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.
You are a security analyst for a mid-sized company with a flat network topology. The company uses a single firewall for internet access and has no internal segmentation. Recently, the IT team deployed a new file server running Windows Server 2019. The server was configured with default settings and placed in the same subnet as all user workstations. Two weeks later, the helpdesk receives multiple complaints about slow network performance. Upon investigation, you notice the file server's network interface is sending a high volume of broadcast traffic. Additionally, you find that the server's firewall is disabled and it is running an outdated SMBv1 protocol. The CEO is concerned about potential data loss and asks for immediate remediation. Which of the following is the most effective and immediate course of action to address the most critical security vulnerability?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable SMBv1 on the file server using PowerShell or Registry.
D is correct because the most critical security vulnerability is the outdated SMBv1 protocol, which is known to be exploited by ransomware like WannaCry and EternalBlue. Disabling SMBv1 immediately removes this attack vector, addressing the CEO's concern about potential data loss. While the broadcast traffic and disabled firewall are issues, SMBv1 poses a direct and severe risk to data integrity and confidentiality.
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.
✗
Enable the Windows Firewall on the file server and create rules to allow only essential traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall helps but does not remove the SMBv1 vulnerability.
✗
Configure the switch to block broadcast traffic on the file server's port.
Why it's wrong here
Broadcast traffic is normal; blocking it may break network functionality.
✗
Create VLANs to segment the file server from user workstations.
Why it's wrong here
Segmentation is a long-term solution; not immediate.
✓
Disable SMBv1 on the file server using PowerShell or Registry.
Why this is correct
This directly removes the critical vulnerability exploited by malware.
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 concept that while network segmentation and firewalls are important security controls, they do not eliminate the underlying protocol vulnerability; the trap here is that candidates may focus on the broadcast traffic symptom or choose a slower, less direct solution like VLANs instead of the immediate fix of disabling the vulnerable service.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMBv1 (Server Message Block version 1) lacks modern security features like pre-authentication integrity and encryption, making it susceptible to remote code execution via exploits like MS17-010. Disabling SMBv1 can be done via PowerShell with `Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB1Protocol $false` or by modifying the registry key `HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters` to set `SMB1` to 0. In real-world scenarios, many legacy systems still have SMBv1 enabled by default, and attackers actively scan for it to deploy ransomware across flat networks.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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: Disable SMBv1 on the file server using PowerShell or Registry. — D is correct because the most critical security vulnerability is the outdated SMBv1 protocol, which is known to be exploited by ransomware like WannaCry and EternalBlue. Disabling SMBv1 immediately removes this attack vector, addressing the CEO's concern about potential data loss. While the broadcast traffic and disabled firewall are issues, SMBv1 poses a direct and severe risk to data integrity and confidentiality.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.