easyMultiple Choice
350-401 Practice Question: Which SNMP version introduced the use of a…
Which SNMP version introduced the use of a username and authentication/password framework, without encryption?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that SNMPv3 always requires encryption, when in fact it supports an authentication-only mode (authNoPriv) that matches the question's description exactly, causing candidates to overlook SNMPv3 if they think encryption is mandatory.
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 a security model that provides both authentication and privacy (encryption), but the question specifically asks for the version that introduced a username and authentication/password framework without encryption. SNMPv3's User-based Security Model (USM) allows for authentication-only mode (authNoPriv), which uses a username and password (or key) for authentication but does not encrypt the payload. This distinguishes it from earlier versions that relied on community strings (SNMPv1 and SNMPv2c) or offered no standardized security framework.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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SNMPv1
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv1 is a legacy protocol that authenticates via community strings carried in plaintext within the PDU. Because community strings are effectively shared passwords and no user-based identity exists, SNMPv1 cannot satisfy the requirement for usernames. It also lacks encryption and uses weak 32-bit counters, making it unsuitable for secure monitoring.
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SNMPv2c
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv2c retains the SNMPv1 security model, relying on community strings transmitted in clear text; it only enhances efficiency with GETBULK and 64-bit counters. While it improves data retrieval, it still uses a single community name rather than per-user credentials, so it fails the username requirement just as SNMPv1 does. The 'c' stands for 'community-based', not user-based.
- ✓
SNMPv3
Why this is correct
SNMPv3 is the correct answer because its User-based Security Model (USM) uses a username and engineID to create localized authentication keys. USM supports authentication via HMAC-MD5 or HMAC-SHA and can encrypt traffic with AES or DES, providing noAuthNoPriv, authNoPriv, and authPriv security levels. This is the first SNMP standard to support real user-based authentication and view-based access control.
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SNMPv2u
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv2u was an experimental user-based variation proposed in the late 1990s to address SNMPv2's lack of security. It introduced usernames and authentication, but it was never standardized and saw no significant implementation. SNMPv3 superseded it by standardizing an improved User-based Security Model, making SNMPv2u a non-viable alternative.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.