- A
The authentication sequence must be configured to 'require all' or 'continue on success' to enforce each factor.
To require all factors in the sequence, the sequence type must be set to 'require all' or 'continue on success' so each factor is attempted regardless of previous success.
- B
The RADIUS server profile has the wrong shared secret.
Why wrong: This would cause RADIUS authentication to fail, but the LDAP success would still complete the sequence if set to continue on failure.
- C
The authentication policy only covers HTTP applications.
Why wrong: The authentication policy's application match does not affect which authentication factors are invoked.
- D
The authentication sequence is set to 'continue on failure' and the LDAP authentication succeeds.
Why wrong: 'Continue on failure' means if the first factor fails, it tries the next. If LDAP succeeds, the sequence stops and RADIUS is never attempted.
PCNSE Practice Question: Securing Users and Applications with Authentication
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of securing users and applications with authentication. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company has configured multi-factor authentication (MFA) via an authentication sequence using LDAP and RADIUS. Users authenticate successfully with LDAP but the MFA prompt from RADIUS does not appear. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The authentication sequence must be configured to 'require all' or 'continue on success' to enforce each factor.
The authentication sequence processes factors in order. If 'continue on failure' is set, the sequence stops on the first successful factor, skipping subsequent ones. Option C correctly identifies that the sequence should be set to 'continue on success' or 'require all' to enforce all factors.
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.
- ✓
The authentication sequence must be configured to 'require all' or 'continue on success' to enforce each factor.
Why this is correct
To require all factors in the sequence, the sequence type must be set to 'require all' or 'continue on success' so each factor is attempted regardless of previous success.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The RADIUS server profile has the wrong shared secret.
Why it's wrong here
This would cause RADIUS authentication to fail, but the LDAP success would still complete the sequence if set to continue on failure.
- ✗
The authentication policy only covers HTTP applications.
Why it's wrong here
The authentication policy's application match does not affect which authentication factors are invoked.
- ✗
The authentication sequence is set to 'continue on failure' and the LDAP authentication succeeds.
Why it's wrong here
'Continue on failure' means if the first factor fails, it tries the next. If LDAP succeeds, the sequence stops and RADIUS is never attempted.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCNSE questions on access control and AAA configuration.
- →
Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — study guide chapter
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Securing Users and Applications with Authentication practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — This question tests Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The authentication sequence must be configured to 'require all' or 'continue on success' to enforce each factor. — The authentication sequence processes factors in order. If 'continue on failure' is set, the sequence stops on the first successful factor, skipping subsequent ones. Option C correctly identifies that the sequence should be set to 'continue on success' or 'require all' to enforce all factors.
What should I do if I get this PCNSE 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 PCNSE questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This PCNSE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 PCNSE exam.
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