Quick Answer
The answer is SNMPv3 with authPriv, as this security level is the only one that requires both authentication and encryption for secure monitoring. Authentication, implemented via HMAC-MD5 or HMAC-SHA, verifies the sender’s identity and ensures message integrity, while encryption, using DES or AES, provides data confidentiality by scrambling the payload. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this concept tests your understanding of SNMPv3 security models and how they map to network programmability and secure device management. A common trap is confusing authPriv with authNoPriv, which authenticates but does not encrypt—so remember that “Priv” stands for privacy, meaning encryption. To lock it in, think of the mnemonic “AAP”: authPriv means Authentication And Privacy, covering both requirements for truly secure monitoring.
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of network fundamentals. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A network administrator is configuring SNMPv3 on a router for secure monitoring. Which combination of parameters is required to ensure authentication and encryption?
SNMPv3 with authPriv
Provides authentication and encryption.
SNMPv3 with noAuthNoPriv
Why wrong: No security level.
SNMPv3 with authNoPriv
Why wrong: Authentication only.
SNMPv2c with a complex community string
Why wrong: Community strings are sent in plaintext.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SNMPv3 with authPriv
SNMPv3 with authPriv is the correct combination because it enables both authentication (via HMAC-MD5 or HMAC-SHA) and encryption (via DES or AES) to ensure secure monitoring. The authPriv security level provides message integrity, origin authentication, and data confidentiality, meeting the requirement for both authentication and encryption.
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.
SNMPv3 with authPriv
Why this is correct
Provides authentication and encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SNMPv3 with noAuthNoPriv
Why it's wrong here
No security level.
SNMPv3 with authNoPriv
Why it's wrong here
Authentication only.
SNMPv2c with a complex community string
Why it's wrong here
Community strings are sent in plaintext.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between authNoPriv and authPriv, where candidates mistakenly think authentication alone is sufficient for 'secure monitoring' and overlook the encryption requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
SNMPv3 defines three security levels: noAuthNoPriv, authNoPriv, and authPriv, as specified in RFC 3414. The authPriv level uses the User-based Security Model (USM) to authenticate packets with a keyed hash and encrypt the payload using a symmetric cipher like AES-128. In real-world deployments, authPriv is essential for monitoring sensitive data across untrusted networks, such as in multi-tenant environments or over VPNs.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network Fundamentals — This question tests Network Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SNMPv3 with authPriv — SNMPv3 with authPriv is the correct combination because it enables both authentication (via HMAC-MD5 or HMAC-SHA) and encryption (via DES or AES) to ensure secure monitoring. The authPriv security level provides message integrity, origin authentication, and data confidentiality, meeting the requirement for both authentication and encryption.
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 11, 2026
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.
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