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200-201 Practice Question: Which TWO are examples of technical security…
Which TWO are examples of technical security controls? (Select two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between administrative, physical, and technical controls, and the trap here is that candidates confuse a security policy (a document) or training (a human process) with a technical control, because they are all part of a defense-in-depth strategy.
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
✓
Firewall
A firewall is a technical security control because it is a hardware or software device that enforces access policies by inspecting network traffic based on rules (e.g., permit/deny IP addresses, ports, protocols). Encryption is a technical control that transforms plaintext data into ciphertext using algorithms like AES-256 or RSA, ensuring confidentiality during storage or transmission. Both are implemented through technology rather than administrative or physical means.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Firewall
Why this is correct
Firewalls are technical controls that filter network traffic.
- ✗
Security policy
Why it's wrong here
Security policies are administrative, not technical.
- ✗
Security awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Training is an administrative control.
- ✗
Background checks
Why it's wrong here
Background checks are administrative or personnel controls.
- ✓
Encryption
Why this is correct
Encryption is a technical control that protects data confidentiality.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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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.