Cisco 350-701 Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 6 Q101-120

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Question 101: 

Which Cisco security technology provides automated threat intelligence sharing between devices?

A. Cisco Umbrella
B. Cisco Talos
C. Cisco Threat Grid
D. Cisco Firepower Management Center

 Answer: D

Explanation: 

Cisco Umbrella is widely recognized as a cloud-delivered security platform, primarily focused on providing protection at the DNS and IP layers. It prevents users from reaching malicious domains and IP addresses and incorporates threat intelligence to improve security posture. However, Umbrella’s function is mostly protective and reactive. While it does provide threat intelligence data to users and administrators in the form of updates, alerts, and reports, it does not inherently automate the sharing of intelligence across multiple security devices in an enterprise network. Its intelligence is consumed locally rather than pushed automatically to other network devices.

Cisco Talos functions as Cisco’s renowned threat intelligence research team. Talos continuously collects global data on malware, exploits, and emerging threats, analyzing patterns and vulnerabilities. While the information Talos generates is highly valuable and can inform the configuration of security devices and solutions, Talos itself does not directly orchestrate automated threat intelligence distribution among deployed security devices. Instead, its intelligence is integrated into other Cisco security products, which can then leverage this data.

Cisco Threat Grid is a specialized platform that performs in-depth malware analysis using sandboxing. It executes suspicious files in a controlled and isolated environment to understand their behavior, such as network activity, file system changes, and registry modifications. The results are highly detailed and can enhance an organization’s overall threat intelligence. Despite this, Threat Grid does not directly share intelligence in real-time with security appliances across a network. It primarily serves as a data source for security teams and systems.

Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC), in contrast, is a centralized management console designed to oversee multiple Firepower devices deployed across an organization. FMC allows administrators to configure security policies, monitor traffic, and most importantly, orchestrate automated threat intelligence sharing. It uses Security Intelligence feeds, intrusion policies, and dynamic updates to propagate threat information from one device to all managed devices. For instance, if a specific threat is detected on one firewall, FMC can automatically push blocking rules to all Firepower devices, effectively containing the threat organization-wide. This automated coordination is essential for minimizing exposure to fast-moving threats. FMC’s capabilities make it the correct answer because it ensures both real-time prevention and streamlined administration of threat intelligence across the network.

Question 102: 

Which protocol is primarily used by Cisco ISE for posture assessment of endpoints?

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

Answer: A

Explanation: 

TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus) is a protocol designed primarily for device administration, enabling centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) for network devices. While it is effective for managing administrative access to routers, switches, and other infrastructure, it is not used for evaluating endpoint health or enforcing posture compliance.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used extensively for network monitoring, device management, and performance metrics collection. It can provide visibility into network device states and statistics but does not offer mechanisms for assessing endpoint compliance or enforcing security policies based on the posture of individual devices.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a web communication protocol that allows clients and servers to exchange information over the web. While HTTP may be used as a transport protocol in some Cisco ISE interactions, it does not provide authentication, authorization, or posture assessment capabilities. It is not designed to evaluate endpoint security.

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service), on the other hand, is the protocol that Cisco ISE leverages for posture assessment. When an endpoint attempts to connect to the network, ISE uses RADIUS to query the device for its compliance status, such as whether antivirus software is up-to-date, firewalls are enabled, or system patches are applied. Based on the evaluation results, ISE dynamically grants or restricts network access. RADIUS also supports dynamic authorization, allowing ongoing adjustments to access privileges if the device posture changes while connected. Because of its comprehensive integration with endpoint compliance policies and network access enforcement, RADIUS is the standard protocol for posture-based access control in Cisco ISE environments.

Question 103: 

In Cisco Firepower, what is the purpose of a Snort rule with an action “drop”?

A. Log the traffic but allow it
B. Pass the traffic without inspection
C. Block the traffic and log it
D. Ignore the traffic

Answer: C

Explanation: 

In the context of Snort, which is Cisco’s intrusion prevention system embedded within Firepower, actions define how traffic is handled when it matches a rule. The “alert” action captures and logs traffic that meets rule conditions but does not prevent it from continuing to its destination. It is primarily used for monitoring and investigation rather than enforcement.

The “pass” action is used when traffic is allowed to continue without any inspection or interference. This action effectively tells the system to ignore specific packets for the purposes of security enforcement, allowing them to traverse the network freely.

The “drop” action, however, serves a critical dual purpose. When a packet matches a Snort rule configured with “drop,” the system immediately blocks the traffic and logs the event. This ensures that potential threats, such as malware or unauthorized access attempts, are prevented from entering the network while also generating valuable logs for administrators to analyze. Dropping traffic is therefore an essential mechanism for real-time threat mitigation and security incident response.

Ignoring traffic is not an actionable option in Snort terminology; every packet must be either inspected, passed, alerted on, or dropped. “Drop” is the correct choice because it ensures comprehensive protection by both preventing malicious activity and maintaining visibility through logging. This combination of enforcement and auditability is crucial for organizations aiming to maintain high-security standards while simultaneously providing administrators with actionable intelligence on detected threats.

Question 104: Which Cisco solution provides sandboxing for malware analysis in a secure environment?

A. Cisco Umbrella
B. Cisco Threat Grid
C. Cisco Talos
D. Cisco Firepower

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Umbrella is primarily a cloud-based security solution that provides protection at the DNS and IP layers. It is highly effective in blocking malicious domains, preventing users from visiting unsafe websites, and protecting against phishing attempts. However, Umbrella does not provide the capability to execute potentially malicious files in a controlled environment to observe their behavior, which is the essence of sandboxing.

Cisco Threat Grid is purpose-built for this exact requirement. It provides an isolated environment where suspicious files can be safely executed and analyzed. Threat Grid observes malware behavior in real time, including network communications, system modifications, and file activity. It produces comprehensive reports that describe malicious actions, enabling security teams to take informed remediation steps. Additionally, Threat Grid integrates seamlessly with other Cisco security products, allowing intelligence gained from sandbox analysis to enhance firewall rules, endpoint security, and intrusion prevention systems.

Cisco Talos is the intelligence research arm of Cisco. Talos gathers and analyzes threat data from around the globe, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities, malware trends, and exploit techniques. While Talos produces invaluable intelligence that informs other security tools, it does not provide sandbox execution for detailed malware analysis.

Cisco Firepower serves as an intrusion prevention system and firewall, enforcing security policies and using threat intelligence feeds to block known threats. While it benefits from intelligence gathered through sandboxing or Talos reports, Firepower itself does not execute or analyze files in a sandbox environment.

Therefore, Threat Grid is the definitive choice because it enables the dynamic, isolated analysis of potentially malicious files, producing actionable intelligence that can directly feed into broader security strategies. The other options primarily provide preventive or intelligence-driven controls but do not offer real-time sandbox execution.

Question 105: 

Which access control model does Cisco ISE use to grant network access based on user role and device compliance?

A. DAC
B. MAC
C. RBAC
D. ABAC

Answer: C

Explanation: 

Discretionary Access Control (DAC) is a model where resource owners have the authority to grant or deny access to their own resources. DAC does not factor in centralized role definitions or device compliance and therefore does not provide the level of network access control required in enterprise environments with dynamic user and device conditions.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access policies based on predefined security labels. While MAC is robust and widely used in high-security government or military networks, it does not account for dynamic attributes such as user roles or endpoint health, which are critical in modern enterprise networks.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is the model implemented by Cisco ISE. RBAC assigns permissions based on the user’s role within the organization and integrates endpoint compliance checks. This means that both who the user is and the security posture of their device are considered before granting access. For example, a user in the finance department might have different network permissions compared to someone in IT, and additional conditions such as whether the device has the latest patches or antivirus definitions may further modify access. RBAC provides the necessary flexibility and security to manage large enterprise networks efficiently.

Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) extends the RBAC model by considering a wider array of attributes, such as environmental conditions or time-of-day constraints, when making access decisions. While powerful, ABAC is not the primary access model used in Cisco ISE.

RBAC is correct because it aligns network access with both user identity and device compliance, supporting centralized policy enforcement while maintaining security and operational efficiency. It allows administrators to implement fine-grained access policies that dynamically adapt to user roles and endpoint security posture, a requirement for modern zero-trust network environments.

Question 106: 

Which component of Cisco Firepower enforces security policies on traffic passing through the network?

A. Firepower Management Center
B. Firepower Device
C. Cisco Talos
D. Cisco Umbrella

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower is a comprehensive security platform that combines next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities, intrusion prevention (IPS), and advanced malware protection. Its architecture is modular, with distinct components fulfilling specific roles.

The Firepower Management Center (FMC) serves as the centralized management platform. It allows administrators to configure security policies, create access control rules, schedule updates, monitor security events, and generate reports across all Firepower devices deployed in the network. While FMC provides centralized policy definition, analytics, and event correlation, it does not actively inspect traffic or enforce security policies on packets traversing the network. Its role is supervisory and administrative rather than operational in terms of real-time traffic control.

The Firepower Device, sometimes called the Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), is the enforcement point of the architecture. This device inspects all traffic flowing through the network interfaces in real time. It applies security policies such as firewall rules, intrusion prevention policies, application control, URL filtering, and access control lists (ACLs). Additionally, Firepower Devices leverage integrated threat intelligence to block known malicious IP addresses, domains, and malware attempts automatically. By inspecting traffic at both the network and application layers, the Firepower Device ensures that malicious activity is stopped before it reaches critical resources. This makes it the correct choice because it is the active security enforcement component.

Cisco Talos is the threat intelligence research group that collects global threat data. Talos identifies emerging malware, zero-day exploits, and threat actor tactics. While Talos provides vital intelligence feeds that inform security policies, it does not directly inspect or block traffic within a network.

Cisco Umbrella provides cloud-delivered security services, primarily DNS-layer protection against malicious domains and IP addresses. Umbrella prevents connections to unsafe domains but does not directly inspect or enforce security policies on every packet passing through the internal network.

Therefore, the Firepower Device is the correct answer because it is the operational enforcement point of Cisco Firepower, actively inspecting traffic and applying security policies in real time, while FMC, Talos, and Umbrella provide intelligence, management, or protective guidance rather than active enforcement.

Question 107: 

Which feature of Cisco Umbrella helps block access to malicious domains before a connection is established?

A. IP Layer Enforcement
B. DNS-Layer Security
C. Cloud Access Security Broker
D. URL Filtering

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security platform designed to prevent threats before they reach the network or endpoints. One of its most important capabilities is the ability to block malicious domains at the DNS layer, providing a first line of defense against malware, phishing, and command-and-control (C2) traffic.

IP Layer Enforcement works by blocking traffic based on known malicious IP addresses. While effective against attacks from specific IPs, it cannot preemptively block domains or URLs that resolve to different IPs dynamically. IP-layer enforcement is reactive and cannot evaluate the legitimacy of domain names before DNS resolution occurs.

DNS-Layer Security intercepts domain name requests and evaluates them against Umbrella’s global threat intelligence database. Before a connection to a website or service is established, Umbrella can block requests to domains known to host malware, phishing pages, or other malicious content. This preemptive blocking reduces exposure to threats and prevents endpoints from initiating connections to harmful sites. By acting at the DNS layer, Umbrella provides protection even if malware tries to bypass traditional network security controls or endpoint protections.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) functionality monitors and enforces security policies for cloud applications and services, such as SaaS platforms. CASB provides visibility and control over sensitive data in the cloud but does not operate at the DNS level to block domain requests.

URL Filtering blocks access to harmful websites based on known URLs. While this is effective at the web traffic layer, it usually functions after the DNS query has been resolved and the connection has started. Therefore, it is not as proactive as DNS-layer enforcement.

DNS-Layer Security is the correct answer because it proactively evaluates domain requests and blocks access to malicious domains before a connection is even established. This capability significantly reduces risk from phishing, malware, and botnet communications, and is a core strength of Cisco Umbrella.

Question 108: 

Which Cisco technology provides dynamic malware analysis and generates detailed reports on suspicious files?

A. Cisco Talos
B. Cisco Threat Grid
C. Cisco Firepower
D. Cisco Umbrella

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Threat Grid is a cloud-based malware analysis platform designed to perform dynamic analysis of potentially malicious files in a secure sandbox environment. By executing files safely in an isolated virtual environment, Threat Grid observes their behavior, including registry changes, network communications, file modifications, and attempts to exploit vulnerabilities. This approach provides security teams with actionable intelligence and enables integration with other security controls to prevent future attacks.

Cisco Talos serves as Cisco’s global threat intelligence research team. Talos collects and analyzes threat data from millions of endpoints and networks worldwide, identifying new malware, zero-day exploits, and attack patterns. While Talos provides strategic intelligence and reports that inform policies, it does not execute files dynamically for behavioral analysis. Its focus is on identifying threats at a macro level rather than analyzing individual file behavior in real time.

Cisco Firepower is primarily a next-generation firewall and intrusion prevention system. Firepower can block known threats, enforce access policies, and leverage intelligence feeds from Talos or Threat Grid, but it does not provide a sandbox environment for dynamically executing and analyzing suspicious files.

Cisco Umbrella provides DNS-layer and cloud-delivered security, including domain and IP blocking, but it does not perform dynamic malware analysis or produce detailed behavioral reports for files.

Threat Grid is correct because it executes potentially malicious files safely, monitors their behavior, and generates comprehensive reports for security teams. This intelligence can then feed into other security systems, such as Firepower devices, to enhance threat detection and prevention, providing a dynamic and proactive approach to malware defense.

Question 109: 

Which protocol is used to exchange threat intelligence between Cisco Firepower devices?

A. HTTPS
B. AMP Threat Grid API
C. Security Intelligence Feeds
D. SNMP

Answer: C

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower devices rely on real-time threat intelligence sharing to maintain coordinated defense across the network. This is accomplished through Security Intelligence Feeds, which allow devices to automatically share information about known malicious IPs, domains, and URLs. This capability ensures that when one device detects a threat, all managed devices are updated to block the same threat, enabling synchronized protection across the enterprise.

HTTPS is a standard protocol for encrypted communication over the web. While it provides secure transmission of data, it does not define the mechanisms for automated threat intelligence sharing among Firepower devices. HTTPS is the transport layer for APIs or management communications, but it is not a threat intelligence protocol by itself.

The AMP Threat Grid API allows integration with Threat Grid for malware analysis and intelligence retrieval. While this API can push information to Firepower devices, it is focused on sandboxed file analysis rather than device-to-device threat exchange in real time.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is commonly used for network monitoring, device statistics collection, and alerting, but it is not designed to propagate threat intelligence or enforce security policies. SNMP can report device state but cannot coordinate threat responses across multiple Firepower devices.

Security Intelligence Feeds are correct because they actively propagate information about threats between devices, enabling automated, coordinated defense and reducing the risk of lateral spread or recurring attacks. By sharing malicious indicators dynamically, organizations can maintain a consistent security posture across the entire network.

Question 110: 

Which feature of Cisco ISE can enforce network access policies based on endpoint health?

A. Guest Access
B. Posture Assessment
C. Device Administration
D. RADIUS Accounting

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) provides robust access control by evaluating both user identity and device compliance. One of its core features for securing network access is Posture Assessment, which evaluates the health and security status of endpoints before granting network access. Posture assessment ensures that devices meet organizational security requirements, such as updated antivirus signatures, current operating system patches, active firewalls, and correct configuration settings.

Guest Access functionality allows temporary network access for visitors or contractors. While it provides convenient connectivity, it does not evaluate endpoint health or enforce policies based on security compliance. Guest accounts are typically isolated from sensitive resources to reduce risk, but their access control is not dynamic based on posture.

Device Administration focuses on granting administrative access to network devices, such as routers and switches, using protocols like TACACS+. It does not control general endpoint access for non-administrative users or assess the security posture of endpoints.

RADIUS Accounting provides logging and tracking of authentication and authorization events. While it supports auditing and compliance reporting, it does not evaluate device health or enforce policies based on endpoint security.

Posture Assessment is correct because it allows Cisco ISE to dynamically enforce network access policies depending on the security state of the connecting device. Endpoints that do not meet the defined criteria can be quarantined, restricted to remediation VLANs, or denied access entirely, ensuring that only compliant, secure devices can access sensitive network resources. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining a secure, zero-trust network environment where device health directly influences access privileges.

Question 111: 

Which Cisco security solution uses machine learning to detect and respond to advanced malware?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco AMP for Endpoints (Advanced Malware Protection) is a comprehensive endpoint security solution that combines traditional signature-based detection with advanced machine learning algorithms to identify previously unknown malware and sophisticated threats. Machine learning enables AMP to detect suspicious behaviors on endpoints by analyzing patterns in file activity, process execution, and network communications, rather than relying solely on known malware signatures. This approach allows the system to identify zero-day threats or polymorphic malware that evade traditional defenses.

AMP continuously monitors endpoints for suspicious activity, maintaining a historical record of files and their behavior. This capability, called retrospective security, allows AMP to retroactively detect threats that may have initially bypassed detection controls. For example, a malicious file may appear benign at first, but AMP tracks its behavior over time. If the file later exhibits suspicious activity, AMP can trigger alerts, quarantine the file, and initiate remediation automatically.

Cisco Umbrella, in contrast, provides DNS and IP-layer protection by blocking access to malicious domains and URLs. While Umbrella leverages threat intelligence and machine learning in its backend analytics to identify suspicious domains, it does not perform endpoint-based machine learning or actively respond to malware on endpoints. Its protection is preventive at the network layer rather than reactive or behavioral at the endpoint.

Cisco Talos functions as Cisco’s global threat intelligence team. Talos identifies malware trends, vulnerabilities, and attack campaigns, feeding threat intelligence into other Cisco security products. Talos itself does not directly monitor endpoints or use machine learning for autonomous malware detection on devices.

Cisco Firepower is a next-generation firewall and intrusion prevention system. It enforces security policies and detects network-based threats but does not implement endpoint-based machine learning or dynamic malware response.

AMP for Endpoints is the correct choice because it combines continuous endpoint monitoring, behavioral analysis, machine learning, and automated remediation, allowing organizations to respond to sophisticated malware proactively. It is the primary Cisco solution designed for endpoint-focused threat detection and containment, differentiating it from network-level or intelligence-only solutions.

Question 112: 

Which protocol does Cisco Firepower use to communicate securely with the Firepower Management Center?

A. HTTP
B. HTTPS
C. SNMP
D. FTP

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower devices communicate with the Firepower Management Center (FMC) to receive security policies, upload logs, and share threat intelligence. Secure communication is essential to prevent interception, tampering, or unauthorized access to configuration and threat data. The protocol used for this communication is HTTPS, which encrypts all data exchanged between the Firepower device and FMC using Transport Layer Security (TLS).

HTTP is an unencrypted protocol and would expose sensitive configuration details, threat logs, and security policies to potential interception or man-in-the-middle attacks. Using HTTP for management is considered insecure and unsuitable for enterprise deployments.

SNMP is primarily designed for network monitoring and performance management. While SNMPv3 supports encryption, it is not used for transmitting management policies, log data, or threat intelligence between Firepower devices and FMC. SNMP focuses on operational metrics rather than policy synchronization.

FTP is a file transfer protocol used for moving files between devices. It is not designed for secure management or dynamic policy distribution between Firepower devices and FMC.

HTTPS is correct because it provides encrypted, authenticated communication, ensuring that policy updates, device logs, and threat intelligence are securely transmitted. This encryption protects the integrity and confidentiality of critical security data while allowing Firepower devices to receive policy updates in real time and transmit events securely to the centralized management platform.

Question 113: 

Which Cisco ISE feature allows temporary network access for visitors?

A. Posture Assessment
B. Guest Access
C. Device Administration
D. RBAC

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers multiple access control features designed to manage network access for both employees and temporary users. Guest Access is specifically designed to allow visitors to obtain time-limited access to the network, without compromising internal security. This feature often involves self-service portals where guests can register, provide credentials, or receive temporary access codes, while administrators can configure access restrictions based on role, duration, or device type.

Posture Assessment evaluates endpoint compliance for managed devices. It checks antivirus status, patch levels, operating system updates, and firewall settings to ensure devices meet corporate security requirements. While critical for employee and managed devices, Posture Assessment does not cater to temporary guest connectivity.

Device Administration focuses on managing administrative access to network devices, such as routers and switches, using protocols like TACACS+. It does not provide temporary guest access for non-administrative users.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a security model used to assign permissions based on user roles. While RBAC can apply to guests in some scenarios, it is a generalized model for controlling access rather than a specific feature that manages temporary visitor connectivity.

Guest Access is correct because it ensures visitors can connect to the network safely while maintaining control over what resources they can access. By isolating guest traffic and applying time-based or usage-based restrictions, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive internal resources while providing a convenient user experience for visitors.

Question 114: 

Which type of policy in Cisco Firepower allows traffic to pass through the firewall but still be inspected?

A. Block
B. Allow
C. Trust
D. Pass

Answer: D

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower policies determine how traffic is handled at the network perimeter or within internal segments. A Pass policy is specifically designed to allow traffic to flow through while still applying security inspections, such as intrusion detection, logging, and threat monitoring. This enables visibility into network activity without unnecessarily blocking legitimate traffic.

Block policies are used to deny traffic entirely. While they may generate logs and alerts, blocked traffic does not pass through the firewall, making it unsuitable in scenarios where inspection is desired without denial.

Allow policies permit traffic without additional inspection or monitoring. While traffic can flow unhindered, the firewall does not perform deep analysis or intrusion detection, which could leave networks vulnerable to undetected threats.

Trust is not a standard policy action in Firepower terminology. It may refer conceptually to trusted zones or interfaces but does not define how traffic is processed or inspected.

Pass is correct because it balances the need for traffic visibility and security inspection. By allowing legitimate traffic to traverse the network while capturing relevant security events, organizations can monitor threats, generate actionable intelligence, and maintain operational continuity without disrupting business-critical services.

Question 115: 

Which Cisco security solution can detect phishing attacks at the DNS layer?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Umbrella provides proactive security at the DNS layer, making it effective in detecting and preventing phishing attacks. When a device attempts to resolve a domain name, Umbrella evaluates the domain against threat intelligence feeds to determine if it is associated with phishing campaigns, malware distribution, or command-and-control activity. If the domain is flagged as malicious, Umbrella blocks the DNS resolution, preventing the device from ever connecting to the malicious server.

AMP for Endpoints monitors endpoint behavior, detects malware, and responds to threats locally. While AMP can identify phishing attempts once a user interacts with malicious content, it cannot prevent the connection at the DNS level before exposure.

Cisco Talos gathers global threat intelligence, including information about phishing campaigns. While this intelligence informs Cisco security products, Talos itself does not actively block phishing domains at the DNS level.

Cisco Firepower inspects network traffic and applies security policies, such as intrusion prevention and URL filtering. However, Firepower typically operates at the network and application layers and does not preemptively block DNS queries before domain resolution.

Umbrella is correct because it provides preventive protection at the DNS layer, blocking phishing domains before connections are established. This proactive approach reduces risk by stopping threats at the earliest stage, preventing user interaction with malicious sites, and complementing endpoint-based defenses.

Question 116: 

Which feature of Cisco ISE enforces compliance based on antivirus, patch, and OS updates? 

A. Posture Assessment
B. Guest Access
C. Device Administration
D. SNMP Monitoring

Answer: A

Explanation: 

Posture Assessment in Cisco ISE is a critical feature for endpoint security compliance. It evaluates device health by checking antivirus definitions, operating system patches, firewall settings, and other configuration compliance requirements. Based on the results, ISE can enforce network access policies, either granting full access, limiting access, or redirecting endpoints to remediation networks.

Guest Access provides temporary connectivity for visitors, without evaluating endpoint compliance.

Device Administration manages administrative access to network devices through centralized authentication methods such as TACACS+. It is unrelated to evaluating endpoint security or enforcing compliance policies.

SNMP Monitoring is used for collecting performance metrics and monitoring device status. While useful for auditing, it does not evaluate endpoint health or enforce compliance-based network access policies.

Posture Assessment is correct because it ensures that only endpoints meeting defined compliance criteria gain network access. By integrating posture evaluation into access control, organizations can enforce security policies dynamically, mitigate risks from vulnerable devices, and support a zero-trust approach to network security.

Question 117: 

Which Cisco technology provides behavioral malware analysis and integrates with AMP?

A. Cisco Talos
B. Cisco Threat Grid
C. Cisco Umbrella
D. Cisco Firepower

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Threat Grid performs dynamic behavioral malware analysis in a sandboxed environment. By executing suspicious files safely in isolation, Threat Grid observes file behavior, including system changes, network communications, and registry modifications. The intelligence collected is then integrated with Cisco AMP for Endpoints, enabling automated detection and remediation of similar threats across the enterprise.

Cisco Talos collects global threat intelligence and identifies attack patterns but does not perform sandbox-based behavioral analysis.

Cisco Umbrella blocks access to malicious domains and IPs at the DNS layer but does not execute files or observe malware behavior. Cisco Firepower enforces firewall and intrusion prevention policies but does not perform endpoint-focused behavioral analysis or sandboxing.

Threat Grid is correct because it complements AMP by providing actionable intelligence derived from dynamic malware behavior, enabling predictive and proactive endpoint protection.

Question 118: 

Which Cisco protocol allows secure device administration using centralized authentication?

A. RADIUS
B. TACACS+
C. SNMPv3
D. HTTP

Answer: B

Explanation: 

TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus) is a robust protocol designed specifically for secure, centralized device administration in enterprise networks. Its primary function is to provide a framework for authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA), with each component clearly separated to enhance control and security. Authentication verifies the identity of administrators attempting to access network devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can log in. Authorization determines what commands or operations an authenticated administrator is allowed to perform on devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls. Accounting records all administrative activities, creating detailed logs that support auditing, compliance, and forensic investigations. This separation of AAA functions makes TACACS+ a highly granular and secure solution for managing access to critical infrastructure.

One of the key advantages of TACACS+ is its ability to enforce fine-grained command control. Network administrators can be granted access to specific functions without exposing the full command set of a device, reducing the risk of accidental or malicious configuration changes. For example, a junior network engineer may be permitted to view configurations or monitor interface statistics but denied the ability to modify firewall rules or routing protocols. These capabilities are essential in large organizations with multiple administrative roles and strict compliance requirements, allowing operations teams to implement least-privilege access effectively.

By contrast, RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is primarily used for network access authentication, including user login and endpoint posture verification. While RADIUS can authenticate users attempting to connect to wired, wireless, or VPN networks, it does not provide detailed administrative command control for network devices. Similarly, SNMPv3 (Simple Network Management Protocol version 3) is designed for encrypted monitoring and management, allowing administrators to query device status and performance metrics securely. However, SNMPv3 is not intended for controlling administrative commands or managing privileged access. HTTP, being unencrypted, cannot guarantee secure transmission of sensitive credentials or commands, making it unsuitable for secure device administration.

TACACS+ is the correct choice for scenarios requiring centralized, secure management of network devices. It allows organizations to maintain consistent access policies across multiple devices, enforce granular administrative privileges, and ensure comprehensive logging of all administrative actions. By doing so, TACACS+ not only strengthens operational security but also supports compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and audit requirements. Its ability to combine security, flexibility, and accountability makes it a cornerstone protocol for enterprise device administration.

Question 119: 

Which Cisco solution can automatically quarantine endpoints detected as compromised?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco AMP for Endpoints (Advanced Malware Protection) is a comprehensive endpoint security solution designed to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of devices for malware, suspicious behavior, and other security threats. One of its most critical capabilities is the ability to detect compromised endpoints and respond automatically to prevent further damage. When AMP identifies that a device has been infected or is exhibiting malicious activity, it can immediately quarantine the endpoint. This quarantine process isolates the affected device from the rest of the network, preventing lateral movement of malware, protecting sensitive data from exfiltration, and stopping additional infection of other devices.

Quarantined endpoints can be placed on a restricted VLAN, which allows limited access for remediation purposes but prevents communication with critical servers, sensitive resources, or other endpoints. Alternatively, the device may be temporarily disconnected from the network entirely, depending on the severity of the threat and the configured policy. This proactive isolation ensures that attacks are contained rapidly and that compromised endpoints do not become a source of further compromise within the enterprise network.

While Cisco AMP for Endpoints focuses on device-level detection and response, Cisco Firepower operates at the network layer, enforcing security policies such as access control, intrusion prevention, and URL filtering. Firepower can block malicious traffic and detect network-borne threats, but it does not have the ability to directly quarantine an individual endpoint. Its primary role is to enforce security across network traffic rather than perform endpoint containment.

Cisco Umbrella provides cloud-delivered security through DNS-layer protection and IP filtering. It blocks access to malicious domains and prevents endpoints from connecting to known phishing sites or command-and-control servers. However, Umbrella does not manage compromised devices or isolate endpoints from the network. Its strength lies in proactive threat prevention at the DNS level rather than reactive containment at the device level.

Cisco Talos is Cisco’s threat intelligence organization, providing global insights into malware trends, vulnerabilities, and threat campaigns. Talos delivers intelligence that informs products like AMP and Firepower, but it does not directly perform endpoint isolation or remediation.

AMP for Endpoints is the correct solution because it combines continuous monitoring, behavioral analysis, automated threat detection, and rapid containment. By integrating detection with automated quarantine and remediation actions, AMP ensures that compromised devices are neutralized quickly, reducing risk to other systems and maintaining the overall security posture of the enterprise. Its ability to act autonomously on endpoints makes it an essential tool for modern endpoint protection and incident response strategies.

Question 120: 

Which feature in Cisco Firepower enables real-time correlation of threats across multiple devices? 

A. Access Control Policy
B. Intrusion Policy
C. Security Intelligence Feeds
D. URL Filtering

Answer: C

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower devices utilize Security Intelligence Feeds as a critical mechanism for enhancing network-wide threat protection. Security Intelligence Feeds allow Firepower appliances to share and receive information about known malicious indicators, including IP addresses, domains, URLs, and file hashes, across all managed devices within an enterprise. This capability is essential for maintaining a proactive security posture because it enables real-time synchronization of threat intelligence. When a single Firepower device detects malicious activity, such as a command-and-control attempt, phishing domain access, or malware communication, this information is immediately propagated to all other connected devices. As a result, the network responds collectively to emerging threats, rather than relying solely on individual device detection.

This real-time threat correlation ensures that malicious activity is blocked consistently across the entire environment. For example, if one branch office Firepower device detects a suspicious IP address attempting to communicate with internal systems, the Security Intelligence Feed automatically updates other devices in headquarters, remote offices, and data centers. These devices can then preemptively block the same IP, preventing lateral movement, data exfiltration, or further exploitation. The speed and coordination provided by Security Intelligence Feeds reduce response times significantly compared to manual threat intelligence updates, enabling organizations to contain attacks before they escalate.

Other Firepower policy mechanisms, while important for security enforcement, do not provide this type of cross-device synchronization. Access Control Policies define which traffic is allowed or denied on a single device based on rules and criteria, but they do not share threat intelligence with other devices. Intrusion Policies are designed to detect and block attacks locally, applying signature-based or behavioral intrusion prevention rules, but they operate independently on each device. URL Filtering controls access to specific websites based on category or reputation, providing localized protection but not cross-device coordination.

Security Intelligence Feeds are correct because they integrate threat intelligence with enforcement in a coordinated manner, allowing multiple devices to act collectively to mitigate threats. By automatically propagating updates about malicious entities across all Firepower devices, organizations achieve a synchronized, enterprise-wide defense. This approach enhances the overall security posture, reduces the risk of undetected lateral threats, and ensures that responses to attacks are both rapid and consistent. Security Intelligence Feeds exemplify a modern, dynamic approach to network security, leveraging centralized intelligence for distributed enforcement, which is essential in today’s increasingly complex and fast-moving threat landscape.