Cisco 350-701 Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 7 Q121-140

Visit here for our full Cisco 350-701 exam dumps and practice test questions.

Question 121: 

Which Cisco security solution provides visibility and control for cloud applications?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security service that protects users from malicious domains and IPs. While it provides some cloud security features, its primary focus is DNS and IP-layer protection rather than detailed application control.

Cisco Cloudlock is a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) that provides deep visibility, control, and protection for cloud applications. It monitors user activity, detects risky behavior, enforces compliance policies, and prevents data loss within cloud environments.

Cisco AMP for Endpoints focuses on detecting malware and threats on endpoints and provides advanced malware protection, but it does not offer cloud application visibility and control.

Cisco Firepower is a network security platform that enforces security policies, intrusion prevention, and access control at the network layer. It does not provide cloud application monitoring or enforcement.

Cloudlock is correct because it specifically addresses the need for visibility and policy enforcement within cloud applications, offering security controls that go beyond traditional network protection. The other solutions are focused on endpoints, network traffic, or DNS-level security, not comprehensive cloud application monitoring.

Question 122: 

Which protocol does Cisco ISE use to enforce dynamic authorization after initial network access is granted?

A. RADIUS Change of Authorization (CoA)
B. TACACS+
C. SNMP
D. HTTP

Answer: A

Explanation: 

TACACS+ is a protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for network device administration. It is highly effective for managing administrative access to routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices by ensuring that only authorized personnel can log in and perform specific commands. TACACS+ separates authentication, authorization, and accounting functions, allowing granular control over administrative actions and detailed auditing of all operations. However, while TACACS+ is excellent for securing administrative access, it is not designed to dynamically enforce post-access policies on endpoints. Once a session is established, TACACS+ does not have mechanisms to adjust user or device privileges in real time based on compliance or changing conditions.

SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is primarily used for monitoring network devices and collecting performance metrics. It allows administrators to query device status, interface statistics, and overall network health, providing valuable operational visibility. SNMP can report critical events, generate alerts, and support centralized management tools. Despite these capabilities, SNMP is not intended for dynamically modifying access permissions or adjusting endpoint privileges after authentication. It focuses on monitoring and reporting rather than active enforcement of security policies.

HTTP is a standard web protocol used for transmitting data between clients and servers. While widely used for web communication and application access, HTTP does not include functionality for controlling network access dynamically. It cannot enforce real-time access changes, adjust privileges based on endpoint compliance, or interact with network access policies in the same way as specialized network protocols.

RADIUS Change of Authorization, commonly referred to as CoA, addresses the need for dynamic post-authentication control. CoA allows Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to modify the access privileges of an endpoint after it has been authenticated. This capability is essential for implementing adaptive security policies, such as adjusting VLAN assignments, restricting bandwidth, or elevating privileges based on posture assessment, compliance checks, or administrative actions. CoA messages are transmitted in real time, enabling administrators to enforce continuous security policies without requiring the user or device to log out and reauthenticate.

CoA is the correct solution for scenarios that require ongoing enforcement of network access policies. It provides flexibility, ensures that endpoints remain compliant with security requirements throughout their session, and allows network administrators to respond immediately to changing conditions. By enabling dynamic access control, CoA enhances security, reduces risk, and ensures that enterprise networks maintain a consistent security posture across all devices and users.

Question 123: 

Which Cisco technology isolates suspicious files to prevent potential damage to endpoints?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Talos is a global threat intelligence organization that researches malware, vulnerabilities, and attack trends. It provides intelligence feeds but does not isolate files for endpoint protection.

Cisco Threat Grid executes suspicious files in a sandbox environment, observing their behavior without risking endpoint security. It identifies malicious actions, generates detailed reports, and integrates with AMP for Endpoints to improve proactive defenses.

Cisco Umbrella blocks malicious domains at the DNS layer but does not perform file-level isolation or analysis.

Cisco Firepower enforces security policies, access control, and intrusion prevention at the network layer but does not isolate suspicious files on endpoints.

Threat Grid is correct because it provides safe, controlled execution of potentially malicious files, generating actionable intelligence and preventing endpoint compromise.

Question 124: 

Which Cisco Firepower feature allows automated blocking of IP addresses associated with known threats?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Access Control Policies define rules for allowing or denying network traffic but do not automatically correlate known threat intelligence to enforce blocking.

Security Intelligence Feeds distribute real-time threat data, including malicious IPs and domains, to all managed Firepower devices. Devices can automatically block traffic from these sources without manual intervention, enabling coordinated and proactive protection.

Intrusion Policies inspect traffic for specific attack signatures and behavioral anomalies. While they detect and prevent attacks, they do not rely on global threat intelligence feeds for automated IP blocking.

URL Filtering restricts access to specific websites but does not provide automated IP-level blocking based on threat intelligence.

Security Intelligence Feeds are correct because they automate threat enforcement across devices, reducing response times and improving network-wide protection against known malicious actors.

Question 125: 

Which Cisco solution provides endpoint detection, response, and continuous monitoring? 

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower is primarily focused on network-level security, including traffic inspection, access control, and intrusion prevention. It monitors network traffic for threats, enforces security policies, and blocks malicious activity at the perimeter or within the network. While Firepower is effective for protecting network infrastructure, it does not provide detailed endpoint monitoring or continuous analysis of device behavior. It lacks the ability to detect malware directly on endpoints, perform behavioral analysis, or take automated remediation actions on compromised devices.

AMP for Endpoints, or Advanced Malware Protection for Endpoints, addresses these gaps by providing continuous monitoring and protection directly on devices. It observes endpoint behavior, detects suspicious activity, identifies malware, and performs retrospective analysis to uncover previously undetected threats. AMP can respond automatically to detected malware by isolating the endpoint, quarantining files, or rolling back malicious changes. This proactive, device-level protection ensures that endpoints remain secure and that threats are contained before they spread laterally across the network.

Cisco Umbrella provides DNS-layer security, blocking access to known malicious domains and IP addresses to prevent phishing, malware communication, and command-and-control connections. While Umbrella is effective at reducing exposure to internet-based threats, it does not monitor endpoint behavior in depth, nor does it perform automated remediation or endpoint-level malware analysis.

Cloudlock, a cloud security solution, offers visibility and control over cloud applications, helping organizations monitor data usage, enforce compliance policies, and detect risky behaviors in cloud environments. However, it is not designed to monitor endpoint activity or remediate malware on devices.

AMP for Endpoints is the correct solution when the goal is to protect devices directly. It integrates advanced malware protection, continuous monitoring, and automated remediation, enabling organizations to secure endpoints effectively. Unlike Firepower, Umbrella, or Cloudlock, AMP provides a proactive and comprehensive approach to endpoint security, ensuring devices are protected against known and emerging threats while maintaining compliance and operational integrity.

Question 126: 

Which Cisco ISE feature ensures endpoints meet security requirements before allowing network access?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Guest Access in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is designed to provide temporary network connectivity for visitors or external users. It allows guests to authenticate through self-service portals or via administrator approval and receive time-limited access to the network. While Guest Access is useful for managing short-term users, it does not evaluate the health or security posture of the devices connecting to the network. Guests are typically segregated from sensitive internal resources, and their activity is monitored for accountability, but compliance checks such as antivirus status, patch levels, or operating system updates are not performed. Therefore, Guest Access ensures connectivity but does not enforce endpoint security.

Posture Assessment, in contrast, is a feature that actively evaluates the security health of endpoints before granting access to the network. This assessment checks critical parameters such as antivirus signatures, operating system patch levels, firewall settings, and other compliance indicators. If a device fails to meet the organization’s security standards, access can be restricted, redirected to a remediation network, or blocked entirely until the necessary updates or fixes are applied. Posture Assessment is particularly important in enterprise environments where unmanaged or compromised endpoints can introduce significant risk. By enforcing dynamic security policies, Posture Assessment ensures that only compliant devices are allowed to connect, protecting sensitive resources and maintaining overall network integrity.

Device Administration is another function of Cisco ISE, but it is focused on managing administrative access to network devices. It allows network operators to execute commands, configure devices, and manage network infrastructure securely. While critical for operational security, Device Administration does not perform endpoint compliance checks or health assessments, making it unsuitable for controlling general network access based on device posture.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) defines user and device permissions based on predefined roles. RBAC is effective for enforcing access policies for permanent employees and devices with clearly defined responsibilities. However, it does not evaluate the health or compliance of endpoints before access is granted. RBAC ensures that users perform only actions allowed by their roles but does not dynamically enforce security policies on devices.

Posture Assessment is the correct solution when the goal is to enforce security policies dynamically and ensure that endpoints meet compliance requirements before accessing the network. By verifying antivirus status, patch levels, and operating system updates, Posture Assessment reduces the risk posed by compromised or vulnerable devices. It complements other ISE features by providing continuous protection and ensuring that only healthy, secure endpoints are granted network access, maintaining the overall security posture of the organization.

Question 127: 

Which feature in Cisco Firepower applies intrusion prevention rules to network traffic?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Access Control Policies in Cisco Firepower are designed to determine which traffic is allowed or blocked as it passes through the network. These policies are fundamental for defining permitted communication between network segments, VLANs, or devices. Administrators can specify rules based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols to enforce organizational security requirements. While Access Control Policies are critical for managing network traffic, they do not actively inspect traffic for malicious activity, attack signatures, or abnormal behavior. Their primary purpose is traffic segmentation and permission enforcement rather than threat detection.

Intrusion Policies, on the other hand, provide a deeper layer of security by actively analyzing network traffic for signs of attacks or suspicious behavior. These policies use Snort rules, which consist of both signature-based and behavioral detection mechanisms, to identify known vulnerabilities, exploit attempts, malware communications, and other attack patterns. When an intrusion is detected, the policy can trigger automated responses such as dropping malicious traffic, generating alerts for security teams, or blocking offending connections. Intrusion Policies are essential for real-time threat prevention because they allow Firepower devices to act immediately on detected threats, minimizing the risk of compromise and reducing response times.

Security Intelligence Feeds are a complementary feature that distributes threat intelligence across multiple Firepower devices. These feeds contain information about known malicious IP addresses, domains, and URLs, enabling coordinated network defense. While they enhance the overall security posture by providing updated threat information, Security Intelligence Feeds do not analyze network traffic directly; they rely on integration with policies like Intrusion Policies or Access Control Policies to take action based on the intelligence received.

URL Filtering is another important feature of Firepower that restricts access to specific websites or categories based on policy. This helps prevent users from visiting unsafe or noncompliant sites, supporting compliance and reducing exposure to web-based threats. However, URL Filtering does not inspect traffic for intrusion attempts, malware behavior, or attack signatures; it functions primarily as a content control mechanism rather than an active security enforcement tool.

Intrusion Policy is the correct choice for scenarios requiring active protection against attacks, as it provides traffic inspection, threat detection, and automated response capabilities. Unlike Access Control Policies, Security Intelligence Feeds, or URL Filtering, Intrusion Policies directly analyze network traffic for malicious activity and can take immediate action to block, alert, or mitigate threats. By leveraging Snort rules and behavioral analytics, Intrusion Policies enable Firepower devices to detect known and emerging attacks, ensuring a robust, proactive defense against network threats.

Question 128: 

Which Cisco solution can block malicious domains and prevent endpoint communication with command-and-control servers?

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

Answer: C

Explanation: 

Cisco AMP for Endpoints is a robust solution for monitoring and protecting devices from malware and other suspicious activity. It continuously tracks local endpoint behavior, analyzes file execution, and can detect previously unknown threats using machine learning and behavioral analytics. When a threat is detected, AMP can automatically remediate it, including quarantining infected files, rolling back malicious changes, or isolating the endpoint. However, AMP operates primarily at the endpoint level and reacts to threats after they appear on the device. It does not proactively block network requests, such as DNS queries, to malicious domains before the endpoint attempts to communicate with them. This reactive approach ensures endpoint remediation but does not prevent initial exposure to malware or phishing campaigns.

Cisco Firepower is a next-generation firewall and intrusion prevention system that monitors network traffic for suspicious activity, enforces security policies, and blocks known attacks using signatures and threat intelligence. Firepower can detect malware communications and block malicious traffic at the network layer, but it does not specifically intercept DNS queries to prevent endpoints from resolving domains associated with phishing, command-and-control servers, or malware distribution. Its focus is on traffic inspection and enforcement rather than proactive DNS-layer blocking.

Cisco Umbrella, in contrast, provides DNS-layer protection, acting as a first line of defense against threats before they reach the endpoint. When a device attempts to resolve a domain name, Umbrella checks it against continuously updated threat intelligence feeds containing known malicious domains, IP addresses, and URLs. If the domain is identified as malicious, Umbrella prevents the resolution, effectively stopping communication between the endpoint and command-and-control servers, phishing sites, or malware distribution points. This proactive approach blocks threats at the earliest stage, before a connection is ever established, reducing risk to the network and endpoints.

Cisco Talos is Cisco’s global threat intelligence organization, providing detailed information about malware, phishing campaigns, and vulnerabilities. While Talos generates actionable intelligence used by Umbrella, AMP, and Firepower, it does not itself enforce blocking or prevent communications at the DNS or endpoint level.

Umbrella is the correct solution because it delivers proactive protection by stopping malware, phishing, and command-and-control communications before they reach endpoints. By intercepting DNS requests and evaluating them against threat intelligence in real time, Umbrella reduces exposure, prevents infections, and complements endpoint and network-level security tools. This layered protection ensures that threats are blocked early, minimizing the potential impact on the organization.

Question 129: 

Which protocol is used by Cisco ISE for authentication and authorization of devices connecting to the network?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

TACACS+ is a protocol primarily designed to manage administrative access to network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. It provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for network administrators, ensuring that only authorized personnel can execute specific commands or make configuration changes. While TACACS+ is highly effective for controlling privileged device access and auditing administrative actions, it is not intended for endpoint authentication or general user access to the network. It does not provide mechanisms for enforcing dynamic network policies on endpoints or evaluating compliance during active sessions, limiting its role to administrative management rather than comprehensive network access control.

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service), on the other hand, is a protocol specifically designed for authenticating and authorizing users and devices attempting to access network resources. It is a foundational component of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) deployments, enabling dynamic network access control based on user credentials, device identity, and posture assessment. With RADIUS, endpoints and users are authenticated before being granted network access, and access privileges can be adjusted dynamically in real time through mechanisms like Change of Authorization (CoA). This allows organizations to enforce security policies continuously, restricting or elevating network access based on device health, compliance with security requirements, or administrative actions. For example, an endpoint failing a posture check due to outdated antivirus definitions can be redirected to a remediation VLAN until it meets compliance standards.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is primarily used for monitoring device performance, gathering metrics, and generating alerts on the health and status of network equipment. While SNMPv3 includes encryption and authentication features, it is not designed for user or endpoint authentication or for enforcing network access policies. Its purpose is operational monitoring rather than access control.

HTTP is a standard web protocol used for transmitting information between clients and servers. While widely used for web communication, it does not provide any authentication, authorization, or dynamic policy enforcement capabilities necessary for controlling access to network resources.

RADIUS is the correct solution in this context because it integrates endpoint authentication, dynamic policy enforcement, and user credential verification. By using RADIUS in conjunction with Cisco ISE, organizations can ensure that devices and users meet security requirements before accessing the network, enforce continuous compliance through dynamic adjustments, and provide secure, controlled network access. Unlike TACACS+, SNMP, or HTTP, RADIUS is designed for network access control, making it essential for maintaining security and operational integrity across enterprise environments.

Question 130: 

Which feature in Cisco AMP for Endpoints allows retrospective detection of threats after initial infection?

A. Threat Grid Integration
B. Continuous Monitoring
C. File Reputation
D. URL Filtering

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Threat Grid Integration allows sandbox analysis of files but does not provide retrospective detection after an endpoint has been compromised.

Continuous Monitoring observes endpoint behavior over time, capturing activity and detecting previously missed threats. It allows administrators to respond to threats retrospectively once they are identified in the behavioral logs.

File Reputation provides static classification of files as malicious or benign but does not track evolving behavior post-infection.

URL Filtering controls access to websites but is unrelated to endpoint threat detection or retrospective analysis.

Continuous Monitoring is correct because it enables AMP for Endpoints to detect and respond to threats even after the initial infection, improving security coverage and incident response.

Question 131: 

Which Cisco solution enables network segmentation based on user roles and device compliance?

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

Answer: A

Explanation: 

Cisco Umbrella provides cloud-delivered security through DNS and IP-layer enforcement. It protects users from malicious domains and IP addresses and can enforce some policy controls on cloud access. However, it does not provide network segmentation based on user identity or endpoint compliance; its controls are applied at the DNS and IP resolution level rather than on network traffic segmentation.

Cisco Firepower is a network security device that enforces firewall rules, intrusion prevention, and security policies on traffic passing through network interfaces. While it can create zones and enforce access control policies, it does not dynamically adjust segmentation based on user identity or device health. It operates primarily at the network layer, and its policies are not role-based in the way Cisco ISE handles them.

Cisco AMP for Endpoints provides advanced malware protection, continuous monitoring, and retrospective detection for endpoints. It focuses on detecting and remediating threats locally on devices. AMP can integrate with other solutions, but it does not perform dynamic network segmentation or role-based access control within network infrastructure. Its enforcement is primarily endpoint-centric rather than network-centric.

Cisco ISE is specifically designed to provide centralized identity and access control. Using RADIUS and TACACS+ protocols, ISE authenticates users and devices, evaluates posture assessments, and enforces role-based policies. Based on user roles, device compliance, and network conditions, ISE can place endpoints into different VLANs or apply specific access control lists, effectively segmenting the network dynamically. This prevents unauthorized access and limits lateral movement of threats. ISE can integrate with other Cisco devices like Firepower and switches to enforce these segmentation policies in real time.

Cisco ISE is correct because it combines authentication, posture assessment, and role-based access control to enforce network segmentation dynamically. It ensures that only authorized users with compliant devices gain access to appropriate network resources while isolating or restricting non-compliant endpoints. The other solutions provide security in their respective areas but do not perform role- and compliance-based segmentation at the network layer.

Question 132:

Which Cisco Firepower feature allows detection and prevention of zero-day attacks?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Access Control Policies allow administrators to permit or deny traffic based on IP, protocol, or port information. While useful for controlling access and enforcing basic security rules, they are static and cannot detect or prevent unknown threats, such as zero-day attacks, which require more advanced inspection techniques rather than rule-based access control.

Security Intelligence Feeds provide a way for Firepower devices to receive and block traffic from known malicious IP addresses, domains, and URLs. These feeds are updated regularly and help in defending against known threats, but they cannot protect against unknown or previously unseen malware, which characterizes zero-day attacks. Intelligence feeds are reactive and rely on previously identified threats.

URL Filtering enables administrators to block access to categories of websites or specific URLs. While it can prevent users from visiting phishing or malicious websites, URL filtering alone cannot detect malware that exploits unknown vulnerabilities or zero-day attacks in network traffic or payloads. Its scope is limited to web access control rather than dynamic threat detection.

Intrusion Policy with Snort rules is specifically designed to inspect network traffic in depth. It uses signatures, behavioral analysis, and anomaly detection to identify potential threats, including zero-day attacks. When combined with advanced detection mechanisms like reputation scores and protocol anomaly detection, Snort rules can flag or block previously unseen threats that do not match known signatures. Firepower also allows dynamic updates and custom rule creation to address emerging threats, providing proactive protection.

Intrusion Policy with Snort rules is correct because it allows network traffic to be monitored for malicious behavior, even when the attack does not match previously known patterns. This capability makes it effective in preventing zero-day attacks, while access control policies, intelligence feeds, and URL filtering provide important security but are limited to predefined, known threats or categories.

Question 133: 

Which Cisco solution can automatically remediate compromised endpoints without administrator intervention?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower is a network security platform that enforces access control, intrusion prevention, and traffic monitoring. While it can block malicious traffic and detect threats, it does not have direct access to endpoint systems to remediate malware or compromised files automatically. Its control is network-centric rather than device-centric, limiting its ability to perform remediation actions on endpoints.

Cisco Umbrella functions as a cloud-delivered secure gateway, blocking access to malicious domains and IPs. It prevents communication with command-and-control servers but does not perform active remediation or clean up infected endpoints. Umbrella’s enforcement is preventative, not corrective, for already-compromised systems.

Cisco Talos provides threat intelligence by analyzing malware, vulnerabilities, and global attack trends. Talos informs Cisco security products and delivers intelligence feeds, but it does not have the capability to directly intervene on endpoints or remediate threats automatically. Its role is primarily research and intelligence dissemination.

Cisco AMP for Endpoints continuously monitors endpoints for malware and suspicious behavior. When a compromise is detected, it can isolate the endpoint, remove malicious files, and revert changes without requiring manual intervention. Retrospective analysis allows AMP to detect threats that were initially missed and trigger automated remediation based on updated threat intelligence. Integration with Threat Grid allows further analysis and improved remediation policies, enhancing security response times and minimizing risk to the network.

AMP for Endpoints is correct because it not only detects threats in real time but also applies automated response measures to contain, remediate, and protect endpoints. The other solutions provide detection, monitoring, or prevention in different layers but do not perform automated corrective actions on endpoints themselves.

Question 134: 

Which Cisco technology provides DNS-layer protection against malware and phishing?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco AMP for Endpoints provides advanced malware protection on devices, monitoring behaviors and remediating threats. However, it operates at the endpoint level and does not inspect DNS requests or block malicious domains before a connection attempt is made.

Cisco Firepower provides network security, intrusion prevention, and policy enforcement at the network layer. While it can inspect traffic and apply security rules, it is not primarily a DNS-layer protection service and cannot proactively block domain requests at the resolution stage.

Cisco Talos conducts threat intelligence research, identifying malicious domains, IPs, and malware campaigns. Although Talos informs products like Umbrella and Firepower with intelligence feeds, it does not directly enforce DNS-level security. Its role is informational rather than protective.

Cisco Umbrella operates at the DNS layer, intercepting domain requests from endpoints. It blocks requests to known malicious domains and prevents communication with command-and-control servers, malware sites, and phishing domains before a connection occurs. This proactive blocking reduces the risk of infection and prevents data exfiltration. Umbrella also provides policy enforcement for users and devices, integrating with network and endpoint environments for comprehensive protection.

Umbrella is correct because it protects users and devices at the earliest stage of network communication by enforcing DNS-level security. Other technologies provide endpoint protection, network security, or threat intelligence, but only Umbrella blocks threats at the DNS resolution stage proactively.

Question 135: 

Which Cisco ISE feature allows network access for temporary visitors?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Posture Assessment is a feature of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) that evaluates the health and security compliance of endpoints before they are granted network access. It checks critical aspects such as antivirus status, operating system updates, and patch levels to ensure devices meet the organization’s security standards. By performing these checks, Posture Assessment helps prevent compromised or vulnerable devices from connecting to the network and potentially spreading malware or creating security risks. However, while Posture Assessment is essential for enforcing compliance among managed devices and employees, it is not designed to provide temporary access to visitors or guests. It focuses on evaluating endpoint security rather than managing short-term connectivity.

Device Administration is another function of Cisco ISE that provides secure management of network devices. It controls which administrative commands or settings network operators can execute on devices like routers, switches, and firewalls. Device Administration ensures that only authorized personnel can make changes and that all actions are logged for auditing purposes. While this functionality is important for operational security, it does not provide mechanisms for allowing temporary users or visitors to access the network. Its scope is limited to managing administrative privileges on network infrastructure rather than facilitating general endpoint access.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a model that enforces permissions based on defined roles within an organization. Users and devices are assigned specific roles, which determine their access to resources and network capabilities. RBAC is effective for managing permanent employees and devices with clearly defined responsibilities. However, it is not suitable for temporary visitors, contractors, or short-term users because it is intended for consistent, ongoing enforcement of access rights rather than time-limited sessions.

Guest Access in Cisco ISE is specifically designed to address the need for temporary network connectivity. It allows visitors or temporary users to authenticate through self-service portals or with administrator approval, granting them limited and time-bound access to the network. Policies can be applied to restrict which resources guests can access, ensuring they are segregated from sensitive internal systems. Additionally, Guest Access provides auditing and monitoring capabilities, enabling administrators to track activity and maintain accountability for all temporary users.

Guest Access is the correct solution for providing temporary network access because it balances security, visibility, and usability. It ensures that visitors can connect to the network safely without compromising internal resources, while other ISE features like Posture Assessment, Device Administration, and RBAC focus on compliance, administrative control, and permanent user access, not short-term guest sessions.

Question 136: 

Which Cisco solution provides continuous monitoring and retrospective threat analysis for endpoints? 

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower is a network security solution that focuses on firewall enforcement, intrusion prevention, and network traffic monitoring. While it provides visibility into network activity and can detect known attacks, it does not monitor endpoints continuously nor perform retrospective analysis of threats that may have bypassed initial detection. Its focus is primarily on network-layer protection rather than endpoint-level security.

Cisco Umbrella provides DNS-layer security to block malicious domains and prevent connections to known command-and-control servers. Although Umbrella enforces policies and prevents communication with risky domains, it does not track endpoint behavior continuously or perform retrospective detection of threats after an initial compromise. Its enforcement is proactive at the DNS resolution layer but not analytical on the endpoint itself.

Cisco Talos is Cisco’s global threat intelligence team. It provides intelligence on malware campaigns, vulnerabilities, and emerging threats. While Talos produces research and data feeds that inform other security products, it does not directly monitor endpoints or perform retrospective analysis of individual device activity. Its role is informative rather than actively defensive at the endpoint level.

Cisco AMP for Endpoints continuously monitors devices in real time, detecting malware, suspicious behavior, and policy violations. It performs retrospective analysis to identify threats that may have evaded detection initially, using historical activity data to uncover malicious patterns. AMP can automatically remediate threats, quarantine compromised endpoints, and provide detailed reporting for incident response. Its integration with Threat Grid allows dynamic behavioral analysis and intelligence-driven remediation. By analyzing past behavior, AMP can detect advanced or stealthy threats even after they have occurred, reducing dwell time and risk.

AMP for Endpoints is correct because it combines continuous monitoring with retrospective analysis, giving organizations the ability to detect, analyze, and respond to threats both in real time and after the fact. Firepower, Umbrella, and Talos contribute to network or intelligence security but do not offer the same endpoint-focused retrospective threat detection and continuous monitoring capabilities that AMP provides.

Question 137: 

Which Cisco Firepower capability enforces security policies on encrypted traffic?

A. Access Control Policy
B. SSL/TLS Decryption
C. Intrusion Policy
D. URL Filtering

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Access Control Policies determine which traffic is allowed or blocked based on criteria such as IP addresses, ports, and protocols. While they control the flow of network traffic, they do not enable inspection of encrypted traffic and therefore cannot enforce detailed security policies within SSL/TLS sessions.

Intrusion Policies apply Snort rules to inspect network traffic for known attack signatures and anomalies. However, encrypted traffic cannot be inspected effectively without decryption. The policy can only act on the metadata of encrypted sessions, which limits threat detection for HTTPS or SSL-encrypted flows.

URL Filtering restricts access to specific websites or categories and can provide policy enforcement for web traffic. Although it is useful for controlling access to risky or inappropriate content, it does not decrypt SSL/TLS traffic to inspect payloads or enforce security rules beyond URL categorization.

SSL/TLS Decryption allows Firepower to intercept encrypted traffic, decrypt it, inspect the contents using intrusion and security policies, and then re-encrypt it before forwarding. This enables the application of Access Control, Intrusion, and URL Filtering policies to previously hidden traffic, allowing detection of malware, command-and-control activity, and sensitive data exfiltration that would otherwise bypass inspection.

SSL/TLS Decryption is correct because it gives Firepower the ability to inspect encrypted traffic in detail, enforcing security policies that would otherwise be blind to encrypted flows. Other features control or inspect traffic but are limited when encryption is present, whereas SSL/TLS Decryption ensures comprehensive inspection of secured communication.

Question 138: 

Which Cisco solution integrates threat intelligence feeds to proactively block malicious IP addresses?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco AMP for Endpoints focuses on endpoint detection, continuous monitoring, and remediation. While it can utilize threat intelligence to detect and remediate malicious activity on endpoints, it does not enforce automated blocking of malicious IPs across the network by itself. Its primary enforcement is device-centric.

Cisco Umbrella blocks malicious domains at the DNS layer, preventing users from reaching harmful websites. However, it does not directly enforce IP-level blocking on network devices in a coordinated way across multiple appliances. Its enforcement scope is limited to DNS and cloud applications.

Cisco Talos provides global threat intelligence research, including information on malware campaigns, IP addresses, and emerging threats. While its intelligence feeds inform other Cisco security products, Talos does not independently block malicious traffic; it acts as a source of intelligence rather than an enforcement solution.

Cisco Firepower integrates threat intelligence feeds to automatically block traffic from malicious IP addresses across managed devices. This proactive blocking is based on updated intelligence, preventing compromised endpoints or attacks from communicating with known malicious sources. Firepower can correlate feeds, apply automated policies, and synchronize enforcement across multiple devices to ensure network-wide protection.

Firepower is correct because it combines network enforcement with real-time threat intelligence, enabling proactive mitigation of known threats. AMP, Umbrella, and Talos provide endpoint protection, DNS-layer defense, or intelligence, but Firepower directly enforces network-level IP blocking using those feeds.

Question 139: 

Which Cisco ISE feature allows enforcement of network policies based on endpoint health?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Guest Access provides temporary network credentials for visitors or contractors. It allows limited access and ensures network segmentation, but it does not evaluate or enforce compliance based on endpoint health.

Device Administration focuses on controlling administrative access to network infrastructure devices. It grants permissions for command execution and device configuration, but it does not apply policies related to endpoint security compliance.

RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) defines access rights based on user roles, such as employee, contractor, or administrator. While RBAC can restrict access to certain network resources, it does not evaluate the security posture or compliance of an endpoint before granting access.

Posture Assessment evaluates endpoint compliance with security policies, such as antivirus status, OS patch levels, firewall configuration, and overall health. Cisco ISE uses this information to dynamically enforce network access policies, granting, restricting, or quarantining endpoints based on their posture. This ensures that only healthy devices gain full access to the network while non-compliant devices are isolated or remediated.

Posture Assessment is correct because it directly ties access enforcement to the health and compliance of endpoints. Guest Access, Device Administration, and RBAC provide access controls or role enforcement, but they do not assess or enforce network access based on endpoint posture.

Question 140: 

Which Cisco solution isolates endpoints detected as compromised to prevent lateral movement?

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

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Cisco Firepower enforces network security policies, intrusion prevention, and access control on network traffic. While it can block malicious traffic and detect intrusions, it cannot directly isolate compromised endpoints to prevent lateral movement within the network. Its enforcement is network-centric rather than device-centric.

Cisco Umbrella provides DNS-layer protection, blocking access to malicious domains and preventing communication with command-and-control servers. However, it does not isolate endpoints locally or restrict their interactions with other network devices once connected. Umbrella’s enforcement is preventative at the DNS layer but not corrective on the endpoint.

Cisco Talos provides threat intelligence and research on malware, vulnerabilities, and attack campaigns. Talos informs other Cisco security products and feeds threat intelligence for proactive defense, but it does not take direct action on endpoints or enforce isolation.

Cisco AMP for Endpoints continuously monitors endpoint activity, detects threats, and can automatically isolate compromised devices. Isolation prevents lateral movement within the network, stopping malware from spreading to other devices and allowing remediation without human intervention. AMP can also quarantine files, block malicious connections, and integrate with Threat Grid for deeper analysis.

AMP for Endpoints is correct because it combines detection, automated response, and isolation to contain threats effectively. Firepower, Umbrella, and Talos provide network enforcement, DNS-layer protection, and intelligence, but only AMP actively isolates endpoints to prevent lateral movement and limit the impact of compromise.