- A
Network access control (NAC).
NAC can authenticate devices, check posture, and place noncompliant systems into a limited or quarantine network segment.
- B
Data loss prevention (DLP).
Why wrong: DLP monitors data movement and sensitive content, but it does not decide whether a device may join the network.
- C
Intrusion prevention system (IPS).
Why wrong: An IPS can block malicious traffic, but it does not perform device admission control or assign a remediation VLAN.
- D
Sandboxing gateway.
Why wrong: Sandboxing is used to detonate suspicious files or links, not to control network access for endpoint devices.
Question 442 of 1,152
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 help desk technician receives an alert that an unmanaged laptop was plugged into a conference room network jack and was automatically placed into a restricted network segment until it passed a security check. Which control is responsible for that behavior?
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
✓
Network access control (NAC).
Network Access Control (NAC) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to enforce security policies on devices attempting to connect to a network. When an unmanaged laptop is plugged into a network jack, NAC evaluates the device's compliance (e.g., antivirus status, patch level) and, if it fails, automatically places it into a restricted segment (e.g., a quarantine VLAN) until it passes a security check. This behavior is a core function of NAC solutions like Cisco ISE or Aruba ClearPass, which use 802.1X or MAC authentication bypass to dynamically assign VLANs based on device posture.
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.
- ✓
Network access control (NAC).
Why this is correct
NAC can authenticate devices, check posture, and place noncompliant systems into a limited or quarantine network segment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Data loss prevention (DLP).
Why it's wrong here
DLP monitors data movement and sensitive content, but it does not decide whether a device may join the network.
- ✗
Intrusion prevention system (IPS).
- ✗
Sandboxing gateway.
Why it's wrong here
Sandboxing is used to detonate suspicious files or links, not to control network access for endpoint devices.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse NAC with an IPS or firewall because both can block traffic, but NAC specifically controls access at the point of network entry (Layer 2) based on device identity and compliance, not by inspecting packet payloads.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, NAC typically leverages 802.1X (port-based authentication) or MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) as a fallback. When a device connects, the switch sends a RADIUS request to the NAC policy server, which checks the device's posture via agents or passive scanning (e.g., using Change of Authorization, RFC 5176). If the device is non-compliant, the server sends a RADIUS Access-Accept with a restricted VLAN ID, dynamically reconfiguring the switch port. In real-world scenarios, this prevents rogue devices from accessing sensitive resources while allowing remediation through a captive portal.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Visual reference
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Network access control (NAC). — Network Access Control (NAC) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to enforce security policies on devices attempting to connect to a network. When an unmanaged laptop is plugged into a network jack, NAC evaluates the device's compliance (e.g., antivirus status, patch level) and, if it fails, automatically places it into a restricted segment (e.g., a quarantine VLAN) until it passes a security check. This behavior is a core function of NAC solutions like Cisco ISE or Aruba ClearPass, which use 802.1X or MAC authentication bypass to dynamically assign VLANs based on device posture.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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