The answer is that users are authenticated using the local database. This is correct because the configuration, typically involving the command 'aaa authentication login default local', instructs the Cisco device to verify credentials against its own stored username and password entries rather than querying an external AAA server like RADIUS or TACACS+. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of authentication methods and their operational impact, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between local and server-based authentication. A common trap is assuming that any AAA configuration automatically requires an external server, but the 'local' keyword explicitly bypasses that. Remember the memory tip: "Local means look locally" — if you see 'local' in the authentication command, the device is acting as its own gatekeeper.
200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
!
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default local
aaa authorization exec default local
!
username admin password cisco
!
What is the effect of this configuration on a Cisco device?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Users are authenticated using the local database.
The configuration shown (not provided in the question, but implied by the correct answer) is a typical local authentication setup, such as 'aaa authentication login default local' or a username/password defined in the device's local database. This means the device uses its own stored credentials to authenticate users, not an external server. Option C is correct because local authentication is explicitly configured, bypassing any external AAA server.
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.
✗
Users are authenticated using a TACACS+ server.
Why it's wrong here
No TACACS+ server is specified; only local is used.
The 'local' keyword means the local username database is used.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
No authentication is required.
Why it's wrong here
Authentication is configured and required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) services, and the trap here is that candidates confuse the protocol used for authentication (TACACS+ or RADIUS) with the method (local vs. server-based), leading them to pick an option that assumes an external server is involved when only local authentication is configured.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Local authentication on Cisco devices uses the 'username' global configuration command to store credentials in the running configuration, which are checked against the 'aaa authentication login default local' method. Under the hood, the device hashes the password (e.g., using MD5 or SHA-256 depending on the 'password-encryption' setting) and compares it to the stored hash. In a real-world scenario, local authentication is often used as a fallback method when external AAA servers are unreachable, ensuring administrative access is never completely locked out.
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 Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Users are authenticated using the local database. — The configuration shown (not provided in the question, but implied by the correct answer) is a typical local authentication setup, such as 'aaa authentication login default local' or a username/password defined in the device's local database. This means the device uses its own stored credentials to authenticate users, not an external server. Option C is correct because local authentication is explicitly configured, bypassing any external AAA server.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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