The answer is to implement 802.1X with EAP-TLS alongside WPA3-Enterprise. This combination maximizes security because WPA3-Enterprise provides the strongest encryption standard, using Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to replace the vulnerable pre-shared key handshake, while 802.1X with EAP-TLS enforces certificate-based authentication for every device and user, eliminating reliance on shared passwords. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between enterprise-grade authentication and weak security-through-obscurity measures like disabling SSID broadcast or MAC filtering, which are common trap answers. Remember that EAP-TLS is the gold standard for mutual authentication because it requires a client-side certificate, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. A useful memory tip: “TLS for Trust” — if you see EAP-TLS, think of the certificate chain that verifies both the server and the client, making it the only choice for a truly secure wireless enterprise network.
CAS-004 Security Engineering Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security engineering. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 security engineer is designing a secure wireless network for a corporate office. Which TWO configurations should be implemented to maximize security?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
WPA3-Enterprise
WPA3-Enterprise provides the strongest encryption and authentication. 802.1X with EAP-TLS allows certificate-based authentication, further enhancing security. WPA2-PSK is vulnerable to brute force attacks. Disabling SSID broadcast and MAC filtering are security-through-obscurity measures and do not provide real protection.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
WPA2-PSK
Why it's wrong here
WPA2-PSK is susceptible to dictionary attacks and does not offer per-user authentication.
✓
WPA3-Enterprise
Why this is correct
WPA3-Enterprise provides stronger encryption and authentication than WPA2.
Disabling SSID broadcast is easily circumvented by attackers and not a security control.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CAS-004 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Security Engineering — This question tests Security Engineering — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: WPA3-Enterprise — WPA3-Enterprise provides the strongest encryption and authentication. 802.1X with EAP-TLS allows certificate-based authentication, further enhancing security. WPA2-PSK is vulnerable to brute force attacks. Disabling SSID broadcast and MAC filtering are security-through-obscurity measures and do not provide real protection.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CAS-004 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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