Cisco 350-701 Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 4 Q61-80

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Question 61: 

Which Cisco technology enables dynamic segmentation and secure access across wired, wireless, and VPN connections?

A. Cisco TrustSec
B. Cisco Firepower
C. Cisco Stealthwatch
D. Cisco Umbrella

Answer: A. Cisco TrustSec

Explanation:

Cisco TrustSec is an advanced, identity-based security architecture designed to deliver dynamic segmentation and consistent policy enforcement across the entire enterprise network—including wired, wireless, and VPN connections. Unlike traditional approaches to network segmentation, which depend on static VLANs, access control lists (ACLs), and complex IP address-based rules, TrustSec simplifies and strengthens access control by classifying network traffic based on identity and context rather than network topology.

At the heart of Cisco TrustSec lies the concept of Security Group Tags (SGTs). These are metadata labels that identify users, devices, and even applications according to their role or security posture. When a user or device connects to the network, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) automatically assigns an SGT that corresponds to its identity. For example, an employee in the Human Resources department might receive a tag labeled “HR,” while a contractor might be tagged as “Contractor,” and a visitor’s device would be tagged as “Guest.”

Once assigned, these tags are propagated throughout the network using Scalable Group Tagging (SGT) mechanisms. All Cisco infrastructure components that are TrustSec-enabled—such as switches, routers, wireless controllers, and firewalls—recognize and enforce policies based on these tags rather than on IP or VLAN membership. This propagation ensures that policy enforcement is consistent, no matter where the user connects or how the traffic flows across the enterprise.

Communication policies are defined and implemented through Security Group Access Control Lists (SGACLs). These SGACLs specify which groups can communicate with others and what level of access is allowed. For example, devices tagged as “Finance” may be permitted to communicate with database servers tagged “Finance DB,” but they would be restricted from connecting to any system labeled “Guest.” This fine-grained control enables microsegmentation, where access is limited to precisely what each user or device requires, embodying the Zero Trust security principle of “never trust, always verify.”

One of the greatest advantages of Cisco TrustSec is that it decouples security policies from the underlying network topology. Because segmentation is based on identity rather than network boundaries, there is no need to redesign VLANs or reconfigure ACLs each time a user moves, a device changes its IP, or a new department is added. This drastically reduces operational complexity and accelerates the deployment of secure access policies across large, distributed environments.

Furthermore, Cisco TrustSec integrates seamlessly with Cisco ISE, which acts as the policy decision point for authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA). Through ISE, network administrators can define dynamic, context-aware access policies that automatically adjust based on posture assessments or threat intelligence updates. For instance, if a device fails a compliance check—such as missing the latest security patch—its SGT can be dynamically reassigned to a restricted group with limited network privileges until remediation is completed. This adaptive access control ensures continuous enforcement of security policies, even as conditions change.

It is important to distinguish TrustSec from other Cisco security technologies.

Cisco Firepower focuses on next-generation firewalling, deep packet inspection, and intrusion prevention. While powerful for traffic analysis and threat blocking, it does not provide the identity-based segmentation or end-to-end access policy enforcement that TrustSec enables.

Cisco Stealthwatch delivers behavioral analytics and network visibility by monitoring traffic patterns to detect anomalies, insider threats, and lateral movement.

Cisco Umbrella, on the other hand, operates as a cloud-delivered DNS and web security solution, providing protection at the Internet layer.

All of these tools complement TrustSec but address different layers of the security model.

In essence, Cisco TrustSec enables dynamic segmentation, policy consistency, and Zero Trust enforcement across all forms of connectivity. By abstracting security from network design, it empowers organizations to scale securely, adapt quickly to new threats, and maintain consistent protection across wired, wireless, and remote access environments.

Question 62: 

Which Cisco product provides centralized management of web security policies, URL filtering, and malware scanning for cloud-based environments? 

A. Cisco Umbrella
B. Cisco Firepower
C. Cisco SecureX
D. Cisco AMP for Endpoints

Answer: A. Cisco Umbrella

Explanation:

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security platform that provides comprehensive protection against threats on the Internet, combining several powerful capabilities in one service: DNS-layer security, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud-delivered firewall, and cloud access security broker (CASB) functionality. Umbrella delivers centralized management of web security policies, URL filtering, and malware scanning, helping organizations secure users wherever they are—without requiring on-premises security hardware.

When users initiate DNS or web requests, Umbrella checks those requests against a constantly updated database of threat intelligence maintained by Cisco Talos, one of the world’s largest commercial threat intelligence teams. If the requested domain or URL is associated with malicious activities such as phishing, malware distribution, ransomware command-and-control (C2) servers, or botnets, the connection is immediately blocked—before any traffic even reaches the endpoint. This early prevention mechanism stops many attacks in their earliest phase, drastically reducing the risk of infection and lateral movement.

Umbrella supports granular content and URL filtering, allowing organizations to create and enforce policies based on content categories such as adult material, social networking, streaming, or gaming. This helps maintain productivity and enforces acceptable use policies (AUPs). Administrators can easily define different policy sets for user groups, departments, or locations—all from a centralized cloud console.

In addition to DNS-layer protection, Umbrella includes intelligent proxying capabilities. When users attempt to visit a site that appears risky or partially unverified, Umbrella transparently routes the request through its secure web gateway. The SWG inspects the traffic in real-time using antivirus scanning, sandboxing, and reputation-based analysis to detect malicious payloads or scripts hidden within legitimate-looking web content. This layered approach ensures visibility and control over both HTTP and HTTPS traffic, providing an extra level of inspection that DNS-only solutions cannot achieve.

Another key component of Cisco Umbrella is its cloud-delivered firewall feature, which extends network-layer security to remote users and branch offices. It allows administrators to enforce outbound connection policies, block unwanted ports and protocols, and monitor traffic flows—all without deploying physical firewall appliances. This cloud-native model simplifies operations, scales effortlessly, and provides consistent protection across distributed environments.

Umbrella also integrates CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) capabilities, enabling visibility into and control over SaaS applications used within the organization. It can detect unsanctioned (“shadow IT”) apps and enforce policies to limit or block their usage, ensuring compliance with data security standards.

Cisco Umbrella’s unified platform complements other Cisco security solutions:

Cisco Firepower serves as an on-premises next-generation firewall and intrusion prevention system, focusing on deep inspection within the internal network perimeter.

Cisco SecureX provides orchestration, automation, and cross-platform visibility across Cisco’s entire security ecosystem but is not a standalone web security or DNS filtering solution.

Cisco AMP for Endpoints (now part of Cisco Secure Endpoint) operates at the device level, offering endpoint protection, malware detection, and advanced threat response capabilities.

Umbrella integrates with all these technologies, offering the first line of defense at the Internet layer while SecureX unifies visibility, Firepower manages network boundaries, and AMP secures endpoints.

Because Cisco Umbrella is entirely cloud-based, it is ideally suited for organizations adopting hybrid work models, where employees connect from home, branch offices, or mobile devices. Security enforcement remains consistent and policy-driven no matter where users are located. This makes Umbrella a foundational technology within Cisco’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture, which combines networking and security services into a unified, cloud-delivered framework.

Through Zero Trust Internet Access (ZTIA) principles, Umbrella continuously verifies user and device trustworthiness before permitting access to online resources. Every DNS request, every web connection, and every IP flow is evaluated against contextual policies—ensuring that no traffic is implicitly trusted.

Cisco Umbrella offers a scalable, intelligent, and cloud-native approach to web and Internet security. By integrating DNS-layer defense, web filtering, malware scanning, and firewall capabilities, it gives organizations unified control over Internet access and unmatched visibility into user activity. The result is a simpler, faster, and more secure network experience—delivered entirely from the cloud, ensuring consistent protection anywhere, anytime, and on any device.

Question 63: 

Which protocol does Cisco ISE use to communicate posture assessment results to network access devices for enforcement?

A. RADIUS
B. SNMP
C. TACACS+
D. LDAP

Answer: A. RADIUS

Explanation:

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) uses the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) protocol to communicate posture assessment results, authentication outcomes, and authorization policies to network access devices. These devices can include switches, wireless LAN controllers, and VPN gateways. Through RADIUS, ISE instructs the device to grant or restrict access based on the posture or compliance status of the connecting endpoint.

During the posture assessment process, ISE evaluates the endpoint’s health based on predefined policies, checking for antivirus status, operating system updates, and security settings. Once the assessment is complete, ISE sends RADIUS attributes such as downloadable ACLs, VLAN assignments, or Security Group Tags (SGTs) to enforce access control.

If an endpoint fails compliance, ISE can trigger a RADIUS Change of Authorization (CoA) message to dynamically alter the device’s network privileges without disconnecting it entirely. This allows endpoints to remediate issues by moving them into a quarantine VLAN or limiting network access to patch servers.

SNMP is used for device monitoring and management but not for authentication or posture control. TACACS+ manages administrative access to network devices, while LDAP is primarily used for querying user identity databases like Active Directory.

RADIUS remains fundamental to network access control because it is lightweight, reliable, and widely supported across network infrastructure. When integrated with ISE, it provides real-time enforcement of security policies aligned with Zero Trust principles—granting access only to users and devices that are authenticated, authorized, and compliant.

Question 64: 

Which Cisco technology provides endpoint protection through continuous file analysis and retrospective security?

A. Cisco Secure Endpoint (AMP)
B. Cisco Umbrella
C. Cisco ISE
D. Cisco Firepower

Answer: A. Cisco Secure Endpoint (AMP)

Explanation:

Cisco Secure Endpoint, formerly known as Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), is an endpoint security platform that protects against malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats through continuous file analysis and retrospective security. Unlike traditional antivirus solutions that rely on static signatures, Secure Endpoint continuously monitors file behavior and uses cloud-based analytics to detect evolving threats.

When a file enters an endpoint, AMP checks its cryptographic hash against Cisco’s global threat intelligence database maintained by Talos. If the file’s reputation is unknown, AMP tracks its behavior over time. Should the file later be identified as malicious, AMP provides retrospective detection, meaning it can alert administrators and automatically quarantine or delete the file even after initial execution.

This continuous monitoring is powered by cloud-based telemetry and machine learning. Secure Endpoint also integrates with Cisco Threat Grid for sandbox analysis, allowing suspicious files to be executed in a controlled environment to observe malicious activity.

Cisco Umbrella protects at the DNS layer but does not monitor endpoint behavior. Cisco ISE manages access control, while Firepower operates at the network layer. Secure Endpoint bridges this gap by delivering real-time protection directly at the device level.

By combining prevention, detection, and response, Cisco Secure Endpoint helps organizations implement a layered defense strategy. Its retrospective capability ensures that even sophisticated threats that initially evade detection are eventually discovered and remediated, aligning perfectly with Cisco’s continuous Zero Trust approach to endpoint security.

Question 65: 

Which Cisco firewall feature allows traffic inspection and policy enforcement based on user identity obtained from Active Directory?

A. User-Based Access Control (UBAC)
B. Identity Firewall Integration
C. Security Group Tagging
D. Dynamic ACLs

Answer: B. Identity Firewall Integration

Explanation:

The Identity Firewall Integration feature in Cisco Secure Firewall and ASA allows administrators to create security policies based on user identity rather than static IP addresses. This integration connects the firewall with directory services such as Microsoft Active Directory, enabling visibility into which users are generating specific traffic flows.

Through the Cisco Identity Agent or ISE integration, user logon events are correlated with IP addresses, allowing the firewall to associate network sessions with user identities and groups. Administrators can then define rules like “allow web access for Finance group” or “block SSH for Guest users.” This approach simplifies policy management in environments where users frequently move between networks or use dynamic IP addressing.

The firewall continuously updates identity mappings to ensure accuracy, and changes in user session status trigger automatic policy enforcement adjustments. When integrated with Cisco ISE via pxGrid, this feature supports adaptive access control, ensuring that users’ privileges align with their authentication status and security posture.

User-Based Access Control (UBAC) and Dynamic ACLs refer to similar concepts but are not Cisco product names. Security Group Tagging is part of Cisco TrustSec but operates within network segmentation, not directly in the firewall.

Identity Firewall Integration enhances visibility, accountability, and policy precision. It aligns with Zero Trust Network Access principles by enforcing policies based on verified identity and contextual attributes, providing a strong foundation for modern enterprise security architectures.

Question 66: 

Which Cisco solution provides advanced threat detection by analyzing network traffic for indicators of compromise using behavioral modeling?

A. Cisco Stealthwatch
B. Cisco ISE
C. Cisco Umbrella
D. Cisco Firepower

Answer: A. Cisco Stealthwatch

Explanation:

Cisco Stealthwatch, now called Cisco Secure Network Analytics, is designed to detect advanced threats and indicators of compromise (IOCs) by analyzing network telemetry data and applying behavioral modeling. It collects flow data using NetFlow or IPFIX from routers, switches, and firewalls, transforming this raw information into a comprehensive view of network activity.

Through statistical and machine learning algorithms, Stealthwatch establishes baselines of normal network behavior for each host and entity. It can then identify deviations such as unusual data transfers, lateral movement, or communication with known malicious IPs. These anomalies often indicate insider threats, compromised accounts, or malware infections.

Stealthwatch also incorporates Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) to identify malicious patterns in encrypted flows without decrypting them, preserving privacy while maintaining visibility. Its integration with Cisco ISE enables contextual enrichment by linking network events to specific user identities and devices.

Cisco Umbrella focuses on DNS-layer protection, ISE provides access control, and Firepower inspects packets at the network perimeter. Stealthwatch complements these technologies by offering deep visibility into network behavior across all segments.

By providing continuous monitoring and real-time analytics, Stealthwatch helps security teams move from reactive incident response to proactive threat hunting. Its behavioral modeling approach aligns with Zero Trust security frameworks by continuously validating the legitimacy of network activity and alerting on deviations that could indicate compromise.

Question 67: 

Which Cisco technology uses cloud-delivered intelligence to detect and block known malicious IPs, URLs, and domains at the firewall level? 

A. Security Intelligence Feeds
B. Threat Grid
C. Encrypted Traffic Analytics
D. Firepower URL Filtering

Answer: A. Security Intelligence Feeds

Explanation: 

Security Intelligence Feeds in Cisco Firepower provide a mechanism for leveraging cloud-delivered threat intelligence to automatically detect and block traffic associated with known malicious IP addresses, URLs, and domains. These feeds are sourced from Cisco Talos, one of the world’s largest commercial threat intelligence organizations.

When a connection attempt occurs, Firepower compares it against these dynamic feeds. If the source or destination matches a known threat indicator, the connection is immediately blocked before any packet inspection or signature analysis occurs. This preemptive filtering reduces processing load on the firewall and prevents known bad traffic from entering the network.

Administrators can also create custom feeds to block organization-specific threats or integrate third-party threat intelligence via STIX/TAXII protocols.

Threat Grid performs file sandboxing, Encrypted Traffic Analytics identifies threats in encrypted flows, and URL Filtering classifies web content. Security Intelligence Feeds operate at a higher level, applying real-time reputation-based enforcement.

This capability significantly enhances the effectiveness of Cisco Firepower’s layered defense by combining proactive threat intelligence with on-box inspection. It ensures that firewalls stay up-to-date with global threat trends, blocking malicious communications at the earliest stage and reducing exposure to evolving attack campaigns.

Question 68: 

Which Cisco technology provides a unified security management and automation platform integrating multiple Cisco and third-party products for end-to-end visibility?

A. Cisco SecureX
B. Cisco Umbrella
C. Cisco Stealthwatch
D. Cisco Firepower Management Center

Answer: A. Cisco SecureX

Explanation: 

Cisco SecureX is a cloud-native, integrated security platform designed to unify visibility, automate workflows, and simplify management across Cisco and third-party security products. It acts as a central dashboard for threat detection, investigation, and response, providing a consistent experience across multiple layers of defense such as endpoints, networks, clouds, and applications.

Unlike single-purpose tools, SecureX consolidates data and alerts from Cisco technologies like Secure Endpoint, Secure Email, Firepower, Umbrella, and Stealthwatch, as well as external solutions through open APIs. It correlates these data points to provide a complete view of threats across the enterprise. The platform’s SecureX Threat Response module allows analysts to quickly pivot from alerts to investigation and remediation without switching interfaces.

Another core feature is SecureX Orchestration, which automates repetitive tasks like isolating endpoints, blocking IPs, or disabling compromised accounts. This reduces response time and minimizes human error. SecureX also provides customizable dashboards that display real-time key performance indicators (KPIs), incident metrics, and threat intelligence summaries.

While Cisco Umbrella secures internet traffic and Firepower Management Center manages firewall policies, SecureX integrates all these functions into one coordinated ecosystem. Cisco Stealthwatch provides behavioral analytics, which feeds into SecureX for contextual insight.

By connecting data across diverse sources, SecureX accelerates incident response and provides deeper situational awareness. It embodies Cisco’s vision of extended detection and response (XDR), aligning with Zero Trust security principles through centralized monitoring and adaptive automation.

Question 69: 

Which feature in Cisco ASA and Secure Firewall allows high availability by synchronizing connection states between two devices?

A. Stateful Failover
B. Dynamic NAT
C. Route Injection
D. Policy-Based Routing

Answer: A. Stateful Failover

Explanation:

Stateful Failover is a high-availability feature in Cisco ASA and Secure Firewall that ensures seamless continuity of traffic during a failover event. When configured, two firewalls operate as an active-standby or active-active pair. The active unit continuously synchronizes connection states, NAT translations, and session information with the standby unit. If the active firewall fails, the standby takes over immediately, maintaining all active connections without interruption.

This mechanism differs from simple redundancy where connections drop upon failover. Stateful Failover preserves critical session data such as TCP sequence numbers, UDP timeouts, and VPN tunnels, ensuring minimal service disruption. The synchronization occurs over a dedicated failover link, which must be reliable and have sufficient bandwidth to handle the state information exchange.

Dynamic NAT and Policy-Based Routing perform traffic handling functions but do not contribute to redundancy. Route Injection is used for dynamic routing updates but not for session preservation. Stateful Failover, on the other hand, directly supports business continuity by maintaining consistent session awareness between devices.

In larger deployments, administrators can use Active/Active Failover with multiple contexts, allowing both firewalls to process traffic simultaneously while providing redundancy. Cisco also allows monitoring of interface health and system resources to trigger failover automatically when necessary.

By maintaining connection persistence, Stateful Failover ensures that users experience no noticeable interruption in applications like VoIP, video conferencing, or online transactions during a firewall switchover. It is a critical feature for achieving resilience and uptime in enterprise network security deployments.

Question 70: 

Which Cisco feature identifies threats in encrypted traffic without decrypting the packets? 

A. Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)
B. SSL Decryption
C. Deep Packet Inspection
D. Secure Network Analytics

Answer: A. Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)

Explanation:

Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) is a Cisco innovation that detects threats in encrypted traffic without decrypting it. With over 90% of internet traffic now encrypted, traditional inspection methods that rely on decryption introduce privacy concerns and computational overhead. ETA solves this by analyzing the metadata and flow characteristics of encrypted connections rather than the content itself.

ETA leverages NetFlow or IPFIX telemetry from Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls to gather information such as initial data packet length, sequence of packet sizes, and TLS handshake details. This data forms a “fingerprint” that can be compared against known patterns of malicious activity. For instance, malware communicating with command-and-control servers exhibits predictable timing and size patterns even when encrypted.

Cisco Stealthwatch (Secure Network Analytics) is the primary analysis platform that processes ETA data, using machine learning to detect anomalies and classify traffic as benign or malicious. This method preserves user privacy since payloads are never decrypted.

SSL Decryption and Deep Packet Inspection examine plaintext traffic but at the cost of performance and privacy. Secure Network Analytics consumes ETA data but does not perform detection on its own—it relies on ETA telemetry for visibility.

ETA combines statistical modeling, TLS fingerprinting, and cloud-based threat intelligence to identify compromised endpoints, botnets, and encrypted exfiltration attempts. By providing visibility into encrypted traffic without decryption, ETA allows organizations to maintain compliance, protect sensitive data, and uphold Zero Trust principles while defending against hidden threats.

Question 71: 

Which Cisco component enforces network access decisions made by the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)?

A. Network Access Device (NAD)
B. Cisco DNA Center
C. Cisco SecureX
D. Cisco Firepower

Answer: A. Network Access Device (NAD)

Explanation: 

A Network Access Device (NAD) is any network infrastructure component—such as a switch, wireless LAN controller, or VPN gateway—that enforces authentication and authorization decisions from Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). In a network access control (NAC) architecture, the NAD acts as the policy enforcement point, applying access control rules based on the user or device’s authentication results.

When a client attempts to connect to the network, the NAD initiates a RADIUS request to ISE, carrying credentials and contextual data. ISE evaluates this information and returns authorization attributes, such as VLAN assignment, downloadable ACL (dACL), or Security Group Tag (SGT). The NAD then enforces these decisions at the data plane level.

Cisco DNA Center focuses on network automation and assurance but does not perform real-time enforcement. SecureX provides visibility and orchestration, and Firepower handles threat inspection but not access control decisions.

NADs play a critical role in implementing 802.1X authentication, posture validation, and dynamic segmentation using Cisco TrustSec. They ensure that only authenticated and compliant devices gain access to appropriate network segments. Through Change of Authorization (CoA) messages, ISE can dynamically adjust access privileges when a device’s posture changes.

This distributed enforcement model ensures scalability and real-time responsiveness. It aligns with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) by continuously verifying identity and enforcing least-privilege access at the edge of the network.

Question 72: 

Which Cisco feature enables dynamic access control policies based on contextual information such as device type, location, and posture?

A. Adaptive Network Control (ANC)
B. Role-Based Access Control
C. Access Control List (ACL)
D. Network Admission Control

Answer: A. Adaptive Network Control (ANC)

Explanation: 

Adaptive Network Control (ANC) is a Cisco ISE feature that allows dynamic enforcement of network access policies based on real-time contextual information. ANC enables administrators to assign actions to endpoints dynamically, such as quarantine, shutdown, or redirect, without manually modifying network configurations.

When ISE detects a compliance issue—like outdated antivirus software or suspicious activity—it can trigger an ANC policy to restrict or isolate the endpoint. This action is applied immediately through network devices integrated with ISE via RADIUS Change of Authorization (CoA) messages. For example, if a corporate laptop fails posture checks, ANC can move it into a remediation VLAN where it can only access update servers.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) defines administrative privileges, not endpoint enforcement. Access Control Lists (ACLs) are static and lack dynamic adaptation. Network Admission Control is an older Cisco solution superseded by ISE.

ANC operates as part of ISE’s broader contextual control capabilities. It evaluates multiple attributes—such as device type, user role, access method, location, and posture—to determine the appropriate action. This makes it an essential component in implementing Zero Trust, where access rights continuously adapt to changing conditions and threats.

Question 73: 

Which Cisco security component uses file reputation, dynamic analysis, and retrospective detection to combat advanced malware?

A. Cisco Secure Endpoint
B. Cisco Umbrella
C. Cisco ISE
D. Cisco Email Security

Answer: A. Cisco Secure Endpoint

Explanation: 

Cisco Secure Endpoint combines advanced analytics, continuous monitoring, and cloud-based intelligence to detect, prevent, and remediate sophisticated malware. It uses a multi-layered defense approach centered around file reputation, dynamic behavior analysis, and retrospective security.

When a file is introduced to a system, Secure Endpoint queries Cisco Talos’ cloud intelligence to determine its reputation. Files with known malicious hashes are blocked immediately. Unknown files are analyzed in Cisco Threat Grid, a sandbox environment where they are executed safely to observe behavior.

If a file later exhibits malicious behavior, Secure Endpoint’s retrospective detection mechanism retroactively flags and remediates it across all endpoints that encountered the file. This continuous visibility allows for swift containment and rollback of infections.

Cisco Umbrella secures DNS requests, ISE manages network access, and Email Security focuses on phishing prevention. Secure Endpoint operates directly at the device level, forming a critical part of Cisco’s extended detection and response (XDR) ecosystem.

Its integration with SecureX enables automated incident response workflows and centralized visibility. This comprehensive protection model exemplifies Zero Trust principles by continuously verifying endpoint integrity and adapting defenses to evolving threats.

Question 74: 

Which technology in Cisco Firepower provides network-based malware detection and dynamic file analysis?

A. Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for Networks
B. Security Intelligence Feeds
C. URL Filtering
D. SSL Policy

Answer: A. Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for Networks

Explanation: 

Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for Networks is Cisco’s network-level malware detection engine integrated into the Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) platform. It provides real-time protection against known and unknown malware by analyzing files as they traverse the network.

AMP examines files using signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and sandboxing via Cisco Threat Grid. Files deemed suspicious are sent to the Threat Grid cloud for dynamic analysis, where they are executed in a controlled environment to observe indicators of compromise (IoCs). Once identified, the resulting threat intelligence is shared globally across all AMP-enabled devices.

Unlike traditional signature-based systems, AMP for Networks provides retrospective detection. If a file initially appeared benign but is later discovered to be malicious, AMP retrospectively identifies all affected hosts and sessions, allowing immediate remediation.

Security Intelligence Feeds block known bad IPs and URLs, while URL Filtering categorizes web traffic. SSL Policies manage encrypted traffic but do not detect malware. AMP for Networks complements these features by providing deep file inspection and dynamic threat analysis.

By combining real-time analytics, cloud intelligence, and retrospective security, AMP for Networks enhances the overall efficacy of Cisco Firepower in defending against evolving malware campaigns, aligning with Cisco’s Zero Trust architecture.

Question 75: 

Which Cisco solution integrates with third-party systems using pxGrid to share contextual security information?

A. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
B. Cisco Stealthwatch
C. Cisco SecureX
D. Cisco Firepower

Answer: A. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Explanation: 

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) integrates with external systems through the Cisco Platform Exchange Grid (pxGrid), an open, scalable framework for sharing contextual security information. pxGrid enables interoperability between ISE and third-party security tools, SIEMs, firewalls, and endpoint protection systems.

Through pxGrid, ISE shares real-time identity, posture, and session data, enabling partner systems to enforce coordinated responses. For example, when Stealthwatch detects anomalous behavior, it can signal ISE via pxGrid to quarantine the affected device automatically.

This bi-directional exchange of information breaks down silos between network access control and threat detection systems. Cisco SecureX also leverages pxGrid data to enhance orchestration across the entire security ecosystem.

By facilitating open communication among heterogeneous security tools, pxGrid supports automation and consistent enforcement across the enterprise. It embodies the Zero Trust model by enabling continuous monitoring and adaptive policy control based on shared intelligence, significantly reducing response time and operational complexity.

Question 76: 

Which Cisco solution provides email threat defense with features such as spam filtering, anti-phishing, and advanced malware protection?

A. Cisco Secure Email (ESA)
B. Cisco Umbrella
C. Cisco SecureX
D. Cisco ISE

Answer: A. Cisco Secure Email (ESA)

Explanation: 

Cisco Secure Email, formerly known as the Email Security Appliance (ESA), is designed to protect organizations from a wide range of email-borne threats including spam, phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and malware. As email continues to be one of the most common attack vectors, ESA provides multilayered defenses to stop threats before they reach users’ inboxes.

The system uses Cisco Talos threat intelligence to analyze billions of email messages daily, identifying emerging spam campaigns and phishing attempts. It employs advanced reputation-based filtering to block messages from known malicious senders while allowing legitimate traffic. Beyond simple filtering, Secure Email includes Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) to scan attachments using file reputation, sandboxing, and retrospective analysis. Suspicious attachments are executed in a virtual environment within Cisco Threat Grid to detect hidden malicious behavior before delivery.

In addition to malware detection, Cisco Secure Email defends against phishing attacks using URL analysis and rewriting. Embedded links are examined for malicious redirection, and real-time scanning ensures continuous protection even after delivery. The solution also includes content encryption, data loss prevention (DLP), and email authentication mechanisms like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prevent spoofing and ensure message integrity.

Cisco Umbrella provides DNS-layer protection, SecureX unifies management, and ISE handles access control, but Secure Email specifically focuses on securing the email communication channel. Its integration with SecureX allows for automated incident response—for example, removing malicious messages from all mailboxes if new threats are identified post-delivery.

By combining threat intelligence, behavioral analytics, and continuous monitoring, Cisco Secure Email provides a robust defense against evolving email threats, forming a vital component of Cisco’s broader Zero Trust security architecture.

Question 77: 

Which Cisco technology allows for secure access to private applications without requiring full network VPN connectivity?

A. Cisco Secure Access by Duo
B. Cisco AnyConnect VPN
C. Cisco ASA Site-to-Site VPN
D. Cisco Firepower

Answer: A. Cisco Secure Access by Duo

Explanation: 

Cisco Secure Access by Duo provides a secure, cloud-delivered method for granting users access to private applications without requiring a full VPN tunnel. It implements the principles of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) by verifying user identity, device health, and context before granting access to specific applications rather than entire network segments.

Unlike traditional VPNs, which provide broad network-level connectivity, Duo Secure Access ensures application-specific connectivity through an encrypted, cloud-mediated connection. This minimizes lateral movement risk within the network by enforcing least-privilege access. Each access request is evaluated in real time against multiple contextual factors, such as user identity, geolocation, device posture, and authentication strength.

Cisco AnyConnect and ASA VPN solutions provide secure tunneling for remote workers but expose portions of the internal network. Duo, by contrast, offers an agentless or lightweight-agent architecture that enables users to authenticate seamlessly while protecting corporate resources from unauthorized access.

Secure Access integrates multi-factor authentication (MFA), device trust, and adaptive access policies. For instance, a user logging in from an unmanaged or outdated device may be prompted for additional verification or denied access altogether. Integration with Cisco ISE and SecureX enables unified visibility and automation across the enterprise environment.

By enforcing continuous trust verification and eliminating the need for traditional network-based VPNs, Cisco Secure Access by Duo supports the Zero Trust model—verifying every user, validating every device, and securing every application, regardless of location. This approach enhances both security and user experience by enabling secure, direct-to-app connections for remote and hybrid workforces.

Question 78: 

Which Cisco technology provides real-time web content categorization and dynamic URL reputation filtering within the Cisco Firepower system? 

A. URL Filtering
B. Security Intelligence Feeds
C. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
D. Application Visibility and Control

Answer: A. URL Filtering

Explanation: 

The URL Filtering feature in Cisco Firepower provides real-time web content categorization and dynamic reputation-based blocking of unsafe or inappropriate websites. It allows administrators to define and enforce browsing policies that prevent users from visiting malicious, phishing, or non-business-related sites.

URL Filtering leverages Cisco Talos’ global threat intelligence, which continuously updates URL categories and reputation scores based on billions of web requests analyzed daily. Each web request is matched against a database of categorized domains that include classifications like “Malware,” “Phishing,” “Gambling,” or “Social Media.” The system can block or allow access based on user identity, security group, or device type.

Unlike Security Intelligence Feeds, which operate at the IP or domain level to block known malicious destinations, URL Filtering provides more granular control over web activity. It inspects HTTP and HTTPS requests, even identifying newly created or dynamically changing websites through real-time cloud lookups.

The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and Application Visibility and Control (AVC) modules focus on inspecting network packets and application protocols but do not manage web categorization. URL Filtering complements these modules by addressing the human element of network security—preventing users from unknowingly interacting with malicious or policy-violating content.

Administrators can apply URL filtering policies through Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) or Cisco Defense Orchestrator. These policies can be aligned with identity information obtained from Cisco ISE, enabling differentiated access based on role or compliance posture.

By combining real-time intelligence, flexible policy enforcement, and identity integration, Cisco’s URL Filtering strengthens overall web security posture and helps organizations comply with acceptable use policies while minimizing exposure to evolving web-based threats.

Question 79:

Which Cisco solution provides secure web gateway (SWG) functionality as part of a cloud-delivered SASE architecture?

A. Cisco Umbrella
B. Cisco Firepower
C. Cisco Stealthwatch
D. Cisco ISE

Answer: A. Cisco Umbrella

Explanation: 

Cisco Umbrella acts as a cloud-delivered Secure Web Gateway (SWG) within Cisco’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture. It provides comprehensive web protection by combining DNS-layer security, firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), and cloud access security broker (CASB) capabilities.

As users make web requests, Umbrella intercepts and evaluates them based on URL reputation, content category, and security risk. Malicious or suspicious traffic is blocked in real-time using threat intelligence from Cisco Talos. When risky requests occur, Umbrella’s intelligent proxy inspects traffic at the HTTP and HTTPS layers, scanning content for malware and enforcing company policies such as blocking inappropriate or non-compliant websites.

Unlike on-premises firewalls like Cisco Firepower, Umbrella operates entirely in the cloud, enabling consistent security across users and locations, including remote workers. It eliminates the need to backhaul traffic through data centers, improving performance while maintaining security visibility.

Cisco Stealthwatch analyzes flow telemetry but does not filter web traffic, and ISE focuses on access control. Umbrella integrates with both, sharing contextual data to enable end-to-end policy enforcement and visibility.

In a SASE model, Umbrella’s SWG component complements Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) by protecting users as they access internet and cloud applications. Its scalability, simplicity, and continuous updates make it a cornerstone of Cisco’s cloud security ecosystem, ensuring secure, compliant, and reliable web access regardless of user location.

Question 80: 

Which Cisco technology uses behavioral analytics to detect insider threats, lateral movement, and data exfiltration attempts within enterprise networks? 

A. Cisco Stealthwatch (Secure Network Analytics)
B. Cisco Umbrella
C. Cisco Firepower
D. Cisco Secure Email

Answer: A. Cisco Stealthwatch (Secure Network Analytics)

Explanation: 

Cisco Stealthwatch, now branded as Cisco Secure Network Analytics, employs advanced behavioral analytics and flow-based monitoring to detect insider threats, compromised devices, and data exfiltration within enterprise networks. Rather than relying on signature-based detection, Stealthwatch analyzes network telemetry data collected from routers, switches, and firewalls through NetFlow or IPFIX.

By establishing baselines for normal network behavior, Stealthwatch can identify deviations that signal malicious or unauthorized activity. Examples include unusual login patterns, high-volume data transfers, or communication with suspicious external hosts. The system uses machine learning and statistical modeling to differentiate between legitimate anomalies and genuine threats, thereby reducing false positives.

Stealthwatch also incorporates Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), allowing it to identify threats hidden in encrypted traffic without decrypting the data. This ensures both privacy and visibility. When integrated with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Stealthwatch correlates network behavior with user identity, providing context-aware threat detection.

Cisco Umbrella, Firepower, and Secure Email provide security at different layers—DNS, network perimeter, and email, respectively. Stealthwatch, however, provides deep internal visibility, monitoring lateral movement and data flows across the entire network fabric.

By detecting patterns of compromise early—such as command-and-control communications or privilege escalation—Stealthwatch enables proactive response and incident containment. It is a critical component in Cisco’s Zero Trust strategy, offering continuous verification and behavioral awareness across all network segments to protect against both external and internal threats.