- A
RADIUS with EAP-TLS
Why wrong: EAP-TLS provides strong authentication encryption, but RADIUS still only encrypts the password in the packet payload. It does not encrypt the entire packet nor provide per-command authorization logging.
- B
TACACS+
Correct. TACACS+ encrypts the entire authentication packet and separates AAA functions, enabling detailed command-level authorization logging.
- C
LDAP over SSL
Why wrong: LDAP is a directory access protocol, not a AAA protocol. It does not inherently provide accounting or per-command authorization for network devices.
- D
Kerberos
Why wrong: Kerberos is an authentication protocol used primarily for domain environments (e.g., Windows Active Directory). It does not typically handle authorization for network device commands or accounting.
Quick Answer
The answer is TACACS+. This protocol is the correct choice because it fully encrypts the entire AAA packet—including the username, password, and all other fields—ensuring that authentication traffic is completely secured, while also supporting per-user command authorization logging for detailed audit trails. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this distinction often appears in questions contrasting TACACS+ with RADIUS, where a common trap is assuming RADIUS also encrypts the full packet; in reality, RADIUS only encrypts the password, leaving the username and other fields in plaintext. To remember, think of TACACS+ as the “total encryption” protocol—it wraps everything in a secure envelope and logs every command a user types, making it ideal for environments requiring both encrypted AAA and granular accountability.
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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.
An organization uses a AAA server for network device authentication. The security team requires that all authentication traffic be fully encrypted and that authorization commands be logged per user. Which protocol is best suited for this requirement?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
TACACS+
TACACS+ is the best choice because it encrypts the entire authentication packet (including username, password, and all other fields) and supports per-user command authorization logging. This meets the requirement for fully encrypted authentication traffic and detailed audit trails for each user's commands.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
RADIUS with EAP-TLS
- ✓
TACACS+
Why this is correct
Correct. TACACS+ encrypts the entire authentication packet and separates AAA functions, enabling detailed command-level authorization logging.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
LDAP over SSL
Why it's wrong here
LDAP is a directory access protocol, not a AAA protocol. It does not inherently provide accounting or per-command authorization for network devices.
- ✗
Kerberos
Why it's wrong here
Kerberos is an authentication protocol used primarily for domain environments (e.g., Windows Active Directory). It does not typically handle authorization for network device commands or accounting.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse RADIUS's partial encryption (password only) with full encryption, or assume LDAP over SSL can handle device AAA, but TACACS+ is the only protocol that fully encrypts all traffic and logs per-user commands for network device administration.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
EAP-TLS provides strong authentication encryption, but RADIUS still only encrypts the password in the packet payload. It does not encrypt the entire packet nor provide per-command authorization logging.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TACACS+ uses TCP port 49 and separates authentication, authorization, and accounting into distinct processes, allowing granular control. The entire TACACS+ payload is encrypted using a shared secret and MD5-based encryption, unlike RADIUS which only encrypts the password. In practice, TACACS+ is preferred for device administration (e.g., Cisco IOS) because it can log every command executed by a user, enabling forensic audits and compliance with standards like PCI DSS.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: TACACS+ — TACACS+ is the best choice because it encrypts the entire authentication packet (including username, password, and all other fields) and supports per-user command authorization logging. This meets the requirement for fully encrypted authentication traffic and detailed audit trails for each user's commands.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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