Courseiva
Network SecuritymediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question

An organization wants to ensure that only authorized devices can connect to the wired network. Which TWO methods can be used to enforce this?

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

802.1X authentication

Port security limits the number of MAC addresses on a switch port, and 802.1X requires authentication before granting network access. VLANs segment but do not authenticate, and firewalls filter traffic but not at the access level.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • 802.1X authentication

    Why this is correct

    802.1X requires device authentication before access.

  • Firewall rules

    Why it's wrong here

    Firewalls control traffic after access is granted.

  • Port security

    Why this is correct

    Port security restricts MAC addresses on a port.

  • NAT

    Why it's wrong here

    NAT translates IP addresses, not for access control.

  • VLAN segmentation

    Why it's wrong here

    VLANs do not authenticate devices.

Visual reference

Switch VLAN 10 Sales (192.168.10.0/24) PC-A PC-B VLAN 20 HR (192.168.20.0/24) PC-C PC-D Router VLANs isolate traffic — inter-VLAN routing requires a Layer 3 device

Quick reference

AAA Protocol Comparison

ProtocolPort(s)EncryptionTransportPrimary Use
RADIUS1812 / 1813Password onlyUDPNetwork access control
TACACS+49Full packetTCPDevice administration
Diameter3868Full sessionTCP / SCTPCarrier / mobile networks
802.1XEAP-basedLayer 2Port-based access control

TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.

Go deeper

Related to this question

About these practice questions

Courseiva writes every CC question from scratch — 976 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.