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Question 101:
Which Cisco capability provides automated policy enforcement and network segmentation across campus and data-center environments using identity context?
A Cisco TrustSec
B Cisco Stealthwatch
C Cisco ISE Posture
D Cisco Umbrella
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco TrustSec represents the foundational technology enabling Cisco’s identity-based network segmentation architecture, fundamentally transforming traditional VLAN-centric isolation approaches by implementing Security Group Tags that accompany packets throughout enterprise network fabrics, providing persistent identity context regardless of physical location, IP address assignment, or network attachment point. Devices and users receive Security Group Tags from Cisco Identity Services Engine during authentication based on comprehensive contextual evaluation including authenticated identity credentials, organizational role membership, device posture compliance status, endpoint type classification, geographic location, and time-based parameters, enabling granular classification that reflects business requirements rather than network topology constraints. Network enforcement devices including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless controllers subsequently apply Security Group Access Control Lists that permit or deny communications between tagged security groups, implementing microsegmentation policies that prevent unauthorized lateral movement and enforce least-privilege access principles. Stealthwatch delivers network behavioral analytics, anomaly detection, encrypted traffic analysis, and threat hunting capabilities that enhance visibility and security monitoring but operates independently from policy-based segmentation enforcement or Security Group Tag assignment functions. ISE Posture Assessment verifies endpoint compliance with security policies including antivirus status, patch levels, and configuration standards, contributing valuable context for access decisions but does not directly enforce traffic isolation or inter-group communication restrictions. Cisco Umbrella provides cloud-delivered DNS security, secure web gateway protection, and internet threat blocking that secures external connections rather than implementing internal network segmentation or controlling east-west traffic flows.
TrustSec enables enterprise-wide, identity-aware segmentation without requiring complex IP addressing redesigns, VLAN proliferation, or access control list sprawl that plague traditional segmentation approaches. This identity-driven enforcement directly supports Zero Trust Network Access principles by ensuring only explicitly authorized communications occur between logical security groups representing organizational functions like Finance, Human Resources, Engineering, and Guest networks. Integration with DNA Center enables automated, consistent Security Group Tag propagation across Software-Defined Access campus fabrics and data center environments, simplifying policy deployment and ensuring uniform enforcement.
For 350-701 SCOR examination preparation, candidates must comprehend that TrustSec delivers context-based, dynamic microsegmentation that dramatically simplifies policy management, reduces attack surfaces by limiting lateral movement opportunities, and enables business-aligned security policies that adapt automatically as users and devices move throughout network infrastructure. Therefore, Cisco TrustSec implements automated, identity-based network segmentation and granular policy enforcement across heterogeneous enterprise environments using Security Group Tags and Security Group Access Control Lists.
Question 102:
Which protocol is used by Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) devices to receive dynamic threat-intelligence updates from Cisco Talos?
A SSL/TLS
B Security Intelligence Feed over HTTPS
C NetFlow
D SNMP
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cisco Firepower Threat Defense appliances subscribe to Security Intelligence Feeds delivered securely through HTTPS connections from Cisco Talos Intelligence Group, providing continuously updated threat intelligence containing malicious IP addresses, compromised domains, known command-and-control servers, phishing URLs, botnet infrastructure, and exploit kit locations that enable firewalls to automatically block connections to dangerous destinations before initiating deeper packet inspection processes. This pre-inspection blocking mechanism improves security efficacy by preventing connections to definitively malicious infrastructure while simultaneously enhancing performance by avoiding resource-intensive deep packet inspection for traffic already identified as harmful through threat intelligence correlation. SSL/TLS protocols define cryptographic standards and encryption methodologies that protect data confidentiality and integrity during transmission but represent the underlying security technology rather than the specific delivery mechanism or subscription architecture used for threat intelligence distribution. NetFlow technology exports network telemetry including flow records, traffic statistics, application identification data, and conversation metadata to external collectors for analysis, visualization, capacity planning, and security monitoring rather than delivering threat intelligence feeds or malicious indicator updates to enforcement devices. Simple Network Management Protocol facilitates network device monitoring, performance metric collection, configuration management, and operational health assessment but operates independently from threat intelligence distribution or security policy update mechanisms.
Security Intelligence Feeds constitute integral components within Cisco’s dynamic-update architecture for Firepower platforms, enabling administrators to configure global feed subscriptions affecting all traffic inspection policies or implement policy-specific subscriptions targeting particular network segments, user groups, or application categories. Organizations can supplement Talos-provided threat intelligence with custom intelligence lists containing internally identified threats, industry-specific indicators, information sharing community contributions, or third-party threat feeds, creating comprehensive threat blocking encompassing both global intelligence and organization-specific context. These feeds update continuously through HTTPS-secured communication channels that ensure authenticity through certificate validation and maintain integrity through cryptographic verification, preventing adversaries from poisoning threat intelligence or manipulating blocking decisions through man-in-the-middle attacks or feed tampering attempts.
Within 350-701 SCOR curriculum objectives, understanding Talos Intelligence integration and dynamic feed subscription mechanisms demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of adaptive threat defense strategies representing core examination topics. This architecture exemplifies how modern security platforms leverage continuously updated threat intelligence, automated policy updates, and cloud-delivered protection to maintain effectiveness against rapidly evolving threat landscapes without requiring manual administrator intervention for every emerging threat. Therefore, Cisco Firepower Threat Defense receives Talos Security Intelligence Feeds securely via HTTPS protocol connections, enabling continuous, automated threat blocking based on real-time global threat intelligence for proactive defense against known malicious destinations.
Question 103:
Which Cisco technology provides endpoint detection and response (EDR) by continuously monitoring system activities and performing retrospective analysis?
A Cisco AMP for Endpoints
B Cisco Stealthwatch
C Cisco Umbrella
D Cisco TrustSec
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco AMP for Endpoints, now branded as Cisco Secure Endpoint, delivers comprehensive Endpoint Detection and Response capabilities through continuous monitoring and analysis of file activities, process executions, application behaviors, network connections, and system-level events occurring across endpoint devices including workstations, servers, and mobile devices throughout their operational lifecycle. The platform analyzes telemetry data both in real-time during initial file encounters and retrospectively through continuous cloud-based reputation monitoring, enabling automatic detection and remediation when files previously assessed as benign subsequently receive malicious classifications based on newly discovered threat intelligence, behavioral analysis results, or global observation data indicating widespread malicious activity. This retrospective security capability ensures organizations remain protected against zero-day threats that initially evade detection, polymorphic malware that changes characteristics after delivery, and stealthy advanced persistent threats that exhibit malicious behavior only after extended dormancy periods. Stealthwatch network detection and response platform specializes in monitoring network flow telemetry, analyzing traffic patterns, detecting behavioral anomalies, and identifying lateral movement attempts but operates at the network layer rather than tracking endpoint-specific file executions, process chains, or application behaviors occurring on individual devices. Cisco Umbrella provides cloud-delivered DNS security, secure web gateway protection, firewall capabilities, and malicious domain blocking that secures internet connections rather than monitoring endpoint process activity or analyzing file behavior on devices. TrustSec implements identity-based network segmentation through Security Group Tag assignment and Security Group Access Control List enforcement, controlling inter-group communications rather than detecting malware or monitoring endpoint security posture.
AMP leverages cloud-based analytics infrastructure, machine learning algorithms trained on billions of file samples, behavioral analysis engines, and continuously updated Cisco Talos threat intelligence to detect and block advanced malware including ransomware, banking trojans, credential stealers, rootkits, and nation-state attack tools that employ sophisticated evasion techniques. The platform’s distinctive File Trajectory visualization capability maps complete propagation paths showing how malicious files spread across enterprise environments, identifying initial infection vectors, intermediate systems contacted, affected endpoints, and data exfiltration attempts, providing security teams with comprehensive attack timelines essential for effective incident response, containment strategy development, and root cause analysis. Complementary Device Trajectory functionality tracks detailed process execution chains, parent-child relationships, command-line arguments, registry modifications, network connections, and file system changes occurring on individual endpoints, revealing attack progression sequences and enabling analysts to understand precisely how adversaries achieved objectives, maintained persistence, escalated privileges, or moved laterally.
For 350-701 SCOR examination candidates, AMP for Endpoints exemplifies Cisco’s comprehensive endpoint security pillar within integrated, defense-in-depth strategies that combine endpoint protection, network security, cloud-delivered services, and email filtering to create layered defenses addressing threats across multiple attack surfaces and infrastructure layers. Understanding endpoint detection and response capabilities demonstrates knowledge of modern security operations requiring visibility into endpoint activities, automated threat response, and retrospective analysis capabilities essential for addressing contemporary threat landscapes. Therefore, Cisco AMP for Endpoints delivers continuous, cloud-enabled Endpoint Detection and Response featuring retrospective malware analysis, automated remediation, file trajectory mapping, and device behavior tracking for comprehensive endpoint threat protection.
Question 104:
Which Cisco solution integrates with email systems to provide advanced phishing protection and malware sandboxing?
A Cisco Secure Email (ESA/Cloud Email Security)
B Cisco Umbrella
C Cisco ISE
D Cisco Firepower
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Secure Email, formerly known as Email Security Appliance (ESA) or Cloud Email Security, is a robust solution designed to protect enterprise mail systems from a wide range of threats, including phishing, spam, and malware. Leveraging the power of Talos threat intelligence, Secure Email filters out malicious senders, suspicious URLs, and infected attachments before they reach end users. A key feature is its integration with Cisco Threat Grid, which allows attachments to be analyzed in a sandboxed virtual environment. This sandboxing capability ensures that any malicious code embedded in attachments is detected and neutralized prior to delivery, providing an additional layer of protection against zero-day threats and advanced malware campaigns. Unlike other Cisco security solutions, Secure Email specifically focuses on email content rather than network traffic or access control. For instance, Cisco Umbrella, option B, primarily blocks threats at the DNS level but does not inspect or filter email content, making it less suitable for comprehensive email protection. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), option C, is centered on network access control, ensuring that devices comply with security policies before gaining access, but it does not address email threats. Cisco Firepower, option D, focuses on inspecting network traffic for intrusions and malware, which, while important, does not provide the specialized email-focused protections offered by Secure Email. Beyond threat detection, Cisco Secure Email also supports key email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, which prevent email spoofing and domain impersonation. This is particularly important for organizations that need to protect their brand reputation and reduce the risk of phishing attacks. In addition, Secure Email offers Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and encryption capabilities for outbound emails, allowing organizations to enforce compliance policies and safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. In the context of the SCOR exam, understanding Cisco Secure Email is essential within the Email Security and Content Protection objectives, as it represents a comprehensive solution for enterprise email defense. Therefore, option A is correct because Cisco Secure Email delivers end-to-end protection against phishing, malware, and other email-borne threats while also supporting compliance and authentication measures critical for modern organizations.
Question 105:
Which feature in Cisco ISE ensures that only compliant devices receive network access?
A Posture Assessment
B TrustSec SGT
C RADIUS Accounting
D Profiler Service
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Posture Assessment is a critical component of network access control that evaluates endpoint compliance both before and during network access. It examines parameters such as antivirus status, operating system patch level, and running processes to ensure that devices meet the organization’s security requirements. If an endpoint fails to comply with the defined policies, ISE can quarantine the device or redirect it to a remediation portal, allowing the user to correct issues before full network access is granted. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of compromised or vulnerable devices connecting to the enterprise network. Unlike other Cisco solutions, Posture Assessment specifically focuses on evaluating device compliance. For example, option B, TrustSec Security Group Tagging (SGT), primarily manages identity-based segmentation and does not verify endpoint security posture. Option C, RADIUS Accounting, is limited to logging user sessions and does not enforce compliance checks. Option D, the Profiler module, identifies device types by analyzing network attributes, but it does not assess whether those devices meet security policies. The Posture Assessment process operates through the AnyConnect Posture Module, which communicates with ISE using RADIUS and HTTP protocols. Administrators define compliance rules within the Posture Policy Set, integrating traditional Network Access Control (NAC) principles with modern Zero Trust access frameworks. This allows for dynamic, context-driven decisions that adapt based on device health, user role, location, and other risk factors, strengthening enterprise security posture. Within the SCOR exam blueprint, ISE Posture Assessment falls under Identity Management and Secure Access, highlighting its importance in enforcing secure connectivity. By ensuring that only compliant endpoints can access sensitive resources, Posture Assessment directly supports Cisco’s adaptive access model and aligns with best practices for Zero Trust security. Therefore, option A is correct because Posture Assessment enforces device compliance dynamically, mitigating security risks while enabling controlled access, making it an essential tool for modern enterprise networks
Question 106:
What is the main function of Cisco SecureX Orchestration?
A Automated incident response and workflow execution
B Email security filtering
C Network telemetry collection
D Policy creation in Firepower FMC
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco SecureX Orchestration delivers comprehensive Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) capabilities, enabling security teams to streamline operations across Cisco and third-party platforms. At its core, SecureX Orchestration allows analysts to create drag-and-drop workflows, known as playbooks, to automate repetitive security tasks such as blocking malicious domains, isolating compromised endpoints, or enriching incidents with threat intelligence. This automation reduces human error, ensures consistent responses, and accelerates threat mitigation. Unlike other Cisco solutions, SecureX Orchestration focuses on workflow automation rather than direct threat prevention. For instance, option B, email filtering, is a function of Cisco Secure Email; option C, telemetry collection, is handled by Cisco Stealthwatch; and option D, policy creation, is managed within Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC). SecureX Orchestration integrates seamlessly with APIs from multiple Cisco products, including Umbrella, AMP for Endpoints, ISE, and Firepower, allowing cross-platform actions to be coordinated from a single console. This unified integration not only improves operational efficiency but also significantly reduces mean time to respond (MTTR) to security incidents, a critical metric for Security Operations Centers (SOCs). From an SCOR exam perspective, understanding SecureX Orchestration is essential within the “Security Automation and Integration” objectives, as it demonstrates how automation supports modern SOC workflows and incident response. By enabling automated, repeatable, and auditable responses across heterogeneous security environments, SecureX Orchestration embodies the principles of efficiency, consistency, and rapid mitigation that are central to effective security operations. Therefore, option A is correct because SecureX Orchestration provides end-to-end, automated incident response capabilities and workflow execution across multiple security platforms, exemplifying the role of SOAR in enhancing enterprise security operations.
Question 107:
Which Cisco solution provides microsegmentation and workload protection in data-center and multicloud environments?
A Cisco Tetration Analytics / Secure Workload
B Cisco Umbrella
C Cisco ISE
D Cisco Stealthwatch
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Tetration, now rebranded as Cisco Secure Workload, is a comprehensive solution designed to provide application-level microsegmentation and workload-centric security across hybrid IT environments. By collecting extensive telemetry from every workload in a network, Secure Workload enables administrators to gain complete visibility into east-west traffic, which is the internal traffic between applications and workloads. This level of insight is critical for understanding how applications communicate within data centers or cloud environments and for identifying potential attack paths that could be exploited by threat actors. The platform deploys lightweight agents on workloads that record all network flows, system processes, and inter-application communications. These agents feed the collected telemetry into the Secure Workload analytics engine, which automatically computes detailed dependency maps. These maps illustrate how workloads interact, which services they use, and which communication flows are legitimate versus unnecessary. Using these insights, Secure Workload can recommend microsegmentation policies that enforce least-privilege communication rules, allowing only authorized traffic between workloads. Once these policies are implemented, lateral movement within the network is drastically reduced, improving overall security posture and helping organizations meet regulatory compliance mandates such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.
It is important to distinguish Cisco Secure Workload from other Cisco security solutions. Option B, Umbrella, primarily operates at the DNS layer to block malicious domains and content but does not provide workload-level enforcement. Option C, Identity Services Engine (ISE), focuses on network access control and endpoint compliance, not application-to-application segmentation. Option D, Stealthwatch, offers network flow analysis and threat detection capabilities but does not enforce microsegmentation or provide detailed workload communication policies. Cisco Secure Workload uniquely combines visibility, analytics, and enforcement to provide a Zero Trust security model at the workload layer, effectively extending Zero Trust principles beyond the network perimeter into the data center and cloud.
From a SCOR exam perspective, Secure Workload falls under the Data Center and Cloud Security objectives, emphasizing the need for fine-grained, context-aware controls that prevent unauthorized access and reduce risk from internal threats. Candidates should understand that by implementing application-based segmentation, organizations can isolate critical workloads, prevent lateral movement by attackers, and enforce policy compliance consistently across on-premises and cloud environments. Furthermore, Secure Workload supports hybrid and multi-cloud deployments, allowing enterprises to apply consistent security policies regardless of the underlying infrastructure.
Therefore, option A is correct because Cisco Tetration, now Secure Workload, delivers true microsegmentation and application-centric security, enabling organizations to visualize, analyze, and control workload communications across hybrid clouds while implementing Zero Trust principles. It provides the tools to reduce risk, enforce least-privilege policies, and meet compliance requirements, making it a cornerstone of modern data center and cloud security strategies.
Question 108:
Which mechanism in Cisco Umbrella allows granular control over HTTP and HTTPS traffic?
A Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
B DNS Security
C CASB Discovery
D Cloud Firewall
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Umbrella Secure Web Gateway (SWG) extends the capabilities of Cisco Umbrella’s DNS-layer security by proxying and inspecting full HTTP and HTTPS sessions, providing deep visibility and control over web traffic. While Umbrella’s DNS Security primarily blocks access to malicious domains before a connection is established, SWG goes further by examining the content of web sessions in real time. This allows organizations to enforce content filtering policies, detect and block malware embedded in web traffic, and gain visibility into cloud applications being accessed by users, including unsanctioned or shadow IT applications. Unlike other Cisco solutions, Umbrella SWG focuses specifically on web traffic inspection and policy enforcement. Option B, DNS Security, effectively prevents connections to harmful domains but cannot analyze the content of web sessions. Option C, CASB Discovery, is used for cloud application classification and monitoring but does not inspect live web traffic. Option D, Cloud Firewall, enforces policies based on IP addresses and ports but lacks granular web content inspection capabilities.
Umbrella SWG integrates multiple security features to provide comprehensive protection. Anti-malware engines inspect files downloaded over HTTP/HTTPS, while sandboxing allows suspicious content to be analyzed in a controlled environment to detect zero-day threats. SSL decryption further ensures that encrypted traffic can be inspected without compromising security. Administrators can enforce acceptable-use policies, control access to specific categories of websites, and prevent shadow IT by generating detailed app visibility reports, helping organizations maintain compliance and secure cloud usage.
From a SCOR exam perspective, Umbrella SWG exemplifies Cisco’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) approach, which merges network and security functions in the cloud, enabling consistent policy enforcement regardless of user location. By providing full web proxy inspection, deep content analysis, and cloud app visibility, Umbrella SWG empowers security teams to proactively block threats, enforce usage policies, and reduce risk from web-based attacks.
Therefore, option A is correct because Umbrella Secure Web Gateway delivers comprehensive HTTP/HTTPS traffic inspection, integrates malware and sandboxing protections, and offers granular policy control, making it a critical component of a modern cloud-delivered security architecture
Question 109:
Which Cisco framework unifies identity, device, and network controls to support Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?
A Cisco Zero Trust Architecture using ISE, Duo, and Umbrella
B Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall
C Cisco Stealthwatch Flow Analytics
D Cisco TrustSec only
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco’s Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) represents a comprehensive security framework that shifts the traditional perimeter-based defense model to one of continuous verification and least-privilege access. Cisco implements this approach by integrating multiple security platforms—Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for network access control, Duo Security for user identity verification and multi-factor authentication (MFA), and Cisco Umbrella for cloud-based protection—into a unified Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) framework. The core principle of Zero Trust, “never trust, always verify,” means that users and devices must be continuously authenticated and authorized before accessing any resources, regardless of their location or network. ISE manages the onboarding of devices, enforces contextual authorization policies, and evaluates endpoint compliance before granting network access. Duo complements this by verifying user identity and assessing device health through MFA, ensuring that only trusted users on compliant devices can gain access. Umbrella extends Zero Trust protection to cloud applications and internet-bound traffic, providing content filtering, malware protection, and threat intelligence to secure sessions outside the enterprise network. SecureX further enhances the architecture by providing centralized visibility and automation, enabling streamlined enforcement of policies across all integrated components.
It is important to distinguish Cisco ZTA from other Cisco solutions. Option B, Firepower, primarily delivers perimeter defense through firewalling and intrusion prevention but does not provide the continuous verification or contextual access controls required for full ZTNA. Option C, Stealthwatch, offers network monitoring and threat detection but does not enforce access or identity-based policies. Option D, TrustSec, contributes identity-based segmentation but represents only a single component of the broader Zero Trust model. Cisco’s ZTA, by contrast, unifies these functionalities—network access control, identity verification, and cloud protection—into an end-to-end Zero Trust strategy.
For SCOR exam candidates, understanding Zero Trust is essential within the Security Frameworks and Architectures domain. The architecture exemplifies modern security principles by minimizing implicit trust, continuously validating users and devices, and integrating multi-layered protections to reduce risk. By combining ISE, Duo, and Umbrella, Cisco delivers a ZTNA solution that enforces least-privilege access, protects both on-premises and cloud resources, and provides operational visibility and automation through SecureX.
Therefore, option A is correct because Cisco’s Zero Trust Architecture integrates ISE, Duo, and Umbrella to implement end-to-end Zero Trust Network Access, ensuring secure, context-aware, and continuously verified access across enterprise environments.
Question 110:
Which Cisco technology provides real-time network telemetry for detecting anomalies and improving visibility into encrypted traffic?
A NetFlow and Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)
B SPAN Port Mirroring
C Syslog
D SNMP Traps
Answer: A
Explanation:
NetFlow combined with Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) provides comprehensive network telemetry that enables visibility into both encrypted and unencrypted traffic, which is increasingly critical as more network traffic becomes encrypted. Cisco switches and routers export NetFlow records to analytics platforms such as Cisco Stealthwatch, where the data is analyzed using machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies and potential threats without the need to decrypt the traffic itself. Unlike other monitoring tools, NetFlow and ETA provide flow-based insight into communication patterns, helping security teams identify suspicious behavior, lateral movement, or data exfiltration attempts. Option B, SPAN, simply mirrors packets for analysis but does not generate flow statistics or behavioral insights. Option C, Syslog, records events and system logs but does not provide detailed flow-level visibility. Option D, SNMP, monitors device performance and status but does not offer insights into traffic flows or encrypted sessions.
ETA enhances visibility by analyzing metadata from encrypted traffic, such as TLS handshake fingerprints, packet sizes, timing, and sequence patterns. This metadata allows ETA to detect malicious encrypted sessions—such as command-and-control communications or malware exfiltration—without violating privacy by decrypting content. When this telemetry is combined with Stealthwatch’s behavioral analytics, organizations gain a powerful Network Detection and Response (NDR) capability that can identify anomalies and threats across the network in real time. This approach aligns with modern security practices by maintaining encryption for privacy while still enabling threat detection and response.
From a SCOR exam perspective, understanding NetFlow and ETA is essential within the Network Telemetry and Visibility objectives. They provide foundational data that supports Zero Trust principles, incident detection, and rapid response by giving security teams actionable insights into network behavior. By analyzing flow records and encrypted traffic metadata, organizations can maintain a proactive security posture, detect sophisticated threats, and respond quickly to incidents.
Therefore, option A is correct because NetFlow combined with Encrypted Traffic Analytics delivers advanced visibility into both encrypted and unencrypted traffic, enabling behavioral analytics and anomaly detection that form the cornerstone of Network Detection and Response.
Question 111:
Which Cisco solution provides multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device trust to secure user logins to both on-premises and cloud applications?
A Cisco Duo Security
B Cisco ISE
C Cisco Umbrella
D Cisco Firepower
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Duo Security provides a robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution combined with device visibility and adaptive access policies to ensure that only trusted users and devices can access enterprise applications. Duo verifies both the identity of the user and the security posture of the connecting device before granting access, enforcing a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) model. It integrates seamlessly with VPNs, cloud applications, RADIUS servers, and SAML identity providers, allowing organizations to implement consistent access controls across diverse environments. Unlike other Cisco solutions, Duo focuses specifically on identity verification and device trust. Option B, Identity Services Engine (ISE), controls network admission but does not provide MFA. Option C, Umbrella, protects against DNS and web-based threats but does not authenticate users. Option D, Firepower, enforces firewall and network traffic policies but cannot verify identity or device trust.
Duo supports multiple authentication methods, including push notifications to mobile devices, Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) tokens, one-time passcodes, and biometric verification. Its Trusted Endpoints capability evaluates critical device parameters such as operating system version, encryption status, and security posture to determine whether a device should be granted access. This ensures that only secure, compliant devices can connect to sensitive applications, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. By enforcing these adaptive access policies, Duo aligns closely with Zero Trust principles, where continuous verification of both the user and device is mandatory before access is allowed.
In the SCOR exam context, Duo exemplifies Cisco’s Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework, which emphasizes verifying “who” is accessing resources, “what” devices are used, and “how” users connect. When combined with other Cisco solutions like SecureX and ISE, Duo contributes to a holistic Zero Trust architecture that unifies identity verification, device posture assessment, and access enforcement. This integration allows security teams to manage risk dynamically while maintaining a seamless user experience.
Therefore, option A is correct because Cisco Duo Security provides multi-factor authentication, device trust assessment, and adaptive access policies, ensuring secure access to enterprise resources both on-premises and in the cloud, making it a cornerstone of Cisco’s Zero Trust strategy.
Question 112:
Which Cisco product provides behavioral analytics for detecting insider threats, data exfiltration, and lateral movement?
A Cisco Stealthwatch
B Cisco Umbrella
C Cisco Firepower
D Cisco AMP for Endpoints
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Stealthwatch leverages network flow telemetry—including NetFlow, IPFIX, and Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)—to provide advanced Network Detection and Response (NDR) capabilities through behavioral analytics. By continuously monitoring traffic patterns, Stealthwatch can detect anomalies such as data exfiltration, malware command-and-control communications, lateral movement, and violations of organizational policies. Unlike other Cisco security solutions, Stealthwatch focuses on holistic network behavior rather than individual devices or perimeter filtering. Option B, Umbrella, primarily provides DNS-layer filtering and content security. Option C, Firepower, inspects and filters network traffic at the perimeter but does not perform comprehensive behavioral analysis. Option D, AMP for Endpoints, monitors endpoint-level activity and malware but does not analyze network-wide flow behavior.
Stealthwatch uses machine learning algorithms combined with Cisco Talos threat intelligence to identify patterns that deviate from established baselines, enabling the detection of suspicious activity such as internal reconnaissance, unusual traffic volumes, or abnormal application usage. It also incorporates entity modeling for users, devices, and servers, creating profiles that help contextualize alerts and reduce false positives. This approach allows security teams to identify both external threats and insider risks with greater accuracy. Additionally, through ETA, Stealthwatch can analyze encrypted traffic metadata—such as TLS handshake fingerprints, packet sizes, and timing patterns—without decrypting content, maintaining privacy while still detecting malicious activity.
From a SCOR exam perspective, Stealthwatch is a key technology under the Network Telemetry and Analytics domain. It exemplifies how organizations can gain visibility into network activity, identify anomalies, and respond to incidents proactively. By combining flow telemetry, machine learning, and threat intelligence, Stealthwatch supports modern security operations, aligns with Zero Trust principles, and provides actionable insights for incident detection and response.
Therefore, option A is correct because Cisco Stealthwatch delivers real-time behavioral analytics across the network, enabling detection of both external and insider threats, while providing visibility into encrypted and unencrypted traffic for comprehensive Network Detection and Response.
Question 113:
Which Cisco Firepower feature enables administrators to inspect encrypted HTTPS traffic without compromising user privacy?
A SSL Decryption with Selective Policy
B Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
C Security Intelligence Whitelist
D NAT Rules
Answer: A
Explanation:
SSL Decryption with Selective Policy in Cisco Firepower enables organizations to inspect encrypted HTTPS traffic securely while maintaining privacy compliance. By defining selective policies, administrators can choose which traffic to decrypt—such as unknown or suspicious sites—and which traffic to bypass, including sensitive categories like banking, healthcare, or government portals. This ensures that encrypted traffic is inspected for threats without violating regulatory requirements or user privacy. Unlike other Cisco features, this capability focuses specifically on decrypting and inspecting secure traffic. Option B, Application Visibility and Control (AVC), identifies and classifies applications but does not decrypt encrypted traffic. Option C, Security Intelligence Whitelist, prevents trusted IPs from being blocked but has no decryption capability. Option D, Network Address Translation (NAT), handles IP address translation without inspecting traffic content.
Firepower’s SSL Decryption works in conjunction with the Snort 3 inspection engines, allowing intrusion prevention, malware detection, and policy enforcement within encrypted flows. Both inbound and outbound traffic can be decrypted using locally generated Certificate Authority (CA) certificates or imported keys, ensuring that the inspection process integrates seamlessly with existing network infrastructure. By enabling selective decryption, Firepower balances the need for security visibility with privacy requirements, making it possible to inspect high-risk traffic without exposing sensitive user data unnecessarily.
For SCOR exam candidates, understanding SSL Decryption policies is essential under the Content Security and Encrypted Traffic Inspection objectives. Knowledge of how selective decryption works demonstrates practical expertise in applying security controls that enhance threat detection while adhering to privacy standards. It also illustrates how Firepower integrates encryption-aware inspection with intrusion prevention and threat intelligence, supporting a layered security strategy.
Therefore, option A is correct because Cisco Firepower’s SSL Decryption with Selective Policy provides secure and compliant inspection of HTTPS traffic, enabling visibility into encrypted sessions while respecting privacy requirements and enhancing threat detection capabilities.
Question 114:
Which Cisco platform centralizes policy management for multiple FTD devices in large enterprises?
A Firepower Management Center (FMC)
B Cisco SecureX Dashboard
C Cisco ISE Admin Node
D Cisco DNA Center
Answer: A
Explanation:
Firepower Management Center (FMC) is the centralized console for managing Firepower Threat Defense appliances. It configures access-control rules, intrusion policies, SSL decryption, NAT, and Security Intelligence feeds across multiple devices.
Option B, SecureX, integrates visibility but doesn’t manage firewall policies. C, ISE, controls identity access. D, DNA Center, manages enterprise networking rather than security firewalls. FMC provides unified dashboards for events, correlations, and reporting. It also handles Smart Licensing and policy deployment to remote FTDs via secure HTTPS communication.
On the SCOR exam, FMC represents the centralized management pillar for Cisco NGFW operations. Understanding its architecture—database, API, and update mechanisms—is essential.
Thus, A is correct because Firepower Management Center unifies configuration, event, and policy control for all FTD devices in enterprise environments.
Question 115:
What Cisco solution protects workloads and containers in cloud environments through runtime protection and image scanning?
A Cisco Secure Workload (Tetration)
B Cisco Stealthwatch
C Cisco Umbrella
D Cisco Duo
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Secure Workload, formerly Tetration, extends security to microservices, containers, and cloud VMs. It continuously monitors runtime behavior and enforces least-privilege segmentation. Built-in image scanning detects vulnerabilities before deployment.
Option B, Stealthwatch, observes flows; C, Umbrella, protects at DNS; D, Duo, handles MFA.
Secure Workload uses agents collecting telemetry from OS kernels and orchestrators like Kubernetes. It correlates application dependencies, maps communication paths, and auto-generates segmentation policies. Runtime protection halts anomalous process behavior, preventing attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement.
In SCOR’s Cloud and Data Center Security objective, Secure Workload demonstrates Zero-Trust microsegmentation—extending consistent policies across hybrid clouds.
Therefore, A is correct because Cisco Secure Workload defends containers and workloads through runtime monitoring and pre-deployment image scanning.
Question 116:
Which Cisco feature within Secure Firewall correlates multiple security events to detect complex multi-stage attacks?
A Correlation Policies
B Access Control Rules
C SSL Certificates
D Routing Table
Answer: A
Explanation:
Correlation Policies in FMC aggregate different event types (intrusion, malware, file, connection logs) and trigger alerts when predefined patterns occur—revealing multi-stage attacks.
Option B, Access Control Rules, define allow/deny actions but don’t correlate events. C, SSL Certificates, handle encryption. D, Routing Tables, direct traffic, not detect threats.
Correlation Policies use conditions, thresholds, and temporal logic (e.g., “if host triggers 3 intrusion events within 5 minutes”). Administrators can automatically block IPs or notify SOC systems through SNMP or email.
For SCOR, understanding these policies reinforces the Threat Detection and Automation domain—critical for proactive defense.
Thus, A is correct because FMC Correlation Policies identify and respond to multi-vector attack patterns across Firepower sensors.
Question 117:
Which Cisco cloud-native service provides Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) by combining DNS-layer security, SWG, CASB, and firewall capabilities?
A Cisco Umbrella
B Cisco ISE
C Cisco AMP for Endpoints
D Cisco Stealthwatch
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Umbrella evolved into a complete SASE platform merging DNS-layer security, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Cloud Firewall. It delivers consistent security for users anywhere, without VPN dependency.
Option B, ISE, manages on-prem access; C, AMP, secures endpoints; D, Stealthwatch, analyzes network flows.
Umbrella enforces policy pre-connection (DNS) and post-connection (SWG proxy). CASB integration reveals shadow IT and controls cloud app usage. The Cloud Firewall filters ports and protocols at the IP layer.
In the SCOR exam’s Cloud Security and SASE objectives, Umbrella is central as Cisco’s cloud-delivered security service, offering visibility and control to mobile and remote workforces.
Therefore, A is correct because Cisco Umbrella implements the SASE framework by integrating multiple cloud-based security functions into a single service.
Question 118:
Which Cisco technology inspects traffic between data center tiers to prevent lateral movement of threats?
A Cisco NGIPS (Firepower)
B Cisco Duo
C Cisco Umbrella
D Cisco ISE
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Next-Generation Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS), part of Firepower, analyzes east-west and north-south data center traffic to block known exploits and zero-day attacks.
Option B, Duo, handles identity; C, Umbrella, operates at DNS; D, ISE, focuses on access.
NGIPS uses Snort 3 detection engines, signature and behavioral analysis, and file/malware inspection. It integrates with SecureX and Stealthwatch for correlated response. Deployed inline or passively, NGIPS monitors traffic between application tiers, preventing lateral spread of compromised sessions.
In the SCOR exam, this topic is under Network Security and Threat Prevention objectives—highlighting the importance of east-west visibility inside data centers.
Hence, A is correct because Cisco NGIPS (Firepower) monitors inter-tier traffic to detect and block lateral threat movement.
Question 119:
Which Cisco security feature uses API integration to share indicators of compromise (IOCs) across different security products?
A Cisco Threat Response within SecureX
B Cisco ISE Policy Sets
C Cisco Firepower NAT Rules
D Cisco Umbrella Categories
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cisco Threat Response (CTR), a core module of SecureX, automatically correlates and shares Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) between products such as Umbrella, AMP, Stealthwatch, and Firepower. It integrates via REST APIs to simplify incident investigation and response.
Option B, ISE Policy Sets, govern access; C, NAT Rules, translate addresses; D, Umbrella Categories, classify domains for filtering but don’t share IOCs.
CTR presents a unified dashboard showing relationships between files, domains, and hosts, reducing manual data pivoting. SOC analysts can automate containment actions directly from the interface.
For SCOR students, CTR exemplifies security integration and automation, illustrating how Cisco’s ecosystem achieves faster incident response through API-driven collaboration.
Therefore, A is correct because Cisco Threat Response (SecureX) shares and correlates IOCs across multiple Cisco security solutions using APIs.
Question 120:
Which Cisco concept applies continuous verification of user and device trust throughout sessions instead of one-time authentication?
A Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
B VPN Tunneling
C AAA RADIUS Login
D SNMP v3 Security
Answer: A
Explanation:
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) eliminates implicit trust by enforcing continuous verification of users and devices during each session. Rather than a single authentication event, ZTA monitors context and behavior throughout a connection to adapt access dynamically.
Option B, VPN, creates encrypted tunnels but does not evaluate trust continuously. C, AAA RADIUS, handles initial authentications. D, SNMP v3, secures management traffic only.
Cisco implements ZTA through ISE for policy control, Duo for identity and MFA, and Umbrella for cloud defense. Together they ensure that access decisions depend on real-time risk context (user, device, location, application). In SCOR objectives, ZTA is central under Security Frameworks and Architectures and reflects modern enterprise security philosophy where “never trust, always verify” is standard.
Therefore, A is correct because Zero Trust Architecture enforces continuous, context-driven verification of both user and device trust throughout the entire session lifecycle.
