Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
After a user signs in, a file server checks whether they can edit a shared folder. Which AAA concept is being applied?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Authentication
Authentication confirms identity, but it does not decide what the user can do.
B
Best answer
Authorization
Authorization determines what actions an authenticated user is allowed to perform. In this case, the server is checking whether the user has permission to edit the shared folder, not whether they are who they claim to be. This is a common access-control decision made after successful login.
C
Distractor review
Accounting
Accounting records actions and usage, but it does not grant or deny access.
D
Distractor review
Encryption
Encryption protects data confidentiality, but it is not an AAA function.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authorization — Authorization is the correct answer because it answers the question, "What is this user allowed to do?" Once the user has authenticated successfully, the server evaluates permissions, group membership, roles, or access rules to decide whether editing is allowed. This is separate from authentication, which verifies identity, and accounting, which records activity for auditing or billing. Why others are wrong: Authentication happens before access decisions and only confirms identity. Accounting may log the edit attempt, but it does not make the permission decision. Encryption protects data in transit or at rest, but it does not determine who may modify a folder. The key idea is that the user is already signed in, so the system is now making an authorization check.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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