The answer is to change the user account type from Standard to Administrator in Users & Groups. This works because macOS enforces a security boundary where only administrator accounts can modify network settings without re-entering credentials; a standard user lacks the necessary authorization token, triggering the admin password prompt. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of macOS user account privileges and the principle of least privilege—a common trap is assuming you can simply disable the prompt via a checkbox or a terminal command, but those options either don’t exist or create a security hole. Remember that granting admin rights is the only secure method to stop the admin password prompt for network settings on macOS, but it also gives full system access, so it should only be used for trusted users. Memory tip: “Admin to avoid the prompt, but think before you grant the mount.”
220-1102 macOS Features and Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of macos features and tools. 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 user reports that their Mac running macOS Ventura frequently asks for the admin password when trying to change network settings, even though they are the only user. They want this to stop. What is the most secure way to address this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the user account type from Standard to Administrator in Users & Groups
Changing network settings requires admin privileges by default for security. The correct approach is to grant the user admin rights, which eliminates the prompt but also gives full system access. Other options either don't work or compromise security.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)
Why it's wrong here
SIP does not control user authentication prompts; disabling it reduces system security.
✓
Change the user account type from Standard to Administrator in Users & Groups
Why this is correct
Admin accounts can change network settings without re-entering credentials. This is the standard fix, though it broadens privileges.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Use the 'security authorizationdb' command to remove the requirement
Why it's wrong here
Modifying authorization databases is complex, risky, and unsupported for this purpose.
✗
Turn off FileVault
Why it's wrong here
FileVault encryption does not affect authentication prompts for system settings.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
macOS Features and Tools — This question tests macOS Features and Tools — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the user account type from Standard to Administrator in Users & Groups — Changing network settings requires admin privileges by default for security. The correct approach is to grant the user admin rights, which eliminates the prompt but also gives full system access. Other options either don't work or compromise security.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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