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Question 81:
How does Cisco ISE determine the correct authorization result when both user authentication and machine authentication are present in an 802.1X deployment?
A) It ignores machine authentication and evaluates only user identity
B) It can require both authentications to succeed before granting full access depending on rule logic
C) It selects whichever authentication occurs last
D) It grants full access even if one of the authentications fails
Answer: B
Explanation:
In a properly designed 802.1X deployment, Cisco ISE can differentiate between machine authentication (performed by the computer during boot using its machine certificate or domain credentials) and user authentication (performed after login using user certificates or domain credentials). Cisco ISE can make authorization decisions based on either authentication type alone or require both to be present. This capability enables organizations to enforce secure access policies that ensure not only that the user is valid, but also that the device itself is trusted and managed by the enterprise.
Option B is correct because Cisco ISE authorization rules can be configured so that full access is granted only when both machine authentication and user authentication have occurred successfully. ISE stores the machine authentication result in a process called “Machine Access Restrictions” (MAR). When the machine authenticates successfully, ISE adds the device to its internal MAR cache. When the user authenticates, ISE checks whether the endpoint previously completed successful machine authentication within a designated time window. If so, ISE can grant corporate-level access. If not, ISE may assign limited access, such as internet-only or a quarantine VLAN.
Option A is incorrect because ISE does not ignore machine authentication; machine-based identity is often critical for security posture.
Option C is incorrect because ISE does not choose based on sequence; authorization logic evaluates conditions, not timing.
Option D is incorrect because failing one of the authentications—such as a personal device where the user is valid but the machine is not—prevents full access in properly secured deployments.
This dual-evaluation mechanism enhances security by ensuring that only trusted users on trusted devices gain high-level access rights, making B the correct answer.
Question 82:
What occurs when Cisco ISE assigns a URL-redirect authorization profile during a non-802.1X guest web authentication process?
A) The client is disconnected and must reconnect manually
B) The NAD intercepts HTTP/HTTPS traffic and redirects the endpoint to a Cisco ISE guest portal
C) The endpoint is pushed into a posture workflow instead of guest registration
D) Cisco ISE forces the endpoint into MAB authentication mode
Answer: B
Explanation:
During guest onboarding with non-802.1X authentication, Cisco ISE commonly uses a URL-redirect authorization profile. This profile instructs the network access device—such as a wireless LAN controller or switch—to apply a redirect ACL and direct specific web traffic to ISE. The user’s device connects as an unauthenticated endpoint, receiving basic network access such as DHCP and DNS resolution. When the user opens a browser, the NAD intercepts the initial web request and redirects it to the guest portal hosted by Cisco ISE.
Option B is correct because the NAD uses both the redirect ACL and the URL-redirect attribute to capture HTTP/HTTPS traffic, then redirects the client to the appropriate ISE portal. This process is critical for guest authentication workflows such as self-registration, sponsor-based access, or onboarding flows that generate temporary credentials. Once the user completes portal authentication, ISE sends a Change of Authorization (CoA) to update the client’s authorization status, removing the redirect and granting appropriate guest or limited access.
Option A is incorrect because clients are not disconnected; the redirect is transparent.
Option C is incorrect because posture workflows apply primarily to corporate managed devices using AnyConnect, not guest users.
Option D is incorrect because URL-redirect does not affect the authentication method; it is simply a redirect mechanism.
The URL-redirect authorization profile forms the foundation of all web-based guest services in Cisco ISE, making B the correct answer.
Question 83:
What is the primary reason organizations use multi-SSID BYOD onboarding rather than a single unified SSID in Cisco ISE deployments?
A) To enforce TACACS+ policies more efficiently
B) To separate pre-onboarding traffic from post-onboarding EAP-TLS traffic
C) To reduce DHCP scope sizes
D) To disable HTTPS redirection on certain devices
Answer: B
Explanation:
Multi-SSID BYOD onboarding allows organizations to distinguish between onboarding traffic and production traffic. A dedicated onboarding SSID typically supports open authentication with web-redirection to the BYOD portal, enabling devices to enroll for certificates or install profiles. Once onboarding is completed, the device reconnects to the secure corporate SSID using EAP-TLS.
Option B is correct because separating onboarding from secure access simplifies network policy and enhances security. The onboarding SSID handles unsecured initial access, redirection, device registration, and certificate installation. After onboarding, the user transitions to the secure SSID where EAP-TLS with device certificates ensures strong authentication.
Option A is incorrect because TACACS+ applies to device administration, not wireless onboarding.
Option C is incorrect since DHCP scope size has nothing to do with onboarding design choices.
Option D is incorrect because HTTPS redirection is required on the onboarding SSID and has no relationship to disabling redirection on devices.
Thus, B is correct.
Question 84:
How does Cisco ISE enforce differentiated access when an endpoint’s posture status transitions from compliant to non-compliant during an active session?
A) The endpoint keeps its current authorization indefinitely
B) Cisco ISE triggers a CoA to apply a more restrictive authorization profile
C) Cisco ISE disables the switch port
D) The posture agent automatically changes VLANs without ISE involvement
Answer: B
Explanation:
Posture compliance is dynamic. Cisco ISE continuously monitors endpoint posture using periodic posture checks or AnyConnect agent updates. If a device becomes non-compliant—for example, antivirus is disabled, operating system patches age past compliance thresholds, or prohibited software is detected—ISE must revoke previously granted access.
Option B is correct because Cisco ISE uses Change of Authorization (CoA) to enforce new access restrictions immediately. When posture status changes, ISE updates the endpoint’s authorization policy and instructs the NAD to apply a quarantine VLAN or restricted ACL through CoA. This ensures that potentially-unsafe endpoints cannot retain privileged access.
Option A is incorrect because compliant status is not permanent.
Option C is incorrect because ISE does not disable ports in standard posture workflows, as that would disrupt remediation.
Option D is incorrect because posture agents do not manipulate network segments independently; all enforcement comes from Cisco ISE through RADIUS or CoA.
Thus, B is correct.
Question 85:
What role does Identity Source Sequences play in Cisco ISE authentication policy?
A) They determine the order in which ISE checks multiple identity stores for authentication**
B) They assign VLANs dynamically
C) They enforce ACLs
D) They generate guest passwords
Answer: A
Explanation:
Identity Source Sequences give Cisco ISE the ability to authenticate users against multiple identity stores in a defined order. These may include Active Directory, LDAP directories, Internal Users, Certificate Authentication Profiles, or external SAML providers.
Option A is correct because the sequence establishes which identity store ISE queries first, and in what order fallback occurs. This is important in environments with mixed identity sources. For example, employees may authenticate against AD, contractors against LDAP, and service accounts against ISE Internal Users. By using Identity Source Sequences, ISE evaluates identity sources efficiently while maintaining security.
Option B is incorrect because VLAN assignment is part of authorization.
Option C is incorrect because ACL enforcement is authorization, not authentication.
Option D is incorrect because guest passwords are generated in guest portals, unrelated to identity source sequences.
Thus, A is correct.
Question 86:
What happens when a device authenticates using EAP-FAST but its PAC has expired or is missing?
A) The device is denied access immediately
B) The device must provision a new PAC through the EAP-FAST provisioning process
C) The switch grants MAB access automatically
D) Cisco ISE removes the device from the profiling database
Answer: B
Explanation:
EAP-FAST uses a Protected Access Credential (PAC) to establish a secure tunnel between the supplicant and Cisco ISE. PACs can expire for security reasons or be absent on new devices.
Option B is correct because when a PAC is missing or expired, ISE initiates PAC provisioning, generating a new PAC for the endpoint. This ensures secure tunnel establishment.
Option A is incorrect because devices are not rejected immediately—they can re-provision.
Option C is incorrect because fallback to MAB does not occur for supplicants that can perform EAP.
Option D is irrelevant to PAC usage.
Thus, B is correct.
Question 87:
What occurs when a device authenticates successfully but fails authorization due to a mismatched condition such as incorrect endpoint group?
A) Authentication overrides authorization and full access is granted
B) Cisco ISE selects the default deny authorization rule
C) The switch retries authentication
D) The endpoint receives a random ACL
Answer: B
Explanation:
Authentication and authorization are separate steps. A device may authenticate correctly but still not meet authorization conditions such as identity group, time-of-day, location, posture status, or certificate attributes.
Option B is correct because Cisco ISE’s default authorization rule is usually a deny or limited profile, applied when no other rule matches. This prevents unintended access.
Option A is incorrect because authentication does not automatically grant authorization.
Option C is incorrect because reauthentication is not triggered by authorization mismatch unless configured.
Option D is incorrect because ACL assignment is deterministic.
Thus, B is correct.
Question 88:
How does Cisco ISE determine access for endpoints using CWA when the redirect ACL permits only DNS, DHCP, and traffic to ISE?
A) The endpoint cannot reach the internet until authentication is complete
B) The endpoint can freely access internal resources
C) The endpoint bypasses the guest portal
D) The endpoint receives full access through DHCP options
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) provides a solution called Centralized Web Authentication (CWA) to manage guest and BYOD access to the network. CWA is used when endpoints connect to a network that requires authentication via a web portal. In this scenario, ISE interacts with the network device, such as a switch or wireless controller, to redirect unauthorized users to a captive portal for login or registration. One of the key mechanisms used to control this process is the redirect ACL, which defines the limited set of traffic allowed for endpoints before authentication is complete. Typically, this ACL permits only essential services like DNS for resolving hostnames, DHCP for obtaining an IP address, and traffic to the ISE server itself.
Option A states that the endpoint cannot reach the internet until authentication is complete. This is correct. The redirect ACL ensures that all other traffic is blocked, effectively preventing the endpoint from accessing general internet resources. The device can communicate only with services required to complete the authentication process, such as contacting the ISE portal for login or retrieving DNS information. Once the endpoint successfully authenticates through CWA, ISE signals the network device to apply the appropriate authorization policy, granting the endpoint access to network resources based on its role or user type. This mechanism prevents unauthorized devices from bypassing authentication and gaining unrestricted access to the network or the internet.
Option B suggests that the endpoint can freely access internal resources. This is incorrect because the purpose of CWA and the redirect ACL is to restrict access until authentication is verified. Without completing the authentication, endpoints are limited to essential traffic only, ensuring that internal resources remain secure from unverified devices.
Option C claims that the endpoint bypasses the guest portal. This is also incorrect. The guest portal is central to CWA, as it provides the interface for users or devices to authenticate or register. The redirect ACL works in conjunction with the portal to enforce limited access, so bypassing the portal would defeat the authentication process.
Option D proposes that the endpoint receives full access through DHCP options. This is inaccurate because DHCP merely provides an IP configuration and cannot grant network access privileges. Full access is only granted after ISE completes the authentication and applies the corresponding authorization policy.
Question 89:
What is the effect of configuring Cisco ISE with a certificate that lacks the Server Authentication EKU when used for EAP-TLS?
A) Authentication works normally
B) Clients fail to validate the ISE certificate and fail authentication
C) The certificate triggers TACACS fallback
D) Profiling stops entirely
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) uses certificates to secure communications and authenticate endpoints, especially when implementing certificate-based authentication protocols such as EAP-TLS. EAP-TLS is a widely used method for 802.1X authentication that relies on mutual verification: the client validates the server certificate, and the server validates the client certificate. For this mechanism to work correctly, the server certificate on ISE must include the proper Extended Key Usage (EKU) attributes. One critical EKU is Server Authentication, which explicitly indicates that the certificate is intended for authenticating the server to clients. This ensures that clients can trust that they are communicating with a legitimate ISE server and not a rogue device on the network.
Option A suggests that authentication works normally. This is incorrect. If the server certificate lacks the Server Authentication EKU, the client cannot validate the ISE server’s identity during the TLS handshake. In EAP-TLS, the validation of the server certificate is a mandatory step, and without the proper EKU, the certificate is considered invalid by the client. As a result, the authentication process cannot proceed, and the endpoint is denied network access. Authentication does not succeed normally because trust cannot be established without the correct EKU.
Option B states that clients fail to validate the ISE certificate and fail authentication. This is correct. The absence of the Server Authentication EKU in the ISE certificate leads to a failed TLS handshake, causing EAP-TLS authentication to fail. Even if the client’s own certificate is valid, mutual authentication cannot complete because the client does not trust the server certificate. This failure prevents unauthorized access to the network and ensures that endpoints only connect to trusted authentication servers. It highlights the importance of ensuring that ISE certificates are properly configured with the correct EKUs for the intended use case.
Option C proposes that the certificate triggers TACACS fallback. This is incorrect because TACACS+ is a protocol used for administrative authentication to network devices, not for endpoint EAP-TLS authentication. A missing EKU does not automatically redirect authentication to TACACS+, so this option does not apply in this context.
Option D claims that profiling stops entirely. This is inaccurate. Profiling in ISE, which identifies device types and characteristics, continues independently of EAP-TLS authentication. While failed authentication prevents network access, it does not stop the system from collecting profiling data.
Question 90:
Which Cisco ISE function enables it to limit simultaneous logins per user across network devices?
A) Session Directory and RADIUS accounting
B) DHCP lease monitoring
C) pxGrid
D) TrustSec
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a powerful network security and policy management platform that provides centralized control over authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) services. One important feature of ISE is its ability to manage user sessions and enforce policies related to network access, including the limitation of simultaneous logins per user. Limiting simultaneous logins is critical in environments where security and compliance require that a single user account cannot be used concurrently across multiple devices or network access points. This prevents account sharing, reduces security risks, and helps organizations maintain accurate auditing and accountability for network usage.
Option A states that Session Directory and RADIUS accounting enable this function. This is correct. Session Directory is a component of Cisco ISE that maintains real-time session information for users across all network devices. It keeps track of active sessions, including the user identity, device, session start time, and associated network device. By integrating this information with RADIUS accounting, which records authentication and authorization events, ISE can monitor how many concurrent sessions a user has. If a user attempts to log in beyond the allowed number of simultaneous sessions, ISE can enforce a policy that denies the additional login, thereby limiting access according to predefined rules. This mechanism ensures that security policies related to user account usage are consistently applied across the network.
Option B suggests DHCP lease monitoring as the method. This is incorrect. While DHCP lease monitoring tracks IP address assignments, it does not provide the ability to enforce user-based login limits. DHCP leases only indicate which IP addresses are in use, but they do not tie those IP addresses to authenticated user sessions in a way that allows simultaneous login control.
Option C proposes pxGrid. pxGrid is a Cisco framework for sharing contextual information between network and security devices, such as firewalls, endpoint security platforms, and ISE. While pxGrid facilitates integration and threat intelligence sharing, it is not responsible for monitoring or limiting simultaneous user logins.
Option D states TrustSec. TrustSec is a Cisco technology used for enforcing policy-based access control using Security Group Tags (SGTs). Although TrustSec provides fine-grained network segmentation and access control, it does not inherently track or limit the number of concurrent logins per user.
Question 91:
What occurs when a corporate-managed device attempts to authenticate using EAP-TLS but presents a certificate issued by an untrusted certificate authority?
A) Cisco ISE accepts the certificate and authenticates the device
B) Cisco ISE rejects the authentication because the certificate chain cannot be validated
C) The switch temporarily bypasses authentication and grants partial access
D) Cisco ISE redirects the device to the BYOD onboarding portal automatically
Answer: B
Explanation:
In EAP-TLS authentication, Cisco ISE must validate the entire certificate chain presented by the endpoint. This includes checking whether the issuing Certificate Authority (CA) is trusted by the ISE server, confirming that intermediate CAs are valid, and ensuring the certificate has not expired or been revoked. If the certificate originates from an unknown or untrusted CA, the authentication cannot proceed securely because the device identity cannot be verified. The entire principle of EAP-TLS relies on mutual trust through PKI.
Option B is correct because Cisco ISE will reject the authentication attempt when it cannot validate the certificate chain. This prevents unauthorized or unmanaged devices—such as personal endpoints with self-signed certificates—from gaining corporate access. EAP-TLS requires strict validation to prevent impersonation attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unauthorized device enrollment.
Option A is incorrect because accepting an untrusted certificate would violate EAP-TLS security principles and expose the network to spoofed devices.
Option C is incorrect because switches do not bypass authentication during EAP-TLS failures. They rely entirely on ISE’s Access-Accept or Access-Reject.
Option D is incorrect because Cisco ISE does not automatically redirect unknown devices to BYOD onboarding after EAP-TLS failure. Onboarding is triggered by specific SSID or authorization profiles, not by certificate failures.
By enforcing trusted certificate requirements, Cisco ISE ensures that only properly managed, enterprise-issued certificates can authenticate through EAP-TLS, making B the correct answer.
Question 92:
How does Cisco ISE determine authorization for an endpoint when both SGT-based TrustSec policies and downloadable ACLs (dACLs) are configured for the same authorization rule?
A) Only the SGT is applied while the dACL is ignored
B) Both the SGT and dACL can be applied simultaneously, depending on device capabilities
C) Only the dACL is applied while the SGT is ignored
D) The switch reboots to resolve the conflict
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cisco ISE supports multiple enforcement mechanisms within a single authorization rule. This flexibility allows enterprises to apply policy in different ways depending on the device type, network segment, and TrustSec capabilities. Some NADs support inline SGT tagging, some support dACLs, and some support both.
Option B is correct because Cisco ISE can deliver both an SGT and a downloadable ACL to the network device. If the NAD supports TrustSec inline tagging, then the assigned SGT is tagged onto traffic originating from the endpoint. If the device also supports dACLs, ISE sends the downloadable ACL through the RADIUS Access-Accept message. The NAD will enforce both simultaneously when supported. TrustSec SGTs enable policy enforcement across the broader TrustSec fabric, while dACLs provide local, port-based filtering.
Option A is incorrect because ISE does not ignore dACLs automatically; enforcement depends on device capabilities.
Option C is incorrect because ISE does not favor dACLs over SGTs.
Option D is incorrect because no reboot occurs; enforcement is dynamic and immediate.
This combined enforcement approach enables extremely granular and scalable security, ensuring B is correct.
Question 93:
What happens in Cisco ISE when posture assessment determines that a device is compliant but the authorization rule checks for multiple conditions including identity group and time-of-day restrictions?
A) Posture compliance overrides all other conditions
B) All conditions must still be met for ISE to grant the corresponding authorization
C) ISE skips the authorization rule and selects the default rule
D) ISE reassigns the endpoint to the quarantine VLAN
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cisco ISE authorization rules operate on a logical model that evaluates all conditions configured in the rule. Posture status is only one of many possible attributes that can contribute to authorization decisions. Even if a device meets posture compliance, that does not guarantee it qualifies for full access. ISE must evaluate the rule holistically.
Option B is correct because authorization rules may include conditions such as identity group membership, device profiling category, certificate attributes, authentication method, and time-of-day conditions. All conditions must evaluate to true for the rule to apply. If the posture condition is met but identity group or time-of-day restrictions fail, the rule does not trigger. Instead, ISE continues evaluating lower-priority authorization rules or ultimately assigns the default rule.
Option A is incorrect because posture compliance cannot override other conditions.
Option C is incorrect because ISE evaluates rules in priority order and selects the first matching rule, not automatically the default.
Option D is incorrect because quarantine only applies when posture fails, not when other attributes conflict.
This ensures that security remains consistent and contextual, making B the correct answer.
Question 94:
How does Cisco ISE handle simultaneous machine and user authentication when the endpoint uses EAP-Chaining with AnyConnect Native Supplicant Profile (NSP)?
A) ISE processes only the user identity
B) ISE evaluates both identities within the same EAP session to make a unified authorization decision
C) Machine authentication is ignored
D) The switch denies both authentications
Answer: B
Explanation:
EAP-Chaining allows Cisco ISE to authenticate both the machine and user identities in a single, cohesive EAP session. This is supported through EAP-FAST or TEAP with Cisco AnyConnect NSP. Chaining provides stronger security because it verifies that not only the user is legitimate but the device is also trusted.
Option B is correct because Cisco ISE evaluates both machine and user certificates within the same tunnel. The result is a combined authentication outcome, enabling ISE to apply access policies based on both identities. For example, a domain-joined laptop with a legitimate user can receive full access, while a personal device—even with a valid user login—may not.
Option A is incorrect because chaining explicitly includes machine identity.
Option C is incorrect for the same reason; machine identity is crucial.
Option D is incorrect because EAP-Chaining does not force denial unless credentials are invalid.
Thus, B correctly describes EAP-Chaining behavior.
Question 95:
What occurs when a switch configured for multi-auth mode receives simultaneous authentication attempts from an IP phone using MAB and a connected laptop using 802.1X?
A) Only the first authenticated device is allowed
B) The switch allows both authentications, assigning the phone to the voice VLAN and the laptop to the data VLAN
C) The phone blocks authentication until the laptop completes EAP
D) The switch denies both sessions
Answer: B
Explanation:
Multi-auth mode supports multiple endpoints behind the same switch port. This is essential for environments where IP phones provide pass-through Ethernet for laptops.
Option B is correct because the phone authenticates using MAB and is placed into the voice VLAN. Then the laptop authenticates via 802.1X and is placed into the data VLAN.
Option A is incorrect because multi-auth supports multiple sessions.
Option C is incorrect because endpoints do not block each other.
Option D is incorrect because both authentications are valid.
Thus, B is correct.
Question 96:
How does Cisco ISE enforce access restrictions when a device repeatedly violates posture policy even after remediation attempts?
A) ISE automatically deletes the endpoint identity
B) ISE maintains the endpoint in a permanent restricted authorization state until compliance is met
C) ISE disables the switch port
D) ISE grants full access after multiple failures to avoid loops
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) provides comprehensive network access control by evaluating the posture of devices attempting to connect to the network. Posture assessment involves checking endpoints against predefined security policies, which may include verifying antivirus status, operating system updates, disk encryption, firewall settings, and other compliance requirements. If a device is found to be non-compliant, ISE can enforce remediation actions, such as prompting the user to update antivirus definitions or install missing patches, before granting full network access. However, there are scenarios where a device repeatedly violates posture policies despite multiple remediation attempts. In such cases, ISE must enforce strict access restrictions to maintain network security.
Option A suggests that ISE automatically deletes the endpoint identity. This is incorrect because deleting the endpoint identity is not a standard response to non-compliance. ISE retains endpoint information for auditing, reporting, and future access attempts. Removing the identity would make it difficult to track non-compliant devices and apply corrective measures consistently.
Option B states that ISE maintains the endpoint in a permanent restricted authorization state until compliance is met. This is correct. When a device continues to violate posture policies, ISE enforces a restricted authorization profile, often referred to as a remediation or quarantine state. In this state, the device is prevented from accessing sensitive or unrestricted network resources. Instead, it may only have access to remediation servers or limited network segments that allow the user to bring the device into compliance. This approach ensures that the network remains secure and that only devices meeting the organization’s security requirements can access full resources. The restricted state is maintained persistently until the device satisfies all posture checks, preventing repeated violations from compromising the network.
Option C proposes that ISE disables the switch port. This is inaccurate because switch port shutdown is an extreme action that is not typically used for posture enforcement. ISE focuses on controlling access through dynamic policies and restricted authorization profiles rather than physically disabling network connectivity, which could affect other devices or users on the same switch.
Option D suggests that ISE grants full access after multiple failures to avoid loops. This is incorrect because granting full access to non-compliant devices would violate security policies and create significant risk. ISE’s goal is to enforce compliance consistently, not to bypass security checks due to repeated failures.
Question 97:
Which ISE mechanism ensures that device certificate attributes from EAP-TLS authentication can be used as authorization rule conditions?
A) SAML federation
B) Certificate Authentication Profile
C) TACACS attribute mapping
D) DHCP option parsing
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) provides advanced network access control by integrating authentication, authorization, and accounting. One of the key authentication methods supported by ISE is EAP-TLS, which relies on digital certificates to verify the identity of endpoints. Certificates contain important attributes, such as the device’s distinguished name, organizational unit, or certificate policy identifiers, which can be leveraged to create granular and context-aware authorization rules. For example, network administrators may allow certain devices full access while restricting others based on the attributes present in their certificates. To use these certificate attributes in policy decisions, ISE needs a mechanism to extract and interpret this information during the authentication process.
Option A suggests SAML federation. SAML, or Security Assertion Markup Language, is primarily used for single sign-on and identity federation between web applications and identity providers. While SAML can provide user identity information for web-based authentication scenarios, it is not used to extract certificate attributes from EAP-TLS sessions. Therefore, SAML federation cannot directly influence authorization policies based on device certificate attributes in ISE.
Option B states Certificate Authentication Profile. This is correct. A Certificate Authentication Profile in Cisco ISE defines how the system validates and processes certificates presented during authentication, including EAP-TLS. It specifies the trusted certificate authorities, validation rules, and what attributes should be extracted from the certificate. These extracted attributes can then be used in authorization policy conditions. For instance, the certificate’s Organizational Unit (OU) or Common Name (CN) can be mapped to specific authorization profiles, determining whether a device receives full access, restricted access, or is quarantined. This mechanism allows network administrators to implement fine-grained access control based on certificate details, ensuring that only trusted and appropriately categorized devices are granted access according to policy.
Option C proposes TACACS attribute mapping. TACACS+ is primarily used for administrative authentication and accounting for network devices, and attribute mapping in TACACS relates to administrative privileges rather than endpoint certificate-based authorization. It does not provide a way to extract or use EAP-TLS certificate attributes for endpoint access policies.
Option D suggests DHCP option parsing. DHCP options are used for providing configuration details, such as IP addresses, default gateways, and DNS servers, but they are unrelated to certificate attributes or authorization rule creation in ISE.
Question 98:
What happens when a guest endpoint attempts to connect after its allotted session time has expired?
A) The endpoint remains authorized indefinitely
B) Cisco ISE forces reauthentication and denies access due to expired credentials
C) The switch grants fallback VLAN access
D) Cisco ISE automatically converts the guest account to permanent
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) provides robust management for guest access, enabling organizations to securely control how temporary users and devices connect to the network. Guest accounts in ISE are typically configured with an expiration period as part of the guest account policy. This session time defines the duration for which a guest endpoint is allowed access. Once this period elapses, ISE must enforce network security by ensuring that expired accounts do not continue to have access, thereby preventing unauthorized use of network resources.
Option A suggests that the endpoint remains authorized indefinitely. This is incorrect. Allowing a guest endpoint to maintain network access beyond its allotted session time would bypass the intended security controls. Guest access is explicitly temporary, and ISE is designed to terminate or restrict sessions when the expiration time is reached to prevent unauthorized access.
Option B states that Cisco ISE forces reauthentication and denies access due to expired credentials. This is correct. When a guest endpoint attempts to connect after its session has expired, ISE evaluates the session status and identifies that the account is no longer valid. The system then triggers a reauthentication process, but because the credentials have expired, the authentication fails. Consequently, the endpoint is denied access, ensuring that temporary accounts cannot be used beyond their authorized timeframe. This behavior aligns with best practices for network security and helps protect sensitive resources from unintended or unauthorized usage.
Option C proposes that the switch grants fallback VLAN access. This is inaccurate in the context of guest session expiration. While fallback VLANs are used in certain configurations for endpoints that fail authentication or cannot complete 802.1X, guest session expiration is a policy-driven event managed by ISE. The endpoint does not automatically receive fallback access; access is denied unless a new valid guest account is provisioned.
Option D suggests that ISE automatically converts the guest account to permanent. This is also incorrect. Guest accounts are inherently temporary, and ISE does not change the nature of the account to permanent upon expiration. Converting a temporary account to permanent would violate policy and compromise the security model designed for guest users.
Question 99:
How does Cisco ISE enforce differentiated access for IoT devices detected through profiling?
A) By automatically running posture scans
B) By using profiling identity groups as conditions in authorization rules
C) By assigning guest credentials
D) By bypassing authentication entirely
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a powerful tool for managing network access and enforcing security policies, especially in environments that include a wide variety of endpoints such as corporate devices, personal devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IoT devices, including printers, IP cameras, and smart sensors, often have limited or no native authentication capabilities. To secure these devices, ISE leverages endpoint profiling, which identifies device types based on attributes such as MAC addresses, DHCP requests, HTTP headers, and other observable network behaviors. Once ISE classifies a device through profiling, it can enforce differentiated access policies that are tailored to the device type, security posture, and role within the network.
Option A suggests that ISE enforces differentiated access for IoT devices by automatically running posture scans. This is incorrect because posture scans are designed to evaluate security compliance on endpoints capable of running posture agents, such as laptops or mobile devices. Most IoT devices cannot run posture agents or respond to such scans, making this method ineffective for IoT. While posture assessment is useful for corporate endpoints, it is not the primary mechanism for IoT access enforcement.
Option B states that ISE uses profiling identity groups as conditions in authorization rules. This is correct. Profiling identity groups are collections of endpoints that share common characteristics identified through the profiling process. For IoT devices, ISE places devices into these groups based on the results of profiling, such as device type, manufacturer, or operating system. Administrators can then create authorization rules that use the profiling identity group as a condition. For example, printers may be granted access only to print servers, IP cameras may be restricted to video management systems, and sensors may be allowed access solely to monitoring applications. This approach allows ISE to apply granular, differentiated access policies to IoT devices without relying on traditional authentication mechanisms.
Option C proposes that ISE enforces differentiated access by assigning guest credentials. This is inaccurate. Guest credentials are intended for temporary human users and are not suitable for IoT devices, which typically require automated, policy-driven access rather than manual login credentials.
Option D suggests that ISE bypasses authentication entirely. This is also incorrect because bypassing authentication would expose the network to security risks. Even if IoT devices cannot authenticate traditionally, ISE still enforces policy by restricting their access based on profiling identity groups.
Question 100:
What occurs when a switch receives a RADIUS CoA-Disconnect request from Cisco ISE?
A) The switch deletes the session and forces the endpoint to reauthenticate
B) The switch ignores the request
C) The switch shuts down the interface permanently
D) The endpoint receives full access
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) provides dynamic network access control through the use of RADIUS Change of Authorization (CoA) messages. One type of CoA message is the CoA-Disconnect request, which allows ISE to actively terminate an existing session on a network device such as a switch or wireless controller. This functionality is critical for maintaining security and policy compliance, as it enables immediate enforcement of updated authorization policies without waiting for the session to naturally expire. For example, if an endpoint becomes non-compliant due to failing a posture check, or if a user’s guest account expires, ISE can send a CoA-Disconnect message to the switch to revoke network access instantly.
Option A states that the switch deletes the session and forces the endpoint to reauthenticate. This is correct. When a switch receives a CoA-Disconnect request, it immediately terminates the existing session associated with the specified user or endpoint. This action effectively disconnects the device from the network. After the session is deleted, the endpoint may attempt to reconnect, at which point ISE evaluates the authorization policy again. If the endpoint meets the policy requirements, it can reauthenticate and regain access. If the endpoint does not meet the policy, such as being non-compliant or having an expired guest account, authentication will fail, and access will remain restricted. This mechanism ensures that network policies are enforced in real time and that devices cannot bypass security controls once conditions change.
Option B suggests that the switch ignores the request. This is incorrect. Switches that support RADIUS CoA functionality are designed to respond to CoA messages. Ignoring a CoA-Disconnect request would prevent ISE from enforcing dynamic access policies and undermine network security by allowing endpoints to continue communicating despite being non-compliant or unauthorized.
Option C proposes that the switch shuts down the interface permanently. This is inaccurate. A CoA-Disconnect terminates only the specific session identified in the request; it does not permanently disable the switch port. Permanent interface shutdown is a separate administrative action and is not triggered by standard CoA messages.
Option D suggests that the endpoint receives full access. This is incorrect because a CoA-Disconnect is used to revoke or modify access, not to grant unrestricted network privileges.
In summary, when a switch receives a RADIUS CoA-Disconnect request from Cisco ISE, it immediately deletes the associated session and forces the endpoint to reauthenticate. This allows ISE to enforce security policies dynamically, ensuring that only compliant and authorized devices maintain network access. Option A is the correct choice.
