Cisco 300-720 Practice Test Questions, Exam Dumps

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300-720 Cisco Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question 1:

Which of the following SMTP extensions is supported by Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) to enhance email security?

A. ETRN
B. UTF8SMTP
C. PIPELINING
D. STARTTLS

Answer: D. STARTTLS

Explanation:

Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) supports various extensions to the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to enhance email security and efficiency. One of the key extensions it supports is STARTTLS, which is crucial for securing email transmission over the network.

STARTTLS is an SMTP extension that enables encryption by upgrading a plain-text connection to a secure, encrypted connection using TLS (Transport Layer Security). This ensures that email communication between mail servers is encrypted, protecting sensitive data in transit from potential eavesdropping or tampering.

ETRN (Extended Turn): This is used for mail relay in SMTP and is generally associated with older systems. Cisco ESA does not primarily rely on ETRN for email security.
UTF8SMTP: This extension is used to support UTF-8 encoded characters in email headers, but it is not directly related to email security.
PIPELINING: This is an optimization extension that allows multiple SMTP commands to be sent in one go without waiting for a response to each command. It improves performance but doesn't have a direct security role.

Therefore, STARTTLS is the correct answer because it directly contributes to enhancing the security of email communications.

Question 2:

Feature That Utilizes Talos Intelligence to Filter Email Servers

Which feature in Cisco ESA leverages sensor data obtained from Talos Intelligence to filter and assess the reputation of email servers attempting to connect?

A. SenderBase Reputation Filtering
B. Connection Reputation Filtering
C. Talos Reputation Filtering
D. SpamCop Reputation Filtering

Answer: B. Connection Reputation Filtering

Explanation:

Cisco ESA integrates several reputation-based filtering mechanisms to assess and block potential email threats. One of the key features in this regard is Connection Reputation Filtering, which leverages the information gathered by Talos, Cisco's threat intelligence network.

Talos Reputation Filtering is not a separate feature; rather, it’s integrated within various Cisco ESA filtering mechanisms like Connection Reputation Filtering. This feature checks the reputation of an incoming email's sending server based on a variety of factors, such as its IP address, domain reputation, and historical behavior, which are provided by the Talos intelligence network. If the sending server has a low reputation or is known for spamming or sending malicious emails, the ESA will block or flag the incoming email as suspicious.

SenderBase Reputation Filtering: While related, this is a different system and focuses specifically on the sender's domain reputation rather than the connection’s reputation.
SpamCop Reputation Filtering: SpamCop is a separate entity and is used for spam reporting, but it’s not the primary tool in the ESA’s threat detection for connection reputation filtering.

Thus, Connection Reputation Filtering is the correct feature for utilizing Talos intelligence to filter email servers.

Question 3:

LDAP Validation for End-User Login to Spam Quarantine

When configuring the Spam Quarantine feature on the Cisco ESA, which option validates end-users through LDAP when they attempt to log in to the End-User Quarantine interface?

A. Enabling the End-User Safelist/Blocklist feature
B. Spam Quarantine External Authentication Query
C. Spam Quarantine End-User Authentication Query
D. Spam Quarantine Alias Consolidation Query

Answer: C. Spam Quarantine End-User Authentication Query

Explanation:

When setting up Spam Quarantine on the Cisco ESA, the Spam Quarantine End-User Authentication Query is responsible for validating user credentials during login. This process is often facilitated through integration with an LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server, which stores user credentials and allows the ESA to authenticate users.

End-User Safelist/Blocklist feature: This feature enables users to create safelists and blocklists for their own email preferences, but it’s not directly related to user authentication during login.
Spam Quarantine External Authentication Query: This option refers to the external authentication query feature, which can be used to connect to an external authentication source. However, Spam Quarantine End-User Authentication Query is specifically used for LDAP integration during the login process.
Spam Quarantine Alias Consolidation Query: This option is related to alias management, which helps consolidate multiple aliases into a single user for easier management, but it doesn't play a role in authenticating users during login.

Therefore, Spam Quarantine End-User Authentication Query is the correct option for validating users via LDAP when accessing the End-User Quarantine interface. This ensures that only authenticated users can access their quarantined messages and manage them appropriately.

Question 4:

Benefit of Enabling External Spam Quarantine on Cisco SMA

What advantage does enabling external spam quarantine on Cisco Secure Mail Appliance (SMA) offer?

A. The ability to back up spam quarantine data from multiple Cisco ESA units to one central console.
B. Provides access to a spam quarantine interface, allowing users to release, duplicate, or delete quarantined emails.
C. Enables scanning of messages using two engines to improve detection rates.
D. Allows consolidation of spam quarantine data from multiple Cisco ESA units into one central console.

Answer: D. Allows consolidation of spam quarantine data from multiple Cisco ESA units into one central console.

Explanation:

Enabling external spam quarantine on Cisco SMA provides the capability to centralize the management of spam quarantines from multiple Cisco Email Security Appliances (ESAs). This feature allows an organization to manage quarantined messages from a central console, making it easier to handle quarantined emails across a large infrastructure that may have multiple Cisco ESA units deployed in various locations.

By consolidating all the spam quarantine data into one central system, Cisco SMA simplifies the management and review of quarantined emails, providing a streamlined workflow for administrators and end-users. Additionally, this centralization helps ensure that emails are consistently processed, reducing the administrative overhead of managing separate quarantines on each ESA.

Let’s break down the other options:

Option A: While it is true that external spam quarantine allows central management, it specifically focuses on consolidating quarantined data rather than just backup functionality.
Option B: This option describes typical features of spam quarantine interfaces but is not the core benefit of enabling external spam quarantine. The main benefit is consolidation, not just user interaction.
Option C: Scanning with two engines is a feature of some spam filtering solutions but is not the primary focus of the external spam quarantine feature.

Thus, D is the correct answer because it emphasizes the centralization of spam quarantine data for more efficient management.

Question 5:

Key Types to Select for Email Authentication on Cisco ESA

When configuring email authentication on Cisco ESA, which two key types should be selected for the signing profile? (Choose two.)

A. DKIM
B. Public Keys
C. Domain Keys
D. Symmetric Keys
E. Private Keys

Answer: A. DKIM and E. Private Keys

Explanation:

Email authentication is crucial for verifying the authenticity of emails and preventing email spoofing or phishing attacks. Cisco ESA provides options for configuring email signing using DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) and private keys as part of the signing profile. Let's examine each option:

DKIM (A): DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is an email authentication method that uses a pair of cryptographic keys (public and private) to sign outgoing emails. The signing process adds a DKIM signature to the email's header, which can then be verified by the receiving email server using the public key. This ensures the email hasn't been tampered with during transit and is from the domain it claims to be from. Therefore, DKIM should be selected for email authentication configuration.
Private Keys (E): For DKIM signing to work, a private key is used to digitally sign the email headers. The private key is kept secure on the sending server (Cisco ESA), and the corresponding public key is published in the domain's DNS records. When a recipient server receives an email, it uses the public key from the DNS records to verify the signature. Therefore, selecting Private Keys is necessary for the signing profile in email authentication.

Let’s review the other options:

Public Keys (B): While the public key is necessary for verifying the DKIM signature, it is not directly part of the signing profile on the sending mail server. The public key is generally stored in the DNS records of the domain and is retrieved by the receiving server during the verification process.
Domain Keys (C): DomainKeys is an older email authentication method that has largely been replaced by DKIM. Cisco ESA uses DKIM for signing emails, not DomainKeys.
Symmetric Keys (D): Symmetric key encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, but this is not typically used in DKIM email signing. DKIM relies on asymmetric cryptography, where a private key signs the email, and a public key is used for verification.

Thus, the correct answers are A. DKIM and E. Private Keys, as they are necessary for email authentication configuration on Cisco ESA to securely sign emails using DKIM.

These questions highlight important features of Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) and Cisco Secure Mail Appliance (SMA), both of which are integral to securing email communication within an organization.

External Spam Quarantine on Cisco SMA consolidates quarantine data, making it easier to manage spam and unwanted emails from multiple Cisco ESA devices. By centralizing the quarantined data, it reduces administrative overhead and allows for better coordination across multiple email security systems.
Email Authentication Configuration on Cisco ESA involves setting up DKIM and using private keys for signing emails. This ensures that outgoing emails are authenticated, preventing unauthorized senders from spoofing an organization's email address and improving overall email security.

Both features are crucial for ensuring that an organization can manage its email security efficiently and reliably while maintaining high levels of protection against spam and spoofing threats.

Question 6:

Phases of the Cisco ESA Email Pipeline

Which two phases are part of the Cisco ESA email pipeline? (Choose two.)

A. Reject
B. Workqueue
C. Action
D. Delivery
E. Quarantine

Answer: B. Workqueue, D. Delivery

Explanation:

The Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) processes incoming emails in several phases, each playing a critical role in how the email is handled and secured. Let’s break down the relevant phases:

Workqueue (B): After the email is received by the Cisco ESA, it first enters the workqueue phase. During this phase, the message is queued for further processing and scanning for potential threats like spam, viruses, and other email-based security risks. The workqueue allows the system to process emails in an orderly manner, applying filters and security checks as defined by the organization's policies.
Delivery (D): After the email passes through various checks (spam filtering, virus scanning, etc.), it enters the delivery phase. In this phase, the email is delivered to the recipient’s mail server or inbox, assuming no critical security issues were found. Delivery represents the final step in the email pipeline, where the email reaches its destination.

The other phases:

Reject (A): Reject is an action that can occur at various stages in the pipeline (especially during the filtering phase), but it is not a separate pipeline phase itself. Reject typically happens if the email fails certain checks.
Action (C): While action refers to what happens to the email during processing (such as quarantining or allowing it), it is not a dedicated phase in the pipeline but a result of decisions made during filtering.
Quarantine (E): Quarantine is a possible action that can happen during the email processing phase but not a distinct phase of the pipeline. If an email is suspected of being spam or malicious, it may be sent to quarantine for further review.

Question 7:

Types of Actions Performed by Cisco ESA Message Filters

Which two types of actions are performed by Cisco ESA message filters? (Choose two.)

A. Non-final actions
B. Filter actions
C. Discard actions
D. Final actions
E. Quarantine actions

Answer: A. Non-final actions, D. Final actions

Explanation: Message filters in Cisco ESA are essential for determining the fate of incoming emails. They help filter out unwanted messages and ensure that legitimate emails pass through the system. Cisco ESA uses various actions, both non-final and final, to classify or handle the email appropriately.

Non-final actions (A): Non-final actions are those that take place during the filtering phase but do not necessarily determine the final result of the email. These actions might involve temporary handling of the message or marking it for further inspection, but they don’t end the email’s journey in the pipeline. Examples include marking an email as spam or applying a filter to redirect it for further analysis.
Final actions (D): Final actions are those that result in the end of the email’s processing. These actions are definitive and determine the final outcome for the email. Examples include delivering the email to the recipient or discarding it if it’s deemed malicious or spam. Final actions essentially conclude the processing flow for the email.

The other actions:

Filter actions (B): Filter actions are broad and not specifically a type of action. They refer to the rules that are applied to emails during filtering but are not a distinct category of action on their own.
Discard actions (C): Discarding is a type of action, but it is a final action, not a separate category on its own. It is usually part of the final actions when emails are determined to be unwanted or malicious.
Quarantine actions (E): Quarantining is a specific action that can happen at different points in the process but is part of the overall final actions (when an email is put in quarantine due to suspicious content).

Question 8:

Setting Affecting the Aggressiveness of Spam Detection

Which setting influences the aggressiveness of spam detection on Cisco ESA?

A. Protection level
B. Spam threshold
C. Spam timeout
D. Maximum depth of recursion scan

Answer: B. Spam threshold

Explanation:

The aggressiveness of spam detection in Cisco ESA can be influenced by several settings that control how spam is identified and handled.

Spam threshold (B): The spam threshold setting determines the level at which an email is considered spam. A lower threshold means the system will classify emails as spam more easily, thus increasing the aggressiveness of the spam detection. If the threshold is set too high, legitimate emails may be missed, while a lower threshold can increase false positives by flagging legitimate emails as spam.

The other options:

Protection level (A): While the protection level setting can affect the overall security posture of the Cisco ESA, it doesn’t directly control the aggressiveness of spam detection. It’s more about the overall security policies for handling email threats.
Spam timeout (C): Spam timeout generally refers to the time allowed for scanning or checking the spam status of an email. While it might influence how long the system spends analyzing an email, it does not affect the sensitivity or aggressiveness of spam detection.
Maximum depth of recursion scan (D): This setting relates to how deeply the system scans emails for embedded content or recursive layers (such as attachments or redirections). While it can impact the thoroughness of scanning, it doesn’t directly control the aggressiveness of spam detection itself.

Thus, the correct answer is B. Spam threshold, as it directly determines how sensitive the spam detection system is.

Question 9:

Order of Virus Scanning with Multilayer Antivirus Scanning Configured

What is the sequence of antivirus scanning when multilayer antivirus scanning is set up on Cisco ESA?

A. The default engine performs the initial scan for viruses, followed by the McAfee engine scanning for viruses.
B. The Sophos engine scans for viruses first, followed by the McAfee engine scanning for viruses.
C. The McAfee engine scans for viruses first, followed by the default engine scanning for viruses.
D. The McAfee engine scans for viruses first, followed by the Sophos engine scanning for viruses.

Answer: C. The McAfee engine scans for viruses first, followed by the default engine scanning for viruses.

Explanation:
In Cisco ESA (Email Security Appliance), when multilayer antivirus scanning is configured, multiple antivirus engines are employed to scan emails for malware or viruses. This multilayer approach is designed to ensure comprehensive virus detection by leveraging different antivirus engines' capabilities and signature databases.

McAfee Engine: By default, Cisco ESA uses the McAfee engine as the primary engine for virus scanning. McAfee is a well-known security software provider, and its engine is typically set to scan emails first to catch any potential threats based on its latest virus signatures and heuristic analysis.
Default Engine: After McAfee has completed its scan, Cisco’s default engine (or any secondary antivirus engine configured) performs a subsequent scan to identify any threats that McAfee might have missed. This additional layer of scanning further enhances security and increases the chances of identifying viruses or malware that could evade the first engine.

In a multilayer scanning configuration, the sequence of antivirus engines is designed to optimize virus detection and minimize false negatives. Cisco ESA allows the integration of additional third-party antivirus engines, such as Sophos and others, which could be set in different configurations, but the McAfee engine is typically given priority for the initial scan.

Thus, the order of virus scanning, in this case, is: McAfee engine scans first, followed by the default engine.

Question 10:

Antispam Feature Giving End Users Control Over Spam Verdicts
Which antispam feature on Cisco ESA allows end users to override the spam verdict and deliver emails marked as spam directly to their inbox?

A. End user allow list
B. End user spam quarantine access
C. End user passthrough list
D. End user safelist

Answer: D. End user safelist

Explanation:
Cisco ESA (Email Security Appliance) offers several features to help manage and control spam filtering and quarantine actions. These features are designed to give end users more control over how their emails are handled and to ensure that legitimate emails are not mistakenly classified as spam.

The End User Safelist feature is a key element that allows end users to take direct control over the treatment of their incoming emails. Here’s a breakdown of this and the other features:

End user safelist (D): The safelist is a list maintained by the end user, which can include email addresses or domains that the user trusts. When an email from a trusted source is flagged as spam, the user can manually add that email or domain to their safelist. Once an email is added to the safelist, it will bypass the spam filters, even if it’s marked as spam, and will be delivered directly to the inbox. This feature allows users to prevent false positives from interfering with their email communication by overriding the spam verdict.
End user allow list (A): While the term "allow list" may seem similar, it typically refers to a list of approved senders that are exempt from being marked as spam. However, safelist is the more commonly used term in Cisco ESA. The concept of an "allow list" is essentially the same as the safelist—emails from these addresses will be delivered regardless of the spam verdict.
End user spam quarantine access (B): This feature provides users with the ability to access a quarantine where emails marked as spam are stored. However, it does not directly override the spam verdict. Instead, it allows users to view, release, or delete quarantined messages. This provides users with a way to handle quarantined emails but does not allow them to bypass the spam detection rules directly.
End user passthrough list (C): The passthrough list refers to a list of trusted email sources. When emails are detected from these sources, they are allowed to pass through without any filtering. This is more about preventing spam filtering altogether for trusted sources, not about overriding specific spam verdicts for emails already considered spam.

In summary, the End user safelist (D) provides the functionality that allows users to take action and ensure that emails marked as spam are delivered to their inbox by overriding the spam verdict. It empowers users to manage their own spam filtering experience more effectively.