CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
A security administrator is configuring a new wireless network for a small office. The administrator wants to ensure that only authorized devices can connect and that traffic is encrypted. Which of the following should the administrator implement?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that WPA2-Enterprise is always better, but for a small office without RADIUS infrastructure, WPA3-Personal with SAE provides superior security with simpler deployment.
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
✓
WPA3-Personal with SAE
WPA3-Personal with SAE offers robust encryption and authentication without the need for additional infrastructure like a RADIUS server. It is designed for small to medium-sized networks where individual user credentials are not required. SAE prevents offline dictionary attacks, ensuring that only devices with the correct password can connect, and all traffic is encrypted.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
WPA3-Personal with SAE
Why this is correct
WPA3-Personal with Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) provides strong encryption and resistance to offline dictionary attacks. SAE replaces the pre-shared key handshake in WPA2, offering forward secrecy and protecting against brute-force attempts. This meets the requirements for authorized device access and encrypted traffic, making it the most secure choice for a small office wireless network.
- ✗
Open network with a captive portal
Why it's wrong here
An open network with a captive portal does not encrypt traffic, leaving data vulnerable to interception. While a captive portal can restrict access to users who authenticate via a web page, it does not provide link-layer encryption. This option fails to meet the requirement for encrypted traffic and is unsuitable for securing sensitive communications.
- ✗
WPA2-Enterprise with RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
WPA2-Enterprise with RADIUS provides strong authentication and encryption, but it requires a RADIUS server infrastructure, which may be excessive for a small office. While it ensures only authorized devices connect, the scenario does not specify the need for individual user credentials. WPA3-Personal is simpler and offers enhanced security without the overhead of a RADIUS server.
- ✗
WEP with MAC address filtering
Why it's wrong here
WEP is deprecated and easily cracked, providing inadequate encryption. MAC address filtering can be bypassed by spoofing MAC addresses. This combination does not ensure that only authorized devices connect or that traffic is securely encrypted. It is not a recommended solution for any modern wireless network.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.