The correct answer includes using a strong, complex pre-shared key, disabling WPS, and implementing 802.1X/EAP authentication. A strong passphrase exponentially increases the time required for dictionary and brute-force attacks against the four-way handshake, while disabling WPS eliminates the PIN brute-force vector that can reveal the PSK in hours. 802.1X provides enterprise-grade authentication with per-session keys, rendering offline cracking ineffective. On the CEH exam, this question tests your understanding of WPA2 attack surface reduction—a common trap is selecting “WPA2-Mixed mode” as a defense, but it actually weakens security by allowing legacy TKIP clients. Remember the mnemonic “DSP”: Disable WPS, Strong PSK, Port-based (802.1X) authentication.
CEH Practice Question: Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of advanced topics: wireless, cloud, iot, cryptography. 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.
Which THREE of the following are valid defenses against WPA2 attacks? (Select three)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable WPS
Using a strong passphrase makes dictionary attacks harder. 802.1X/EAP provides enterprise authentication. Disabling WPS removes PIN brute-force vector. WPA2-Mixed mode still allows TKIP clients, reducing security.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Disable WPS
Why this is correct
WPS PIN brute-force is a common attack vector; disabling it removes that risk.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Implement 802.1X/EAP with RADIUS
Why this is correct
Enterprise authentication uses unique credentials per user, preventing PSK compromise.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Use WEP instead of WPA2
Why it's wrong here
WEP is extremely weak and easily cracked.
✗
Enable WPA2-Mixed mode
Why it's wrong here
Mixed mode includes TKIP, which is vulnerable to certain attacks.
✓
Use a strong, complex pre-shared key
Why this is correct
A long random key resists dictionary/brute-force attacks.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CEH questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — This question tests Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disable WPS — Using a strong passphrase makes dictionary attacks harder. 802.1X/EAP provides enterprise authentication. Disabling WPS removes PIN brute-force vector. WPA2-Mixed mode still allows TKIP clients, reducing security.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CEH questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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