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300-410 Practice Question: Which SNMP version introduced the use of a…
Which SNMP version introduced the use of a User-based Security Model (USM) and View-based Access Control Model (VACM)?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between SNMPv2u (which introduced user-based security but not VACM) and SNMPv3 (which combined USM and VACM), leading candidates to mistakenly select SNMPv2u as the version that introduced both models.
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
✓
SNMPv3
SNMPv3 introduced the User-based Security Model (USM) for authentication and encryption, and the View-based Access Control Model (VACM) for granular access control. These models provide message integrity, authentication, and encryption, addressing the security deficiencies of earlier SNMP versions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SNMPv1
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv1 uses community strings and no security.
- ✗
SNMPv2c
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv2c also uses community strings and no security.
- ✓
SNMPv3
Why this is correct
SNMPv3 introduced USM and VACM for security and access control.
- ✗
SNMPv2u
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv2u was an experimental version, not widely adopted.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.