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200-201 Practice Question: Which THREE of the following are key principles…
Which THREE of the following are key principles of zero trust security? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests whether candidates confuse zero trust with traditional perimeter defense, so the trap here is that 'perimeter-based security' sounds like a valid security principle but is actually the outdated model that zero trust aims to replace.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Least privilege
Least privilege is a core principle of zero trust because it ensures users, devices, and applications are granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their functions. This limits the blast radius of a potential compromise by restricting lateral movement and access to sensitive resources. In zero trust, least privilege is enforced through granular policies, often using micro-segmentation and identity-based access controls, rather than relying on network location.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege limits access to only what is necessary.
- ✗
Perimeter-based security
Why it's wrong here
Zero trust rejects the idea of a trusted internal network perimeter.
- ✓
Never trust, always verify
Why this is correct
This is a core zero trust principle.
- ✓
Assume breach
Why this is correct
Zero trust assumes a breach is inevitable or has occurred.
- ✗
Implicit trust
Why it's wrong here
Zero trust removes implicit trust, requiring verification at every step.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.