VA-003 Compare authentication methods Practice Question
Which THREE factors contribute to the security of the AppRole authentication method? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
HashiCorp often tests the misconception that the RoleID must be kept secret, but in reality it is the SecretID that must be protected, and the RoleID is analogous to a username.
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
✓
Setting a secret_id_num_uses limit
Setting a `secret_id_num_uses` limit restricts the number of times a SecretID can be used to obtain a token from Vault. This prevents replay attacks and limits the blast radius if a SecretID is leaked, as it becomes invalid after the specified number of uses.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Keeping the RoleID secret
Why it's wrong here
RoleID is not a secret; it is a username-like identifier.
- ✗
Configuring token policies
Why it's wrong here
Token policies control authorization, not authentication security.
- ✓
Setting a secret_id_num_uses limit
Why this is correct
Prevents replay attacks.
- ✓
Binding the SecretID to a specific CIDR block
Why this is correct
Limits where the SecretID can be used.
- ✓
Setting a secret_id_ttl
Why this is correct
Limits the lifetime of the SecretID.
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.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This VA-003 practice question is part of Courseiva's free HashiCorp certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the VA-003 exam.