses `crypto ipsec transform-set`. Memory tip: think of IKE phase 1 as the “handshake” that builds the tunnel, not the data flow itself.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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.
crypto isakmp policy 10 encr aes 256 authentication pre-share group 5
Refer to the exhibit. Which security protocol is being configured?
crypto isakmp policy 10 encr aes 256 authentication pre-share group 5
IPsec VPN (IKE phase 1)
The crypto isakmp policy configures IKE phase 1 for IPsec.
SSL VPN
Why wrong: SSL VPN configuration uses different commands, not crypto isakmp.
MACsec
Why wrong: MACsec uses 'mka' and 'macsec' commands.
SSH
Why wrong: SSH configuration involves 'crypto key generate' and 'ip ssh' commands.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
IPsec VPN (IKE phase 1)
The exhibit shows the configuration of an IPsec VPN IKE phase 1 policy using the `crypto isakmp policy` command. The parameters set—encryption algorithm (e.g., aes), hash algorithm (e.g., sha), Diffie-Hellman group (e.g., 2), and authentication method (e.g., pre-share)—are all specific to IKE phase 1, which establishes a secure authenticated channel for further key exchange. This is not used for SSL VPN, MACsec, or SSH, as those protocols have distinct configuration syntax and purposes.
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.
IPsec VPN (IKE phase 1)
Why this is correct
The crypto isakmp policy configures IKE phase 1 for IPsec.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SSL VPN
MACsec
Why it's wrong here
MACsec uses 'mka' and 'macsec' commands.
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH configuration involves 'crypto key generate' and 'ip ssh' commands.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between IKE phase 1 and phase 2 configuration commands, so the trap here is that candidates see 'crypto isakmp' and incorrectly associate it with SSL VPN or SSH because they overlook the specific protocol hierarchy.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SSL VPN configuration uses different commands, not crypto isakmp.
Detailed technical explanation
IKE phase 1 operates in either main mode or aggressive mode to negotiate a security association (SA) that protects further IKE phase 2 negotiations. The `crypto isakmp policy` command defines the transform set for this phase, including the Diffie-Hellman group (e.g., group 2 uses 1024-bit modular exponentiation) and the lifetime (default 86400 seconds). A real-world trap is that candidates often confuse IKE phase 1 with IPsec phase 2, which uses `crypto ipsec transform-set` instead.
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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Security Concepts — study guide chapter
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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: IPsec VPN (IKE phase 1) — The exhibit shows the configuration of an IPsec VPN IKE phase 1 policy using the `crypto isakmp policy` command. The parameters set—encryption algorithm (e.g., aes), hash algorithm (e.g., sha), Diffie-Hellman group (e.g., 2), and authentication method (e.g., pre-share)—are all specific to IKE phase 1, which establishes a secure authenticated channel for further key exchange. This is not used for SSL VPN, MACsec, or SSH, as those protocols have distinct configuration syntax and purposes.
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
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