Cisco 300-715 Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (300-715 SISE) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set1 Q1-20

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Question 1

You are implementing Cisco ISE for a mid-sized enterprise. Your requirement is to ensure that employees connecting their personal devices to the corporate Wi-Fi are only allowed limited network access until they complete posture assessment. Which ISE feature would you use to enforce this policy?

A) TrustSec
B) Guest Access
C) BYOD
D) Device Administration

Answer: C) BYOD

Explanation :

A) TrustSec is incorrect because it is designed for network segmentation using Security Group Tags (SGTs). TrustSec is useful for controlling traffic between groups or segments, but it does not provide endpoint onboarding, profiling, or posture enforcement. It operates at the network level rather than evaluating individual device compliance.

B) Guest Access is not suitable because it is intended for temporary users, such as visitors or contractors, requiring limited connectivity without corporate credentials. Guest Access does not provide posture assessment or compliance enforcement for personal employee devices, making it insufficient for this scenario.

C) BYOD. is the correct answer Cisco ISE’s BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) feature is designed to securely manage personal devices in an enterprise environment. BYOD allows IT to control network access for personal devices by onboarding, profiling, and enforcing posture compliance. In this scenario, employees’ personal devices need restricted network access until they satisfy corporate security requirements, which is precisely what BYOD handles.

During the BYOD workflow, devices are first profiled to determine their type, operating system, and other attributes. Based on this profile, ISE enforces policies, such as directing non-compliant devices to a remediation VLAN or portal. This ensures that only devices meeting security standards gain full network access, mitigating risks posed by unmanaged endpoints.

D) Device Administration is also incorrect because it secures administrative access to network devices via TACACS+, not general endpoint access. Device Administration ensures secure login for network admins but does not control employee device network access or posture compliance.

BYOD is the only feature that provides secure onboarding, profiling, and policy enforcement for personal devices, making it the correct choice.

Question 2

In Cisco ISE, you need to configure a policy that assigns different VLANs based on user identity. Which ISE policy component allows you to dynamically assign VLANs?

A) Authentication Policy
B) Authorization Policy
C) Profiling Policy
D) Network Device Policy

Answer: B) Authorization Policy

Explanation:

The correct answer is B) Authorization Policy. Cisco ISE separates authentication and authorization. Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device, while authorization determines what level of access they receive. Assigning VLANs based on user identity occurs during the authorization phase. Authorization policies define conditions based on attributes like user group membership, device type, or location. Once authenticated, ISE evaluates these policies and applies network access controls, such as VLAN assignment.

A) Authentication Policy is incorrect because authentication only validates credentials against an identity source, like Active Directory. It confirms who the user is but does not determine the level of network access or assign VLANs.

B) Authorization Policy is correct because it evaluates user or device attributes after authentication and applies network access controls. VLAN assignment is a classic example of authorization enforcement.

C) Profiling Policy is incorrect because profiling identifies device types (laptop, smartphone, printer) to provide input for authorization. Profiling itself does not assign VLANs; it only provides the information used by authorization rules.

D) Network Device Policy is incorrect because it defines which network devices (switches, access points, controllers) are trusted to communicate with ISE. It does not control individual user or device access levels.

VLAN assignment is a function of B) Authorization Policy, as it enforces access after authentication using policy rules.

Question 3

Which Cisco ISE deployment model is suitable for high availability and disaster recovery in large enterprise networks?

A) Standalone Deployment
B) Distributed Deployment
C) Hybrid Deployment
D) Cloud Deployment

Answer: B) Distributed Deployment

Explanation :

The correct answer is B) Distributed Deployment. In large enterprise networks, high availability and fault tolerance are critical. Distributed deployments allow Cisco ISE functions to be spread across multiple nodes, including Policy Administration Nodes (PANs), Policy Service Nodes (PSNs), and Monitoring and Troubleshooting Nodes (MnTs). This separation ensures that if one node fails, others can continue processing authentication and authorization requests, minimizing downtime.

A) Standalone Deployment is incorrect because it combines all ISE functions on a single node. While easier to deploy, it lacks scalability and redundancy, making it unsuitable for large networks requiring high availability.

B) Distributed Deployment is correct because it separates functions across multiple nodes, allowing load balancing, redundancy, and disaster recovery. PSNs handle real-time requests, PANs handle policy configuration, and MnTs manage logging and reporting. This architecture supports large-scale, fault-tolerant environments.

C) Hybrid Deployment is partially incorrect. While hybrids can combine on-premises and cloud-based features, it is not the standard model for high-availability enterprise networks and often requires complex integration.

D) Cloud Deployment is incorrect for large enterprise HA in the context of full control. Cloud deployments may offload some services to the cloud but typically do not provide the fine-grained control and high availability provided by a distributed on-premises deployment.

Distributed Deployment ensures redundancy, scalability, and high availability for large networks.

Question 4

You are tasked with enabling endpoint profiling in Cisco ISE. Which protocol or mechanism does ISE primarily use to gather endpoint information for profiling?

A) SNMP and DHCP
B) HTTP and HTTPS
C) RADIUS and TACACS+
D) SSH and Telnet

Answer: A) SNMP and DHCP

Explanation :

A) SNMP and DHCP is the correct answer Cisco ISE endpoint profiling uses multiple sources to identify devices. SNMP allows ISE to query network devices like switches, routers, and wireless controllers to collect information about connected devices, including MAC addresses, device type, and port information. DHCP logs provide details about the IP address assignments and hostnames. Together, these mechanisms allow ISE to create accurate profiles of devices on the network, which can then be used in authorization policies.

B) HTTP and HTTPS are incorrect because these protocols are for web-based traffic and portals, not network-level device profiling. While ISE may use web redirection for onboarding, HTTP/HTTPS are not used for device discovery or profiling.

C) RADIUS and TACACS+ are incorrect because these protocols handle authentication, authorization, and accounting, not profiling. They process access requests but do not provide the granular device information required for endpoint identification.

D) SSH and Telnet are also incorrect. While SSH or Telnet may allow network device access for management purposes, they are not standard profiling mechanisms used by ISE for endpoint detection.

Profiling enables dynamic policy enforcement based on device type. By using A) SNMP and DHCP, ISE can automatically identify smartphones, laptops, printers, and other devices, enabling more precise access control policies.

Question 5

Which two components are mandatory for a minimal Cisco ISE deployment to function? (Choose two)

A) Policy Administration Node (PAN)
B) Policy Service Node (PSN)
C) Monitoring and Troubleshooting Node (MnT)
D) Guest Node

Answer: A) Policy Administration Node (PAN), B) Policy Service Node (PSN)

Explanation :

The correct answers are A) PAN and B) PSN. A minimal Cisco ISE deployment requires at least one PAN and one PSN. The PAN is responsible for managing configuration, policies, and system administration. Without a PAN, there is no central management or policy creation. The PSN handles real-time authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) requests for RADIUS and TACACS+, ensuring network access is enforced according to policy.

C) MnT is optional in a minimal deployment. It collects logs and generates reports, which is important for monitoring and troubleshooting but not required for the core AAA functionality.

D) Guest Node is only needed if guest access services are required. Minimal ISE deployments can function without it if guest management is not part of the requirements.

By combining PAN and PSN, organizations can deploy ISE in a small environment that supports authentication and authorization while maintaining centralized policy control.

Question 6

During a wireless 802.1X authentication, the wireless controller sends a RADIUS Access-Request to ISE. The response includes a VLAN assignment. At what point does ISE determine which VLAN to assign?

A) During endpoint profiling
B) During authentication
C) During authorization
D) During network device registration

Answer: C) During authorization

Explanation:

A) During endpoint profiling is incorrect because profiling is primarily a mechanism for identifying the type and attributes of devices. Profiling provides information such as device type, operating system, or MAC address but does not actively assign VLANs. Instead, profiling data can be used by authorization policies to make informed decisions.

B) During authentication is also incorrect. Authentication only confirms the identity of a user or device. Even if authentication succeeds, the user has not yet been granted specific network privileges. VLAN assignment occurs only after the identity has been verified and the authorization rules are evaluated.

C) During authorization is the correct answer. Cisco ISE uses a two-step process to handle network access requests: authentication and authorization. Authentication verifies the identity of the user or device, while authorization determines the network privileges granted once identity has been verified. In the context of VLAN assignment, this is part of authorization.

When a wireless client attempts to connect via 802.1X, the wireless controller sends a RADIUS Access-Request to ISE. The authentication stage first ensures that the credentials presented by the user or device match a trusted identity source such as Active Directory, LDAP, or an internal ISE database. Successful authentication establishes that the entity is who it claims to be but does not yet decide what resources it can access.

After authentication, the authorization stage evaluates policies to determine access. Authorization policies can be based on many attributes, including user role, group membership, device type, posture status, location, or time of access. For example, a Finance department user might be assigned VLAN 100, while a Sales department user might be assigned VLAN 200. ISE dynamically returns the RADIUS Access-Accept message with the appropriate VLAN assignment included, allowing the network device (e.g., switch or wireless controller) to place the user in the correct network segment.

D) During network device registration is incorrect because registration is about establishing trust between ISE and network devices such as switches or wireless controllers. This process ensures that RADIUS messages are accepted and secured but does not assign VLANs to users or devices.

In real-world deployments, the separation of authentication and authorization is critical for security and flexibility. By assigning VLANs during authorization, administrators can implement dynamic access control, ensuring that network privileges adapt to changing conditions, such as device type or posture compliance. For example, a device may authenticate successfully but be placed in a restricted VLAN if its posture indicates outdated antivirus software.

This separation also supports scalability. Multiple PSNs can handle authentication and authorization requests independently, allowing dynamic VLAN assignment across large enterprise networks. This design ensures that policy decisions are centralized but enforcement occurs at the network edge.

VLAN assignment occurs C) During authorization, as authorization policies evaluate all relevant attributes after authentication and instruct the network device on the proper network access. Authentication confirms identity, profiling provides data, and network device registration ensures trust, but the actual VLAN decision is always made in the authorization phase.

Question 7

A network administrator wants to implement a posture assessment requiring anti-virus and firewall checks on endpoints. Which Cisco ISE feature should be configured?

A) Device Administration
B) Profiler
C) Posture
D) BYOD

Answer: C) Posture

Explanation:

The correct answer is C) Posture. Cisco ISE Posture services are specifically designed to evaluate the security health of endpoints before granting them full network access. Posture assessment ensures that devices comply with corporate policies, including anti-virus software, firewall settings, operating system patches, and other security requirements. This feature is essential for mitigating risk associated with unmanaged or partially managed devices attempting to connect to enterprise networks.

When configuring posture services, ISE can enforce compliance through a variety of mechanisms. Endpoints are first profiled to determine device type and operating system, which informs the selection of appropriate posture checks. Common checks include confirming that an anti-virus solution is installed and up-to-date, that personal firewalls are enabled, and that operating system patches have been applied. Based on the results, ISE can grant full access, limited access, or direct the user to a remediation portal for corrective action.

A) Device Administration is incorrect because it deals with managing administrative access to network devices using TACACS+. It is not used for endpoint posture compliance; its focus is securing administrative privileges for network equipment, not ensuring endpoint security.

B) Profiler is incorrect because endpoint profiling identifies the type of device connecting to the network. Profiling provides data that can influence posture and authorization decisions, but it does not actively evaluate compliance with antivirus or firewall policies. Profiling helps categorize endpoints, but enforcement of health requirements occurs in the posture module.

C) Posture is correct because it directly addresses security compliance. ISE Posture uses agents or agentless mechanisms to assess endpoint health. Agent-based posture requires installing software on the endpoint, which reports compliance data back to ISE. Agentless posture leverages protocols like SNMP, DHCP, and RADIUS to gather information without installing additional software. Based on the posture evaluation, ISE enforces network access policies dynamically.

D) BYOD is partially related but not sufficient alone. BYOD focuses on onboarding personal devices and may include posture assessment as part of the onboarding process, but posture compliance can also apply to corporate devices and scenarios where BYOD is not used. BYOD is about device management, while posture is about evaluating security compliance and granting access based on health.

In practice, using Posture ensures that endpoints cannot bypass security requirements. For example, a laptop with disabled antivirus software can be quarantined until it installs the required updates. This helps prevent malware from entering the corporate network and aligns with compliance frameworks. Posture can be combined with authorization policies to dynamically assign VLANs, ACLs, or remediation portals.

Posture is the correct choice because it evaluates endpoint health, enforces compliance, and dynamically controls access, whereas A) Device Administration, B) Profiler, and D) BYOD either serve different purposes or only partially address security posture requirements.

Question 8

You are configuring TACACS+ on Cisco ISE. Which of the following is the correct primary function of TACACS+?

A) Authenticate and authorize administrative access to network devices
B) Assign VLANs to endpoints
C) Provide guest access authentication
D) Profile network endpoints

Answer: A) Authenticate and authorize administrative access to network devices

Explanation :

The correct answer is A) Authenticate and authorize administrative access to network devices. TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus) is a protocol used primarily for securing administrative access to network infrastructure devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless controllers. Unlike RADIUS, which is optimized for authenticating end users to gain network access, TACACS+ focuses on providing detailed AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) control over who can access and configure network devices.

When a network administrator attempts to log in to a device, TACACS+ allows ISE to authenticate their credentials against a centralized identity source, such as Active Directory or an internal user database. Once authenticated, TACACS+ further authorizes the administrative actions that the user can perform. For instance, one administrator may have read-only access to configuration files, while another may have full privileges to make changes. Accounting functions within TACACS+ provide detailed logs of which administrator performed which actions at what time, ensuring compliance and traceability.

B) Assign VLANs to endpoints is incorrect because VLAN assignments are part of network access authorization policies, typically handled by RADIUS, not TACACS+. TACACS+ is designed for device administration, not for dynamic network access or endpoint segmentation. Assigning VLANs is irrelevant to TACACS+ functionality.

C) Provide guest access authentication is also incorrect. Guest access is primarily handled by Cisco ISE using authentication portals and RADIUS, where temporary credentials or self-registration methods are applied. TACACS+ is not designed for handling guest authentication, as its primary use is for securing network administrator access.

D) Profile network endpoints are incorrect because profiling identifies device types, operating systems, and other characteristics. Profiling helps in authorization and policy decisions, but it is not the function of TACACS+. TACACS+ focuses entirely on controlling access to devices, not discovering or profiling endpoints.

In real-world deployments, TACACS+ is critical for auditing and compliance. Organizations can ensure that only authorized personnel make configuration changes to network devices, and each command can be logged and traced to a specific administrator. The separation of authentication and authorization in TACACS+ allows granular control, improving security and accountability. By contrast, RADIUS handles dynamic endpoint access for users, assigning VLANs, applying ACLs, or controlling posture enforcement.

A) Authenticate and authorize administrative access to network devices correctly reflects the primary function of TACACS+, while B), C), and D) describe different functions that TACACS+ does not handle. The distinction between TACACS+ and RADIUS is fundamental for understanding Cisco ISE’s role in AAA and network security management.

Question 9

Which ISE node role is responsible for processing RADIUS and TACACS+ requests?

A) Policy Administration Node (PAN)
B) Policy Service Node (PSN)
C) Monitoring Node (MnT)
D) Guest Node

Answer: B) Policy Service Node (PSN)

Explanation:

The correct answer is B) Policy Service Node (PSN). In a Cisco ISE deployment, the PSN is responsible for handling all real-time authentication, authorization, and accounting requests. PSNs process RADIUS requests from network devices, such as switches, routers, and wireless controllers, and TACACS+ requests from administrators attempting to log in to network devices. PSNs evaluate the policies configured in the PAN and apply them to determine access control, VLAN assignments, ACLs, or administrative privileges.

A) Policy Administration Node (PAN) is incorrect because the PAN is the management and configuration node. While the PAN defines policies and pushes them to PSNs, it does not handle real-time authentication requests. The PAN is critical for policy creation, certificate management, and system administration, but it is not involved in the actual AAA processing.

B) Policy Service Node (PSN) is correct because it performs the enforcement of network access policies. When a RADIUS Access-Request arrives, the PSN authenticates the user or device against an identity store, evaluates authorization policies, applies conditions like VLAN assignment or ACLs, and returns the appropriate response to the network device. In TACACS+ scenarios, the PSN authenticates administrative users and enforces command-level authorization. By distributing PSNs across the network, organizations achieve scalability and fault tolerance for AAA services.

C) Monitoring Node (MnT) is incorrect because the MnT’s role is logging, reporting, and troubleshooting. MnT nodes aggregate logs from PSNs and provide a centralized interface for generating reports and monitoring network activity. While critical for visibility and compliance, MnTs do not process authentication or authorization requests.

D) Guest Node is also incorrect. Guest nodes provide guest access services, such as web portals and self-registration for temporary users. They do not handle real-time AAA requests for network or device access.

In practice, PSNs are the core enforcement point in Cisco ISE. For example, in a distributed deployment, multiple PSNs can process requests in parallel, providing redundancy and scalability. If one PSN fails, requests can be redirected to another PSN, ensuring uninterrupted access. Understanding the role of PSNs is crucial for designing an effective and resilient ISE architecture.

B) Policy Service Node (PSN) is responsible for processing both RADIUS and TACACS+ requests in real time. A), C), and D) have supporting roles—policy management, logging, and guest services—but enforcement of AAA requests occurs exclusively on PSNs.

Question 10

You want to implement device-based authorization, allowing only corporate-owned laptops full access while restricting personal devices. Which Cisco ISE feature combination is most suitable?

A) Guest Access + BYOD
B) Endpoint Profiling + Authorization Policies
C) Posture + Guest Access
D) Device Administration + TACACS+

Answer: B) Endpoint Profiling + Authorization Policies

Explanation :

The correct answer is B) Endpoint Profiling + Authorization Policies. Cisco ISE allows administrators to control network access based on both the identity of the user and the type of device connecting to the network. Endpoint profiling identifies device characteristics such as type, operating system, and manufacturer, which informs authorization policies about how to treat different devices. Authorization policies then dynamically determine access levels, VLAN assignments, or ACLs based on these attributes.

For the scenario described—granting full access only to corporate-owned laptops—profiling is used to distinguish between corporate and personal devices. Once profiling determines that a device is a corporate laptop, the authorization policy can grant full network access. Conversely, personal devices can be placed in a restricted VLAN or directed to a remediation portal.

A) Guest Access + BYOD is incorrect because Guest Access is intended for temporary users or visitors and does not handle device-specific access rules. BYOD handles personal device onboarding but is insufficient alone to differentiate corporate devices from personal devices in this scenario.

B) Endpoint Profiling + Authorization Policies is correct because profiling collects detailed information about the device and authorization policies enforce network access based on this information. This combination allows granular control and ensures only approved devices gain full access.

C) Posture + Guest Access is incorrect because Posture checks compliance (antivirus, firewall, patches) rather than device ownership. While posture ensures endpoint health, it does not identify corporate vs. personal devices, and Guest Access is irrelevant for internal users.

D) Device Administration + TACACS+ is incorrect because these features secure administrative access to network devices, not endpoint network access. They do not help distinguish corporate laptops from personal devices for network access control.

Implementing B) Endpoint Profiling + Authorization Policies provides a robust solution. Devices are automatically profiled upon connection, and authorization policies enforce access dynamically. This approach is scalable for large organizations and aligns with security best practices by ensuring that only corporate-approved devices receive full access, while others are restricted.

Question 11

Which of the following describes a Cisco ISE TrustSec implementation?

A) Dynamic VLAN assignment
B) Device posture enforcement
C) Scalable network segmentation using Security Group Tags (SGTs)
D) Guest access self-registration

Answer: C) Scalable network segmentation using Security Group Tags (SGTs)

Explanation:

The correct answer is C) Scalable network segmentation using Security Group Tags (SGTs). Cisco TrustSec is a technology integrated with ISE to provide identity-based network segmentation. TrustSec allows administrators to define security policies based on user roles or device types rather than relying solely on IP addresses or VLANs. The fundamental building block of TrustSec is the Security Group Tag (SGT), which labels traffic based on identity and access rights.

When TrustSec is implemented, ISE assigns an SGT to a user or device based on identity, role, or authorization policy. Network devices, such as switches and routers, enforce these SGTs, applying ACLs or other security controls to govern communication between different SGTs. This approach allows scalable segmentation across the network without requiring VLAN proliferation.

A) Dynamic VLAN assignment is incorrect because VLAN assignment is a traditional Layer 2 mechanism used in RADIUS authorization policies. While TrustSec can complement VLANs, its primary function is identity-based segmentation via SGTs rather than static VLANs.

B) Device posture enforcement is incorrect because posture is part of ISE’s compliance checking functionality. TrustSec does not evaluate antivirus status, firewall settings, or OS patch levels; it enforces access policies based on identity or role.

C) Scalable network segmentation using Security Group Tags (SGTs) is correct because this is the core purpose of TrustSec. It allows administrators to apply access control dynamically across the network using tags rather than fixed network configurations.

D) Guest access self-registration is incorrect because this feature is part of ISE guest access management and unrelated to TrustSec. TrustSec is about segmenting traffic for users and devices, not managing guest onboarding.

TrustSec improves security by reducing reliance on static IP-based access controls and provides flexibility for mobility and dynamic user environments. It integrates with authorization policies, enabling fine-grained access control without complicating network topology.

Question 12

Which ISE node role is responsible for logging and generating reports for AAA activity?

A) Policy Administration Node (PAN)
B) Policy Service Node (PSN)
C) Monitoring and Troubleshooting Node (MnT)
D) Guest Node

Answer: C) Monitoring and Troubleshooting Node (MnT)

Explanation:

The correct answer is C) Monitoring and Troubleshooting Node (MnT). In Cisco ISE architecture, MnT nodes are dedicated to collecting, storing, and analyzing logs generated by other ISE nodes. They provide real-time and historical reports of AAA activity, including authentication and authorization events, device registrations, posture results, and guest access logs.

A) Policy Administration Node (PAN) is incorrect because the PAN manages configuration, policy definition, and system administration. While it pushes policies to PSNs, it does not handle log collection or reporting.

B) Policy Service Node (PSN) is incorrect because PSNs enforce policies in real-time. They process RADIUS and TACACS+ requests but do not store long-term logs or generate reports.

C) Monitoring and Troubleshooting Node (MnT) is correct because it provides centralized reporting. It can create detailed dashboards for administrators, showing trends, failed authentications, policy violations, and network health metrics. MnT nodes aggregate logs from multiple PSNs, providing a comprehensive view of network access events and supporting compliance requirements.

D) Guest Node is incorrect because Guest Nodes manage guest onboarding and self-registration but do not generate centralized AAA logs.

MnT nodes are essential for auditing, troubleshooting, and compliance reporting. They allow administrators to detect anomalies, generate regulatory reports, and investigate security incidents. By offloading logging and reporting to MnT nodes, PSNs can focus on real-time AAA enforcement without being burdened by storage and analytics tasks.

Question 13

A network administrator wants to provide temporary network access to contractors using a self-service portal. Which Cisco ISE feature should be used?

A) BYOD
B) Guest Access
C) Endpoint Profiling
D) Posture

Answer: B) Guest Access

Explanation :

The correct answer is B) Guest Access. Cisco ISE Guest Access is specifically designed to provide temporary, controlled network access to external users, such as contractors, partners, or visitors. It allows organizations to create self-service portals where users can register and obtain credentials to access the network without needing corporate credentials. Guest Access is essential in environments where non-employees need connectivity but must be isolated from sensitive corporate resources.

When a guest attempts to connect to the network, they are redirected to a web portal hosted by ISE. The portal can provide self-registration, sponsor approval workflows, or pre-generated credentials. Guest users can be assigned a specific VLAN, limited network access, and session expiration times to ensure security and prevent unauthorized access. Policies can also restrict bandwidth or apply ACLs based on role or location.

A) BYOD is incorrect because BYOD is meant for employees’ personal devices. While BYOD can enforce posture checks and controlled network access, it is not intended for temporary external users. BYOD focuses on onboarding and managing devices that will repeatedly access corporate resources.

B) Guest Access is correct because it addresses the requirement for temporary and limited network access through self-service portals. It provides granular control, isolation from corporate resources, and accountability through logging and reporting.

C) Endpoint Profiling is incorrect because profiling identifies device types and characteristics but does not provide self-service access for external users. Profiling helps enforce policies based on device attributes but is not a mechanism for guest onboarding.

D) Posture is incorrect because it is used to check endpoint health, such as firewall or antivirus compliance. Posture ensures devices meet security requirements but does not provide temporary access to external users.

In practice, Guest Access allows organizations to maintain security while offering network access to contractors. It integrates with authorization policies, VLAN assignments, and expiration rules, ensuring temporary users cannot compromise corporate assets. By using B) Guest Access, administrators can achieve secure, self-service onboarding and monitor guest activities through ISE reporting.

Question 14

Which protocol does Cisco ISE use to communicate with network devices to collect endpoint attributes for profiling?

A) DHCP
B) SNMP
C) RADIUS
D) TACACS+

Answer: B) SNMP

Explanation :

The correct answer is B) SNMP. Cisco ISE uses Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) as one of the primary methods for endpoint profiling. SNMP enables ISE to query network devices, such as switches, routers, and wireless controllers, to collect information about connected endpoints. This includes details like MAC addresses, device types, and port or interface information. The collected data helps ISE build profiles, which inform authorization policies and dynamic network access decisions.

A) DHCP is partially involved in profiling because DHCP logs provide IP addresses and some host information, but DHCP alone cannot fully identify device types or attributes. It is typically used alongside SNMP for more complete profiling.

B) SNMP is correct because it provides detailed network-level information. ISE queries network devices to understand what devices are connected, their characteristics, and sometimes their security posture indirectly. SNMP polling allows ISE to accurately classify devices such as laptops, smartphones, or printers.

C) RADIUS is incorrect because RADIUS is used primarily for authentication and authorization of users and devices, not for device profiling. While RADIUS carries authentication attributes, it does not provide detailed endpoint identification for policy enforcement.

D) TACACS+ is incorrect because TACACS+ secures administrative access to network devices. It has no role in endpoint profiling or identifying devices connected to the network.

In practice, combining SNMP and DHCP allows Cisco ISE to accurately identify devices on the network. Accurate profiling ensures that authorization policies are applied correctly, such as assigning VLANs based on device type or restricting access for unknown devices. By using B) SNMP, ISE gains visibility into endpoints and can enforce security policies dynamically and effectively.

Question 15

A network engineer wants to enforce dynamic ACLs based on user roles after authentication. Which ISE policy component is used?

A) Authentication Policy
B) Authorization Policy
C) Profiling Policy
D) Posture Policy

Answer: B) Authorization Policy

Explanation:

The correct answer is B) Authorization Policy. Cisco ISE separates the authentication process, which verifies identity, from authorization, which enforces access rules. Dynamic ACLs, VLAN assignments, and role-based access decisions occur during the authorization phase. After a user successfully authenticates, ISE evaluates authorization policies based on attributes such as user role, group membership, device type, location, and posture compliance. Based on this evaluation, ISE can assign a dynamic ACL to restrict or allow traffic.

A) Authentication Policy is incorrect because authentication only verifies the credentials of the user or device. It does not assign network privileges, apply ACLs, or enforce access restrictions.

B) Authorization Policy is correct because it evaluates conditions and applies access controls, such as dynamic ACLs. Policies can differentiate between roles, device types, or compliance status, enabling granular and adaptive access control.

C) Profiling Policy is incorrect because profiling identifies devices’ types and attributes but does not enforce network access restrictions. Profiling provides input for authorization policies but does not apply dynamic ACLs itself.

D) Posture Policy is incorrect because posture checks device health, such as antivirus or firewall status. While posture information can influence authorization decisions, posture alone does not directly assign dynamic ACLs.

Using B) Authorization Policy ensures that network access is controlled dynamically based on multiple attributes, improving security and compliance. For example, a Finance user on a corporate laptop may receive full access, while a guest device may be restricted with limited ACLs. Authorization policies in ISE provide a flexible and scalable method to enforce these rules effectively.

Question 16

Which authentication method allows endpoints without an ISE agent to be evaluated for compliance?

A) Agent-based posture
B) Agentless posture
C) BYOD
D) TACACS+

Answer: B) Agentless posture

Explanation:

The correct answer is B) Agentless posture. Cisco ISE posture assessment can be performed using either agent-based or agentless methods. Agentless posture allows endpoints to be evaluated without installing any software on the device. This method uses network protocols, such as SNMP, DHCP, or RADIUS, to collect compliance information, including firewall status, antivirus updates, and OS patches. Agentless posture is particularly useful for devices that cannot support ISE agents, such as BYOD devices, IoT devices, or contractor laptops.

A) Agent-based posture is incorrect because it requires installing a software agent on the endpoint. While agent-based posture provides more detailed compliance checks, it is not suitable for devices that cannot have additional software installed.

B) Agentless posture is correct because it allows devices to be evaluated for security compliance without installing software. Policies can enforce restricted access or remediation if the device does not meet requirements.

C) BYOD is incorrect because BYOD focuses on onboarding personal devices and applying access policies, but does not inherently evaluate compliance without using posture services.

D) TACACS+ is incorrect because it secures administrative access to network devices, unrelated to evaluating endpoint compliance.

Agentless posture allows organizations to enforce security policies for unmanaged or restricted devices, ensuring that endpoints meet minimum security requirements before accessing corporate networks. This approach balances usability and security for diverse device environments.

Question 17

Which ISE feature allows IT to onboard personal devices securely while providing access to corporate resources?

A) Guest Access
B) BYOD
C) Profiling
D) Device Administration

Answer: B) BYOD

Explanation:

The correct answer is B) BYOD. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) allows employees to securely onboard their personal devices to access corporate resources. ISE handles device registration, authentication, and compliance enforcement. Users may be guided through self-service portals, and devices can be profiled to determine type and operating system. Policies can restrict access until the device meets security requirements, such as installing certificates or enabling encryption.

A) Guest Access is incorrect because it is intended for temporary users or visitors, not employees’ personal devices.

B) BYOD is correct because it provides secure onboarding, certificate provisioning, and compliance enforcement for personal devices.

C) Profiling is incorrect because profiling identifies devices but does not enforce access policies.

D) Device Administration is incorrect because it secures administrative access to network devices rather than general endpoint access.

BYOD ensures that personal devices do not compromise corporate security while still providing access to necessary resources. It integrates with authorization policies, VLAN assignments, and posture compliance to dynamically enforce access control.

Question 18

Which ISE feature is used to enforce security compliance such as antivirus, firewall, and patch levels?

A) Posture
B) BYOD
C) TrustSec
D) Guest Access

Answer: A) Posture

Explanation:

The correct answer is A) Posture. Cisco ISE Posture assesses endpoint health to enforce security compliance. Policies can check antivirus signatures, firewall status, and OS patch levels. Non-compliant devices can be restricted, placed in a remediation VLAN, or redirected to a portal for updates. Posture ensures only secure devices access the network, preventing malware or vulnerabilities from spreading.

B) BYOD is incorrect because it focuses on onboarding personal devices, not compliance enforcement.

C) TrustSec is incorrect because it provides identity-based segmentation, not security compliance.

D) Guest Access is incorrect because it provides temporary network access without enforcing compliance.

Posture is critical in mitigating security risks, ensuring that endpoints meet organizational policies before gaining full network access.

Question 19

Which Cisco ISE protocol is primarily used for user authentication and network access enforcement?

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

Answer: B) RADIUS

Explanation:

The correct answer is B) RADIUS. RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is used to authenticate users and devices connecting to the network. ISE evaluates credentials, applies authorization policies, and returns responses to network devices such as switches or wireless controllers. RADIUS also carries attributes for VLAN assignment and ACLs, making it essential for network access enforcement.

A) TACACS+ is incorrect because it secures administrative access, not general network access.

B) RADIUS is correct because it handles authentication and authorization for endpoints.

C) SNMP is incorrect because it is used for device monitoring and profiling, not authentication.

D) HTTP is incorrect because it is used for web-based portals, not network authentication.

RADIUS is the core protocol enabling ISE to enforce dynamic network policies and control access based on identity, device type, and posture.

Question 20

Which ISE node is responsible for configuration, policy creation, and deployment to other nodes?

A) PSN
B) PAN
C) MnT
D) Guest Node

Answer: B) PAN

Explanation:

The correct answer is B) PAN. The Policy Administration Node (PAN) manages ISE configuration, policy creation, and deployment. Administrators use the PAN to define authentication, authorization, posture, and BYOD policies. Once configured, PAN pushes policies to PSNs for enforcement.

A) PSN is incorrect because it enforces policies but does not manage configuration centrally.

B) PAN is correct because it is the administrative node responsible for policy creation, certificate management, and system administration.

C) MnT is incorrect because it handles logging, monitoring, and reporting, not policy creation.

D) Guest Node is incorrect because it supports guest self-service portals, not administrative configuration.

The PAN is the central management point in ISE, enabling administrators to control policy definitions, manage nodes, and ensure consistent enforcement across the network.