The answer is shutdown. This is the only port security violation mode that physically err-disables the port when a violation occurs, meeting the requirement that a different device connecting causes the port to be disabled entirely. In contrast, the restrict mode drops traffic from unauthorized devices but keeps the port up, while protect mode silently discards frames without alerting the administrator. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how switches enforce access control at the port level, and a common trap is confusing shutdown with restrict—remember that only shutdown stops all traffic and requires manual re-enabling. A useful memory tip is to think of the word “shut” as in “shut down the port completely,” while restrict merely limits access.
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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 configuring port security on a switch to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting. The requirement is that only the first device to connect to a port is allowed, and if a different device connects, the port should be disabled. Which port security violation mode should be configured?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Why wrong: Protect mode drops traffic from unauthorized MACs but does not disable the port or send a notification; it silently discards packets.
B
Restrict
Why wrong: Restrict mode drops traffic from unauthorized MACs and generates a log message or SNMP trap, but the port remains operational.
C
Shutdown
Shutdown mode (or 'shutdown' violation) disables the port when a violation occurs, which is the most secure response and meets the requirement.
D
Sticky
Why wrong: Sticky is a learning method, not a violation mode. It dynamically learns MAC addresses and adds them to the configuration but does not define the action on a violation.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Shutdown
The 'shutdown' violation mode disables the port entirely when a violation occurs, which meets the requirement that the port be disabled if a different device connects. This is the only mode that physically err-disables the port, preventing any further traffic until manually re-enabled.
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.
✗
Protect
Why it's wrong here
Protect mode drops traffic from unauthorized MACs but does not disable the port or send a notification; it silently discards packets.
✗
Restrict
Why it's wrong here
Restrict mode drops traffic from unauthorized MACs and generates a log message or SNMP trap, but the port remains operational.
✓
Shutdown
Why this is correct
Shutdown mode (or 'shutdown' violation) disables the port when a violation occurs, which is the most secure response and meets the requirement.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Sticky
Why it's wrong here
Sticky is a learning method, not a violation mode. It dynamically learns MAC addresses and adds them to the configuration but does not define the action on a violation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction that 'shutdown' is the only mode that physically disables the port, while 'restrict' and 'protect' only filter traffic but leave the port administratively up, leading candidates to mistakenly choose 'restrict' because it logs violations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Port security violation modes are configured with the 'switchport port-security violation {protect | restrict | shutdown}' command. In 'shutdown' mode, the port enters an err-disabled state (shown as 'err-disabled' in 'show interfaces'), requiring an administrator to issue 'shutdown' followed by 'no shutdown' or configure errdisable recovery to restore it. This mode is commonly used in high-security environments like data centers or government networks where any unauthorized physical access must be immediately blocked.
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 practitioner preparing for the N10-009 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
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: Shutdown — The 'shutdown' violation mode disables the port entirely when a violation occurs, which meets the requirement that the port be disabled if a different device connects. This is the only mode that physically err-disables the port, preventing any further traffic until manually re-enabled.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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