Cisco 350-701 Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 9 Q161-180

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

Question 161:

A network administrator wants to assign dynamic VLANs to endpoints based on their compliance with security policies. Which Cisco feature supports this functionality?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Posture Assessment is the correct feature because it provides an adaptive and context-driven method for validating the health and compliance level of devices before they are allowed full access to network resources. When an endpoint connects to the network, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) evaluates several posture attributes such as antivirus installation and update status, operating system patch levels, personal firewall configuration, disk encryption, registry conditions, or the presence of prohibited software. Based on these posture checks, ISE determines whether the device meets the organization’s security requirements. If the endpoint is compliant, ISE dynamically authorizes the device and can assign it to a dedicated VLAN offering full operational access.

For devices that fail posture evaluation, ISE can automatically place them into a restricted or remediation VLAN. This segmentation might limit the device to remediation servers where it can install updates, run antivirus scans, or correct configuration issues. This dynamic VLAN assignment is a critical capability because it ensures that only devices with an acceptable security posture can interact with sensitive networks. It greatly reduces the risk of malware spread, data leakage, or policy violations originating from unmanaged or poorly maintained endpoints.

Guest Access does not evaluate device compliance; instead, it provides temporary connectivity to visitors or contractors, often isolating them into predefined VLANs without considering device health. Device Administration relates exclusively to granting administrators command-level permissions for managing network hardware, not endpoint segmentation. RBAC assigns privileges based on user roles, but it does not analyze device condition or enforce compliance-driven VLAN transitions. Therefore, Posture Assessment remains the only feature capable of evaluating endpoint health and dynamically assigning VLANs to ensure that the network remains secure, segmented, and compliant with organizational policies.

Question 162:

Which Cisco solution provides sandboxing and behavior analysis to detect unknown malware?

A. Cisco Talos
B. Cisco Threat Grid
C. Cisco AMP for Endpoints
D. Cisco Firepower

Answer: B

Explanation:

Cisco Threat Grid is the correct solution because it provides deep behavioral analysis and sandboxing capabilities that detect unknown, evasive, and zero-day malware threats that traditional signature-based tools cannot identify. Threat Grid operates by executing suspicious files in a secure, isolated environment that replicates real operating conditions. Inside this virtual sandbox, the file’s behavior is observed, recorded, and analyzed. This includes monitoring system calls, memory interactions, registry changes, network communications, exploitation attempts, and persistence techniques that may indicate malicious intent.

Unlike static scanning, Threat Grid focuses on behavioral indicators, allowing it to detect malware variants that may be obfuscated, encrypted, or specifically engineered to bypass conventional detection mechanisms. Each file execution produces a detailed threat report containing behavioral indicators, threat scores, MITRE ATT&CK mappings, and indicators of compromise (IOCs) that can be shared across Cisco security solutions.

Threat Grid integrates tightly with Cisco AMP (Advanced Malware Protection) for Endpoints. When AMP encounters unknown files, it can automatically submit them to the Threat Grid for analysis. If Threat Grid confirms malicious behavior, AMP can take immediate action such as quarantine, block, or retrospective detection, enhancing threat response capabilities across the environment.

Cisco Talos, while extremely important in providing global threat intelligence, does not perform dynamic sandbox execution. Cisco AMP for Endpoints monitors behavior on devices and provides remediation, but it does not independently sandbox files. Cisco Firepower focuses on network-level enforcement, deep inspection, and intrusion prevention, but it cannot execute files in a controlled environment to detect previously unseen malware.

Threat Grid’s ability to safely execute files, uncover hidden behaviors, and generate meaningful intelligence makes it the only Cisco platform that offers true sandboxing and zero-day behavioral detection, strengthening enterprise defenses against emerging and sophisticated cyber threats.

Question 163:

Which Cisco solution blocks access to malicious domains at the DNS layer?

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

Cisco Umbrella is the correct solution because it enforces security at the DNS and IP layers, preventing devices from reaching malicious online destinations even before a connection is fully established. When an endpoint attempts to resolve a domain name, Umbrella intercepts the DNS request and checks it against its constantly updated threat intelligence databases. If the domain is associated with malware distribution, phishing, botnets, ransomware command-and-control infrastructure, or other harmful activity, Umbrella blocks the request instantly. This preemptive blockade prevents the device from downloading malicious payloads, connecting to attacker infrastructure, or leaking sensitive data.

Umbrella’s cloud-native architecture ensures fast response times and global coverage, making it effective for both on-network and roaming users. The platform leverages Cisco Talos intelligence to continuously update its reputation services with millions of new malicious indicators daily. Because DNS traffic is ubiquitous, Umbrella provides a lightweight yet powerful security layer that operates transparently without relying on endpoint agents, although optional agents can provide deeper protection.

AMP for Endpoints, while capable of detecting and analyzing malware on devices, does not operate at the DNS layer and therefore cannot prevent domain resolution before communication occurs. Cisco Firepower focuses on inspecting network traffic at deeper layers, enforcing firewall and IPS rules, but DNS-layer protection is not its primary function. Talos provides intelligence on malicious entities but does not serve as a DNS enforcement mechanism itself.

Umbrella’s DNS-layer security model significantly reduces the attack surface by cutting off the initial communication path attackers rely on. Even if malware is introduced through other channels such as removable media, Umbrella prevents it from reaching servers required for payload delivery or remote control. This proactive, infrastructure-level protection makes Cisco Umbrella a foundational component in modern cloud security architectures.

Question 164:

Which Cisco ISE feature enforces network access based on endpoint compliance?

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

Posture Assessment is the correct Cisco ISE feature because it ensures that endpoint devices meet defined security requirements before granting them network access. This capability helps organizations maintain a strong security posture by inspecting the health and configuration of every device attempting to connect. Posture checks may include validation of antivirus updates, OS version and patch compliance, firewall status, device encryption, existence of prohibited applications, and adherence to corporate security standards. After evaluating these conditions, Cisco ISE applies dynamic authorization policies to determine what level of access the device should receive.

If a device passes posture checks, it can be assigned full access to trusted network segments. If it fails, ISE can automatically place it into a restricted VLAN, quarantine state, or remediation environment where users are guided to update their devices or fix configuration issues. This ensures that vulnerable, outdated, or misconfigured endpoints do not inadvertently create attack vectors within the network.

Guest Access does not validate device health; instead, it simply provides temporary access for non-employees. Device Administration focuses solely on controlling administrative access to switches, routers, and other network infrastructure. It does not influence endpoint access privileges based on compliance. RBAC assigns permission based on user roles such as employee type or job function, but it does not evaluate the security state of the device they are using.

Posture Assessment is essential for organizations adopting zero-trust security strategies because it enforces continuous verification. Threats often arise from legitimate devices that have become outdated or infected, making posture evaluation a critical security step. By dynamically assessing and managing endpoint access, Cisco ISE strengthens the network against compromised devices and ensures compliance with internal policies and regulatory frameworks.

Question 165:

Which Cisco Firepower capability inspects network traffic for malicious behavior?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Intrusion Policy feature in Cisco Firepower is designed to detect malicious behavior within network traffic by applying deep packet inspection, behavioral analysis, and signature-based threat detection using Snort—the open-source intrusion prevention engine integrated into Firepower. Intrusion Policies contain rules that identify known attack techniques, exploit attempts, malware communication patterns, reconnaissance activity, and protocol anomalies that indicate potential compromise.

When traffic flows through a Firepower appliance, the Intrusion Policy analyzes the payload, headers, and behavioral characteristics of the session. It can detect buffer overflow attacks, SQL injection attempts, command-and-control communications, privilege escalation attempts, and other patterns associated with cyberattacks. Based on policy configuration, Firepower can alert administrators, drop malicious packets, reset connections, or block attackers automatically. The system also benefits from frequent rule updates delivered by Cisco Talos, ensuring protection against new and evolving threats.

Access Control Policies determine whether traffic is allowed or denied but do not analyze content deeply enough to detect sophisticated attacks. Security Intelligence Feeds block traffic associated with known malicious IPs and domains, providing a valuable first layer of defense, but they cannot identify new threats embedded inside legitimate traffic. URL Filtering restricts access to websites by category or reputation but does not inspect payloads for malicious content.

The Intrusion Policy is therefore crucial for detecting advanced threats that rely on exploiting vulnerabilities within applications, protocols, or user sessions. By combining signature-based rules, anomaly detection, and behavioral heuristics, it provides comprehensive threat visibility and mitigation capabilities that cannot be achieved through simple access control or URL filtering alone. This makes it a foundational component of Firepower’s next-generation intrusion prevention capabilities.

Question 166:

Which Cisco solution continuously monitors endpoints for malware and suspicious activity?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Cisco AMP for Endpoints is the correct solution because it delivers continuous, real-time monitoring of endpoint activity, giving organizations ongoing visibility into malicious behavior, suspicious processes, and emerging threats. Unlike traditional antivirus tools that rely heavily on signature-based detection and periodic scans, AMP adopts a behavior-centric, cloud-connected architecture capable of identifying advanced malware, fileless attacks, and stealthy adversarial activity. AMP continuously analyzes files and processes before, during, and after execution—using techniques such as machine learning, behavioral indicators, sandbox integration, and global threat intelligence from Cisco Talos.

One of AMP’s unique strengths is its retrospective detection capability. This means that even if a file appears benign at first, AMP keeps tracking its behavior. If later intelligence reveals that the file is malicious, AMP can retroactively alert analysts, quarantine the file, block future executions, and trace the threat lineage across the environment. This capability is critical because modern malware often lies dormant or modifies itself to evade initial detection.

AMP also includes automated remediation features such as file quarantine, process termination, forensic snapshots, and endpoint isolation. Isolation is particularly valuable because it cuts communication between the compromised device and the rest of the network while still allowing limited administrative access for cleanup. This prevents attackers from moving laterally, escalating privileges, or exfiltrating data.

Cisco Firepower, by contrast, provides network traffic enforcement but does not continuously monitor endpoint behavior. Cisco Umbrella stops malicious DNS requests but cannot observe local processes or file executions. Talos supplies threat research and intelligence but does not directly protect endpoints.

Because AMP for Endpoints provides sustained, deep visibility, advanced behavioral detection, retrospective analysis, and automated mitigation, it is the only Cisco technology in this list designed specifically to continuously monitor endpoints and neutralize sophisticated malware threats.

Question 167:

Which Cisco solution isolates compromised endpoints to prevent lateral movement?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Cisco AMP for Endpoints is the correct answer because it provides comprehensive endpoint protection that includes the crucial capability of isolating compromised devices. Isolation prevents lateral movement, containing the threat before it can spread to other systems, exploit internal vulnerabilities, or establish deeper persistence within the network. Lateral movement is a common tactic in advanced attacks—once adversaries compromise one endpoint, they attempt to pivot through shared credentials, open ports, or network shares. AMP’s isolation capability halts this progression instantly.

When AMP identifies suspicious or malicious behavior—such as ransomware encryption patterns, known malware execution, anomalous parent-child process relationships, or connections to command-and-control servers—it can automatically or manually isolate the endpoint. Network isolation restricts all network communications except for secure channels used for administrative remediation, ensuring that security teams can continue investigating and cleaning the device without allowing the attacker to communicate with other systems.

AMP also provides retrospective alerting, automated file quarantine, process blocking, and artifact tracing across the environment. It integrates with Cisco Threat Grid, allowing suspicious files to be sandboxed for behavioral analysis, strengthening the accuracy of the detection and isolation decision. AMP’s approach is proactive: it doesn’t simply react to threats but uses cloud analytics, machine learning, and global Talos intelligence to predict and intercept malicious activity before it escalates.

Cisco Firepower, although powerful at the network perimeter and capable of IPS functions, does not isolate individual endpoints. Umbrella blocks malicious domains at the DNS layer but cannot disconnect a compromised device from the network. Talos offers threat intelligence and research but does not perform endpoint-level intervention.

Therefore, AMP for Endpoints is the only solution that actively prevents lateral movement through targeted endpoint isolation, making it indispensable for modern zero-trust and defense-in-depth strategies.

Question 168:

Which Cisco feature provides temporary network access for visitors?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Cisco Guest Access is the correct feature because it provides a secure and controlled method for offering temporary network connectivity to visitors, contractors, and external users. Organizations often need to allow temporary users to connect to Wi-Fi or wired networks without providing them full access to internal systems. Cisco’s Guest Access, typically implemented through Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), ensures that this access is limited, time-bound, and monitored.

Guest Access allows organizations to create multiple onboarding workflows tailored to different visitor types, such as sponsored guests, self-registered visitors, or reception-managed accounts. The feature supports customizable captive portals, enabling organizations to display terms of use, authentication forms, or branding elements. Once authenticated, guests are segmented into dedicated VLANs or ACL-restricted network zones that isolate them from sensitive internal resources.

Importantly, Guest Access logs all activities for auditing, compliance, and security investigations. This helps organizations maintain transparency into who connected, when they connected, and what resources they attempted to access. Security teams can revoke access instantly or set automatic expiration times to ensure accounts do not remain active longer than necessary.

By contrast, Posture Assessment evaluates the security compliance of managed endpoints, not visitors’ devices. Device Administration manages administrative credentials and permissions for network infrastructure rather than visitor access. RBAC assigns privileges based on roles within the organization—such as administrators, employees, or contractors—but it does not provide time-limited, isolated access for temporary guests.

Guest Access is essential for maintaining a secure boundary in environments where visitors routinely require network connectivity. It balances convenience and security by granting temporary Wi-Fi access while preventing unauthorized access to corporate assets. Its robust monitoring, segmentation, and customizable authentication mechanisms make it the most appropriate and secure solution for visitor connectivity.

Question 169:

Which Cisco technology inspects encrypted traffic for threats?

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

SSL/TLS Decryption is the correct technology because it allows Cisco security devices to inspect encrypted traffic, revealing hidden threats that cannot be analyzed when data is protected with encryption protocols. Modern cyberattacks frequently exploit encrypted channels—such as HTTPS, SSL, and TLS—to conceal malware downloads, command-and-control communications, data exfiltration, and lateral movement. Without decryption, security tools see only encrypted packets and cannot evaluate the payloads inside.

SSL/TLS Decryption works by intercepting encrypted communications, decrypting the data, inspecting the contents for malicious behavior, applying relevant security policies, and then re-encrypting the traffic before forwarding it to its destination. This process is often implemented on Cisco Firepower appliances or next-generation firewalls. By enabling full inspection, organizations gain visibility into threats such as hidden malware downloads, encrypted phishing websites, ransomware callbacks, trojan activity, and suspicious file transfers.

Access Control Policies merely allow or block traffic based on basic attributes like IP address, port, and protocol—they do not break open encryption. Intrusion Policies analyze traffic deeply but cannot examine encrypted sessions unless decryption is performed first. URL Filtering blocks or allows web access based on categories or reputation but does not interpret encrypted traffic unless SSL/TLS decryption is enabled.

Encrypted traffic now accounts for the majority of internet communication, making decryption essential for security coverage. Attackers increasingly embed malicious content in encrypted streams to avoid detection by traditional tools. By enabling SSL/TLS decryption, organizations gain critical visibility, reduce blind spots, and maintain strong defenses against modern threats.

Question 170:

Which Cisco solution integrates Threat Grid for malware analysis and endpoint protection?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Cisco AMP for Endpoints is the correct answer because it integrates seamlessly with Cisco Threat Grid to deliver advanced malware analysis, dynamic sandboxing, and automated endpoint protection. Threat Grid provides deep, behavior-based evaluation of suspicious files by executing them in a secure sandbox environment. This allows security teams to observe malicious activity—such as process injection, registry manipulation, network beaconing, privilege escalation, or persistence creation—that may not be visible through static analysis alone.

AMP for Endpoints leverages Threat Grid to automatically send unknown or suspicious files for dynamic behavioral analysis. Once Threat Grid executes the file and generates a detailed threat report, AMP can take automated actions such as file quarantine, blocking future execution, and isolating compromised endpoints. This integration creates a powerful defense lifecycle: identification, analysis, remediation, and prevention.

AMP’s retrospective detection capability ensures that if Threat Grid later flags a previously unknown file as malicious, AMP can retroactively update its verdict and respond immediately—closing attack windows that traditional tools would miss. AMP also tracks file lineage, showing where threats originated, which devices were impacted, and how malware propagated across the organization.

Cisco Firepower focuses on network traffic inspection and intrusion prevention but does not integrate directly with Threat Grid to provide endpoint-level behavioral analysis. Cisco Umbrella blocks malicious domains at the DNS layer but does not analyze file behavior or interact with sandboxing technology. Cisco Talos provides global threat intelligence and research but does not perform endpoint remediation or sandbox integration.

AMP for Endpoints stands out as the only Cisco solution offering full lifecycle endpoint protection combined with Threat Grid’s dynamic malware analysis. This integration strengthens security outcomes by providing precise threat identification, detailed forensic intelligence, and automated response mechanisms—creating a cohesive, proactive defense against both known and unknown threats.

Question 171:

Which Cisco solution provides real-time visibility into endpoint activity and malware events?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Firepower provides network-layer security, intrusion prevention, and firewall policies, but it does not offer direct visibility into endpoint activity or malware events. Its focus is on traffic inspection and policy enforcement.

AMP for Endpoints continuously monitors endpoints for malware, anomalous behavior, and policy violations. It provides real-time alerts, visibility into attack vectors, and detailed telemetry on endpoint events. AMP also enables automated remediation and endpoint isolation, giving administrators a complete view of security incidents as they happen.

Umbrella enforces DNS-layer security, blocking malicious domains, phishing sites, and command-and-control servers, but it does not provide detailed endpoint activity visibility. Its insights are limited to DNS requests and policy enforcement.

Talos is Cisco’s threat intelligence team that provides indicators of compromise, malware research, and vulnerability information. It does not monitor endpoints or report events in real time.

AMP for Endpoints is correct because it provides continuous, real-time monitoring of endpoints, including detailed telemetry, threat detection, and automated response. Firepower, Umbrella, and Talos provide network, DNS, or intelligence visibility but cannot monitor endpoint events directly.

Question 172:

Which Cisco ISE component controls administrative access to network devices?

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

Device Administration in Cisco environments plays a critical role in safeguarding the management plane of network infrastructure. Unlike user access control or endpoint compliance checks, this feature focuses specifically on how administrators interact with routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices. Cisco ISE and Cisco Secure ACS traditionally provide this functionality using TACACS+ or RADIUS as the authentication protocols. TACACS+ is often preferred for command-level authorization because it separates authentication, authorization, and accounting, allowing fine-grained control over administrative actions.

Posture Assessment, although essential for verifying endpoint health, does not relate to administrative command control. It evaluates criteria such as antivirus status, patch levels, firewall activation, and OS compliance. While this ensures that endpoints connecting to the network meet security requirements, it does not address the privileges an administrator has on network devices nor does it audit administrative command usage.

Guest Access, on the other hand, facilitates temporary connectivity for visitors, contractors, or short-term users. It provides registration portals, time-based access, and restricted network paths, ensuring guests remain isolated from sensitive network segments. However, it has no capability to define, monitor, or restrict administrative commands.

RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) is a general access-control model used throughout IT systems to assign permissions based on predefined user roles. Although RBAC supports segmentation of user privileges, it does not provide granular command-level access control for routers or switches. It does not integrate with TACACS+ workflows nor deliver per-command auditing.

Device Administration is the correct answer because it delivers authenticated, authorized, and audited administrative access. It ensures accountability through detailed logging of all executed commands, prevents unauthorized configuration changes, and centralizes permission management. This capability is indispensable for compliance, operational security, and regulatory auditing, making it the only option among the choices designed specifically to control device-level administrative access.

Question 173:

Which Cisco solution proactively blocks communication with known malicious domains and IPs?

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security platform designed to provide proactive protection by blocking malicious domains, IP addresses, and URLs at the DNS and IP layers. What makes Umbrella especially powerful is that it enforces security before a connection is ever established, making it one of the most effective defenses against phishing attacks, ransomware command-and-control callbacks, and domain-generated malware traffic. By analyzing DNS queries and associating them with known malicious destinations—leveraging intelligence from Cisco Talos—Umbrella prevents connections to harmful infrastructure long before traditional security tools can inspect the payload.

Cisco AMP for Endpoints, while offering behavior monitoring, file trajectory tracking, and malware remediation, operates primarily at the endpoint level rather than intercepting DNS resolution across the network. Although AMP can detect malicious behavior after execution, it does not provide preventive domain-level blocking at the DNS stage.

Cisco Firepower provides deep packet inspection, next-generation firewall capabilities, intrusion prevention, and traffic filtering. However, Firepower cannot stop a DNS request before it resolves. It may eventually block or inspect the resulting traffic, but the initial resolution still occurs, which leaves a gap in pre-connection prevention.

Cisco Talos, while providing world-class threat intelligence and feeding data into products like Umbrella and Firepower, does not itself enforce any blocking. Talos acts as the intelligence backbone but not an enforcement mechanism.

Umbrella is the correct solution because it prevents communication with malicious infrastructure at the earliest possible stage—DNS resolution. This pre-emptive approach cuts off malware callbacks, phishing redirects, and botnet traffic even before a TCP connection is formed or a payload is delivered. With the combination of DNS-layer protection, intelligent logging, content filtering, and global threat intelligence, Umbrella offers unmatched proactive defense compared to endpoint monitoring, network inspection, or intelligence-only services.

Question 174:

Which Cisco Firepower feature inspects traffic using signatures, behavioral analysis, and protocol anomaly detection?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Access Control Policies permit or deny traffic based on IP, port, and protocol but do not inspect payloads for malicious content or abnormal behavior.

Intrusion Policy applies Snort rules, behavioral analysis, and protocol anomaly detection to network traffic. It identifies known and unknown threats, including zero-day attacks, and allows automated prevention, alerts, or logging. This deep inspection helps detect sophisticated attacks that static rules cannot catch.

Security Intelligence Feeds provide lists of known malicious IPs or domains but do not actively analyze live traffic for unknown attacks or anomalies.

URL Filtering restricts access to certain websites or categories but does not inspect general network traffic for malicious payloads or attacks.

Intrusion Policy is correct because it actively inspects traffic for malicious behavior using multiple detection techniques, whereas access control, intelligence feeds, and URL filtering either enforce static rules or provide intelligence without active traffic analysis.

Question 175:

Which Cisco AMP for Endpoints feature allows detection of threats that initially bypassed security controls?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Continuous Monitoring in Cisco AMP for Endpoints is a pivotal capability designed to identify threats that successfully bypassed initial preventative layers. Modern malware frequently disguises itself to evade upfront detection by using techniques such as polymorphism, delayed execution, encryption, or fileless behaviors. Because of this, a security tool cannot rely exclusively on static scans or hash-based reputation checks; it must observe ongoing activity to uncover hidden or delayed threats. Continuous Monitoring satisfies this requirement by persistently tracking file activities, processes, registry changes, network connections, and system modifications after initial execution.

Unlike File Reputation, which simply checks a file’s known status against a large cloud database, Continuous Monitoring analyzes how a file behaves over time. If a previously unknown or benign-classified file begins acting suspiciously—such as injecting code, modifying system directories, or reaching out to command-and-control servers—AMP retrospectively flags it. This retrospective capability is essential, as it allows the platform to detect attacks that only become malicious after initial trust has been granted. Administrators can review detailed event timelines, understand patient-zero devices, and take corrective actions such as quarantining or deleting malicious components across all affected endpoints.

Threat Grid Integration does supply sandbox-based behavioral analysis, but only at the time of file submission. It does not monitor ongoing endpoint activity or catch delayed triggers. Similarly, URL Filtering and other policy-based controls do not track local endpoint behavior and are incapable of identifying threats that emerge hours or days after initial access.

Continuous Monitoring stands out because it ensures no threat remains undetected, even if it successfully evades the first layer of defense. This retrospective detection and remediation capability provides a powerful and comprehensive approach to endpoint security, closing detection gaps left by static or single-moment assessments.

Question 176:

Which Cisco ISE feature evaluates endpoint health and enforces network access accordingly?

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

Posture Assessment within Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a comprehensive mechanism that evaluates the security health of endpoints before granting network access. In today’s corporate networks, unmanaged or non-compliant devices pose a serious threat because they may lack required patches, antivirus tools, OS updates, or firewall configurations. Posture Assessment addresses this challenge by analyzing multiple system attributes, determining if a device aligns with an organization’s compliance policy, and enforcing dynamic access controls based on the findings.

The process begins when an endpoint attempts to connect to the network. Cisco ISE, often working with AnyConnect or the ISE posture agent, examines essential security elements such as antivirus status, malware protection engines, active firewall configurations, OS patch levels, disk encryption status, and other custom requirements defined by administrators. Depending on compliance results, ISE assigns the device to a specific authorization profile. This could include full access for compliant endpoints, restricted access for partially compliant devices, or quarantine/VLAN redirection for high-risk devices that require remediation.

This dynamic and adaptive model ensures organizations maintain a secure environment by preventing vulnerable devices from accessing critical network segments. Unlike Guest Access, which simply provides temporary connectivity for visitors, Posture Assessment actively evaluates device health. Device Administration focuses on managing administrative access to routers, switches, and network appliances rather than enforcing endpoint health policies. RBAC, while useful for structuring user privileges, does not assess endpoint posture or modify access based on device state.

Posture Assessment is the correct answer because it merges compliance evaluation with dynamic network control, creating a security posture-driven access environment. This ensures every device connecting to the network meets defined security standards, significantly reducing the risk posed by outdated, misconfigured, or compromised endpoints.

Question 177:

Which Cisco solution uses Threat Grid integration to perform sandbox analysis of suspicious files?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Cisco AMP for Endpoints is the solution that integrates directly with Threat Grid to deliver comprehensive sandbox analysis of suspicious files. Modern cyber threats often use advanced evasion techniques such as obfuscation, encryption, time-delayed execution, and memory-only operations. Traditional signature-based detection struggles with these threats, which is why behavioral analysis within a secure, simulated environment is essential. Threat Grid provides such an environment by safely executing unknown or suspicious files inside an isolated virtual sandbox and observing their behavior in detail.

When integrated with AMP for Endpoints, Threat Grid enhances endpoint protection by analyzing file actions such as attempted privilege escalation, unauthorized system modifications, process injection, abnormal network connections, and exploitation attempts. It generates rich behavioral indicators, dynamic analysis reports, and threat scores to determine malware likelihood. These insights are automatically fed back into AMP, enabling it to update file dispositions, block malicious content, and initiate remediation actions across endpoints without manual intervention.

Cisco Firepower does provide deep network security scanning and intrusion prevention, but it does not execute files inside a sandbox for advanced behavioral analysis. Cisco Umbrella operates at the DNS layer to block malicious domains but lacks the ability to run files in isolated environments. Cisco Talos is a security intelligence research team responsible for analysis, threat discovery, and signature development, yet it does not provide direct sandbox execution tied to endpoint remediation.

AMP for Endpoints stands out because it fully leverages Threat Grid’s dynamic analysis to detect zero-day threats and previously unknown malware families. This integration allows organizations to proactively respond to evolving threats, enrich their threat intelligence posture, and automate protective actions. The combination of continuous endpoint monitoring and sandbox behavioral analytics delivers a multilayered, highly adaptive security strategy that outperforms traditional static detection methods.

Question 178:

Which Cisco technology prevents endpoints from connecting to command-and-control servers?

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

Cisco Umbrella is the technology specifically designed to prevent endpoints from connecting to command-and-control (C2) servers by blocking malicious DNS requests. C2 communication is a critical stage in many cyberattacks because malware often relies on remote servers for receiving instructions, downloading payloads, or exfiltrating stolen data. Interrupting this communication effectively neutralizes many threats even if the initial infection occurs. Umbrella solves this problem by acting as a secure DNS layer that intercepts outbound queries from endpoints and determines whether the requested domain is safe, suspicious, or malicious based on extensive threat intelligence.

When a device attempts to connect to a domain, Umbrella checks the request against its continually updated intelligence database, which includes malicious IPs, domains associated with botnets, phishing servers, ransomware controllers, and other harmful infrastructure. If the domain is classified as dangerous, Umbrella blocks the request before the connection is established, effectively preventing the malware from communicating with its operator. This approach is lightweight, fast, and globally scalable, protecting devices both on and off the corporate network.

AMP for Endpoints does provide behavior monitoring and remediation but lacks DNS-level control needed to preempt C2 traffic. Cisco Firepower can filter traffic at the firewall layer but cannot universally block DNS queries that resolve C2 domains, especially when endpoints are off-network. Cisco Talos generates the intelligence that powers Umbrella but does not directly enforce connections.

Umbrella is the correct answer because it operates at the DNS layer, which is one of the earliest points in any internet communication sequence. By blocking malicious domains before connections are established, Umbrella disrupts attacks early and prevents malware from retrieving payloads or sending stolen data. This granular, proactive approach significantly strengthens an organization’s defensive posture against botnets, malware callbacks, and sophisticated threats.

Question 179:

Which Cisco Firepower capability allows proactive blocking of malicious traffic using threat intelligence?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

Security Intelligence Feeds in Cisco Firepower deliver real-time, continuously updated threat intelligence that enables proactive blocking of malicious traffic. As cyber threats evolve rapidly, organizations require security controls that react in near-real time to newly discovered malicious IPs, domains, and URLs. Security Intelligence Feeds address this need by supplying Firepower with curated threat data sourced from Cisco Talos and global threat-monitoring networks. Firepower uses this intelligence to automatically block communications with known malicious entities even before a full inspection or signature-based analysis occurs.

This capability is especially critical for defending against fast-moving attacks, botnet infrastructures, ransomware distribution servers, phishing hosts, and emerging threat campaigns. Security Intelligence Feeds allow Firepower to implement preemptive blocking policies that minimize exposure windows, often stopping attacks before they can deliver payloads or establish C2 communication. Administrators can customize these feeds to include additional blacklists or whitelists, providing flexible control tailored to organizational needs.

Although Access Control Policies are essential for creating rule-based traffic handling, they do not dynamically incorporate live threat intelligence. Intrusion Policies rely on signature-driven or anomaly-based detection methods, which require inspection and often act only after a threat is present in the network. URL Filtering blocks categories of websites but lacks the real-time, intelligence-driven threat data required to stop active, known malicious infrastructure automatically.

Security Intelligence Feeds stand out because they deliver a constantly updated shield of preemptive protection. Firepower enforces this intelligence at the earliest stages of traffic evaluation, enabling rapid, automated blocking without complex inspection overhead. This significantly strengthens an organization’s security posture by preventing known malicious traffic from ever entering the network and reducing reliance on reactive detection.

Question 180:

Which Cisco ISE feature assigns network access dynamically based on endpoint compliance?

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

Posture Assessment in Cisco ISE provides a highly dynamic and intelligent mechanism for assigning network access based on a device’s security compliance state. As organizations face an increasing number of unsecured personal devices, remote endpoints, and unmanaged assets, controlling access strictly based on user identity is no longer sufficient. Threats frequently arise from misconfigured, outdated, or infected devices that inadvertently connect to corporate networks. Posture Assessment mitigates this risk by evaluating endpoint security attributes before access is granted.

When a device attempts to connect to the network, Cisco ISE performs an in-depth security check using a posture agent or AnyConnect module. It evaluates multiple factors, including antivirus presence, real-time protection status, OS patch level, firewall configuration, disk encryption status, and compliance with security policies. Based on the results, ISE determines whether the device meets organizational requirements. Compliant devices receive full or appropriate access, while non-compliant devices may be placed into restricted networks, remediation VLANs, or quarantine zones until required fixes are applied.

This approach ensures that organizations maintain strict security hygiene, minimize exposure to internal threats, and enforce consistent compliance across all devices. Guest Access provides temporary connectivity for visitors but does not assess compliance or change access dynamically. Device Administration focuses on AAA for administrative access to infrastructure devices rather than endpoint compliance enforcement. RBAC assigns permissions based on roles but does not adapt access based on the device’s health or risk level.

Posture Assessment is the correct answer because it directly connects the device’s security status to real-time access decisions. By combining compliance evaluation with automated policy-based enforcement, Cisco ISE ensures that only healthy, secure, and policy-adherent devices gain access to sensitive resources, significantly reducing overall attack surface and improving network resilience.