- A
Configure 'login authentication default' under the console line to require AAA authentication.
This command applies the default AAA authentication method list to the console line, requiring users to authenticate before gaining access.
- B
Configure 'exec-timeout 0 0' under the console line to prevent idle sessions from timing out.
Why wrong: Setting exec-timeout to 0 0 disables the timeout, which increases the risk of unauthorized access if the console is left unattended; a non-zero timeout is recommended.
- C
Configure 'transport input none' under the console line to block all inbound connections.
Why wrong: The 'transport input' command applies to VTY lines, not the console line; the console line uses physical access only.
- D
Configure 'no exec' under the console line to disable EXEC sessions on the console port.
Why wrong: Disabling EXEC sessions on the console would prevent all administrative access, which is not a practical security measure; it would lock out the administrator.
- E
Configure 'password cisco' and 'login' under the console line to require a local password.
This sets a local password for console access and enables password checking, providing basic authentication.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure 'password cisco' and 'login' under the console line, or to apply 'login authentication default' to force AAA-based verification. The first option prevents unauthorized console access by requiring a local password before the user gains a shell, while the second option overrides local authentication and mandates credentials checked against a centralized AAA server like TACACS+ or RADIUS. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your understanding of line-level security versus AAA fallback behavior—a common trap is assuming that simply setting a password is enough without the 'login' command, which actually activates the password prompt. Remember that 'login' is the trigger: without it, the console port allows access immediately, even with a password configured. A useful memory tip is "no login, no lock"—if you omit the 'login' command under the line, the door stays open.
300-410 Device Access Control Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device access control. 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.
Which TWO actions will prevent unauthorized access to a Cisco IOS-XE device's console port? (Choose TWO.)
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
Configure 'login authentication default' under the console line to require AAA authentication.
Option A is correct because configuring 'login authentication default' under the console line forces the device to use AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) services for console login. This prevents unauthorized access by requiring valid credentials verified by a centralized AAA server (e.g., RADIUS or TACACS+), rather than relying on a local password that could be compromised or shared.
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.
- ✓
Configure 'login authentication default' under the console line to require AAA authentication.
Why this is correct
This command applies the default AAA authentication method list to the console line, requiring users to authenticate before gaining access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure 'exec-timeout 0 0' under the console line to prevent idle sessions from timing out.
Why it's wrong here
Setting exec-timeout to 0 0 disables the timeout, which increases the risk of unauthorized access if the console is left unattended; a non-zero timeout is recommended.
- ✗
Configure 'transport input none' under the console line to block all inbound connections.
Why it's wrong here
The 'transport input' command applies to VTY lines, not the console line; the console line uses physical access only.
- ✗
Configure 'no exec' under the console line to disable EXEC sessions on the console port.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling EXEC sessions on the console would prevent all administrative access, which is not a practical security measure; it would lock out the administrator.
- ✓
Configure 'password cisco' and 'login' under the console line to require a local password.
Why this is correct
This sets a local password for console access and enables password checking, providing basic authentication.
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 distinction between commands that actually prevent unauthorized access versus those that modify session behavior or apply to different line types, so the trap here is assuming that disabling idle timeout (exec-timeout 0 0) or blocking transport input enhances security, when in fact they either weaken it or are irrelevant to console port access.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The 'transport input' command applies to VTY lines, not the console line; the console line uses physical access only.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the 'login authentication default' command references the AAA method list named 'default', which is automatically applied to all lines unless overridden. If the AAA server is unreachable, the fallback behavior depends on the method list configuration (e.g., 'local' or 'none'), which can be set to allow local authentication as a backup. In real-world deployments, this ensures centralized control and audit logging, preventing unauthorized physical access even if the local password is unknown.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Device Access Control — This question tests Device Access Control — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure 'login authentication default' under the console line to require AAA authentication. — Option A is correct because configuring 'login authentication default' under the console line forces the device to use AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) services for console login. This prevents unauthorized access by requiring valid credentials verified by a centralized AAA server (e.g., RADIUS or TACACS+), rather than relying on a local password that could be compromised or shared.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 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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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.
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