Cisco 350-701 Dumps

 A security application that notifies a controller within a software-defined network architecture about a specific security threat is using a northbound API. A northbound API is an interface that enables communication between the SDN controller and the applications or management systems that use the network services1. A security application can use a northbound API to send alerts, requests, or commands to the SDN controller, which can then take appropriate actions on the network devices or policies2. For example, a security application can use a northbound API to inform the SDN controller about a malicious traffic pattern, and the SDN controller can then block or redirect the traffic using a southbound API3.

References: 1: What is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)? | VMware Glossary 2: Intent-Based Networking’s Next Evolution: The DNA Center Platform - Cisco Blogs 3: Cisco SDN Security: Securing the Software Defined Network - Cisco

ExplanationExplanationThe Application Visibility and Control (AVC) engine lets you create policies to control application activity on the network without having to fully understand the underlying technology of each application. You can configure application control settings in Access Policy groups. You can block or allow applications individually or according to application type. You can also apply controls to particular application types.

ExplanationYou can configure discovery rules to tailor the discovery of host and application data to your needs.The Firepower System can use data from NetFlow exporters to generate connection and discovery events, and to add host and application data to the network map.A network analysis policy governs how traffic is decoded and preprocessed so it can be further evaluated, especially for anomalous traffic that might signal an intrusion attempt -> Answer D is not correct.

ExplanationIn this IaaS model, cloud providers offer resources to users/machines that include computers as virtualmachines, raw (block) storage, firewalls, load balancers, and network devices.Note: Cloud access security broker (CASB) provides visibility and compliance checks, protects data against misuse and exfiltration, and provides threat protections against malware such as ransomware.

ExplanationExplanationDenial-of-service (DDoS) aims at shutting down a network or service, causing it to be inaccessible to itsintended users.The Smurf attack is a DDoS attack in which large numbers of Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)packets with the intended victim’s spoofed source IP are broadcast to a computer network using an IPbroadcast address.

The Python script in the exhibit uses the Cisco AMP for Endpoints API to get information about the computers in the deployment. It imports the requests library, which allows it to make HTTP requests. It then defines three variables: client_id, api_key, and url. These are used to authenticate and access the API endpoint. The url is set to ‘1’, which returns a list of computers in JSON format. The script then makes a GET request using the requests.get() method, passing the url and the authentication details as parameters. The response from the API is stored in the response variable, and converted to JSON using the response.json() method. The script then loops over each computer in the ‘data’ field of the JSON response, using a for loop. Inside the loop, it extracts the hostname of each computer using the ‘hostname’ key, and prints it using the print() function. Therefore, the script will pull all computer hostnames and print them, which is option C. References:

• Overview of the Cisco AMP for Endpoints API
• Secure Endpoint API - Cisco DevNet
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0

 ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) is a cryptographic process that provides origin confidentiality, integrity, and origin authentication for packets. ESP encrypts the payload of an IP packet with a symmetric key, and adds a header and a trailer to the packet. The header contains a security parameter index (SPI) and a sequence number, which are used to identify the security association (SA) and prevent replay attacks. The trailer contains padding and a next header field, which are used to align the packet and indicate the type of the original payload. ESP also adds an authentication data field at the end of the packet, which contains a message authentication code (MAC) that is computed over the entire ESP packet (except for the authentication data field itself) using a secret key and a hash function. The MAC provides data integrity and origin authentication for the packet. ESP can operate in two modes: tunnel mode and transport mode. In tunnel mode, ESP encapsulates the entire original IP packet, including the IP header, and adds a new IP header. This mode provides protection for the entire packet, but adds more overhead. In transport mode, ESP only encapsulates the payload of the original IP packet, and leaves the IP header intact. This mode provides protection only for the payload, but preserves the original IP header information. ESP is one of the two main protocols of IPsec, along with AH (Authentication Header). AH only provides data integrity and origin authentication, but not confidentiality. AH adds a header to the IP packet, which contains a MAC that is computed over the immutable fields of the IP header and the entire payload. AH does not encrypt the payload, and therefore does not protect it from eavesdropping. AH can also operate in tunnel mode or transport mode, but it is incompatible with NAT devices, which modify the IP header fields. IKE (Internet Key Exchange) is a protocol that is used to establish and manage SAs for IPsec. IKE negotiates the security parameters, such as the encryption and authentication algorithms, the keys, and the SPIs, for the IPsec protocols. IKE also performs mutual authentication between the IPsec peers, and establishes a secure channel for exchanging keying material. IKE has two versions: IKEv1 and IKEv2. IKEv1 consists of two phases: phase 1 and phase 2. In phase 1, IKEv1 establishes an IKE SA, which is a secure channel for phase 2. In phase 2, IKEv1 negotiates one or more IPsec SAs, which are used to protect the IPsec traffic. IKEv2 simplifies the IKE protocol by combining the two phases of IKEv1 into a single exchange. IKEv2 also supports more features, such as NAT traversal, EAP authentication, and MOBIKE. References :=

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: VPN Technologies, Lesson 3.1: Site-to-Site VPNs, Topic 3.1.1: IPsec VPNs
• IPsec - Wikipedia
• AH and ESP protocols - IBM
• How TLS provides identification, authentication, confidentiality, and integrity - IBM

Using an Internet browser to access cloud-based service creates the risk of insecure implementation of API. API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a set of rules and protocols that allow different applications or services to communicate and exchange data. API is often used to access cloud-based service, such as software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), or infrastructure as a service (IaaS). However, if the API is not implemented securely, it can expose sensitive data or allow unauthorized access to the cloud service. For example, an API may not use encryption, authentication, or authorization mechanisms to protect the data in transit or at rest. An API may also have vulnerabilities such as injection, broken authentication, or insufficient logging and monitoring, which can be exploited by attackers to compromise the cloud service or the user’s browser. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practices and standards for secure API development and testing, such as OWASP API Security Top 10. References:

• 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) - Cisco
• 2: 350-701 SCOR - Cisco
• 3: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0
• 4: 12 Cloud Security Issues: Risks, Threats & Challenges - CrowdStrike
• 5: 12 Risks, Threats, & Vulnerabilities in Moving to the Cloud - SEI Blog
• 6: Remote Browser Isolation Protects Users from Threats - Cisco Umbrella
• 7: Which risk is created when using an Internet browser to access cloud-based service?
• 8: Browser in the Cloud: The Evolution of Secure Browsing - Leostream
• [9]: OWASP API Security Top 10 2023

One of the key capabilities of endpoint security is to prevent phishing attacks by ensuring that antivirus and anti malware software is up to date. This helps to detect and block malicious attachments or links that may be embedded in phishing emails. Antivirus and anti malware software can also scan the endpoint for any signs of compromise or infection that may have resulted from a successful phishing attack. Additionally, endpoint security can provide data loss prevention (DLP) features that can prevent sensitive data from being exfiltrated by attackers who have gained access to the endpoint through phishing. References :=

Some possible references are:

• Endpoint Security and Phishing: What to Know
• Protect Against Spear Phishing with Endpoint Security
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 (source book)

ExplanationExplanationA certificate signing request (CSR) is one of the first steps towards getting your own SSL Certificate. Generated on the same server you plan to install the certificate on, the CSR contains information (e.g. common name, organization, country) that the Certificate Authority (CA) will use to create your certificate. It also contains the public key that will be included in your certificate and is signed with the corresponding private key

ExplanationTo understand DHCP snooping we need to learn about DHCP spoofing attack first.

DHCP spoofing is a type of attack in that the attacker listens for DHCP Requests from clients and answers them with fake DHCP Response before the authorized DHCP Response comes to the clients. The fake DHCP Response often gives its IP address as the client default gateway -> all the traffic sent from the client will go through the attacker computer, the attacker becomes a “man-in-the-middle”.The attacker can have some ways to make sure its fake DHCP Response arrives first. In fact, if the attacker is “closer” than the DHCP Server then he doesn’t need to do anything. Or he can DoS the DHCP Server so that it can’t send the DHCP Response.DHCP snooping can prevent DHCP spoofing attacks. DHCP snooping is a Cisco Catalyst feature thatdetermines which switch ports can respond to DHCP requests. Ports are identified as trusted and untrusted.

Only ports that connect to an authorized DHCP server are trusted, and allowed to send all types of DHCPmessages. All other ports on the switch are untrusted and can send only DHCP requests. If a DHCP responseis seen on an untrusted port, the port is shut down.

Explanation To understand DHCP snooping we need to learn about DHCP spoofing attack first.

DHCP spoofing is a type of attack in that the attacker listens for DHCP Requests from clients and answers them with fake DHCP Response before the authorized DHCP Response comes to the clients. The fake DHCP Response often gives its IP address as the client default gateway -> all the traffic sent from the client will go through the attacker computer, the attacker becomes a “man-in-the-middle”.The attacker can have some ways to make sure its fake DHCP Response arrives first. In fact, if the attacker is “closer” than the DHCP Server then he doesn’t need to do anything. Or he can DoS the DHCP Server so that it can’t send the DHCP Response.DHCP snooping can prevent DHCP spoofing attacks. DHCP snooping is a Cisco Catalyst feature thatdetermines which switch ports can respond to DHCP requests. Ports are identified as trusted and untrusted.

Only ports that connect to an authorized DHCP server are trusted, and allowed to send all types of DHCP

messages. All other ports on the switch are untrusted and can send only DHCP requests. If a DHCP response is seen on an untrusted port, the port is shut down.

The port connected to a DHCP server should be configured as trusted port with the “ip dhcp snooping trust” command. Other ports connecting to hosts are untrusted ports by default.

In this question, we need to configure the uplink to “trust” (under interface Gi1/0/1) as shown below.

Policy Order The order in which policies are listed in a policy table determines the priority with which they are applied to Web requests. Web requests are checked against policies beginning at the top of the table and ending at the first policy matched. Any policies below that point in the table are not processed. If no user-defined policy is matched against a Web request, then the global policy for that policy type is applied. Global policies are always positioned last in Policy tables and cannot be re-ordered.

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 The product that allows Cisco FMC to push security intelligence observable to its sensors from other products is Threat Intelligence Director (TID). TID is a feature of Cisco FMC that enables you to integrate third-party threat intelligence feeds into your security policies. TID collects, aggregates, and correlates observables from multiple sources, such as Cisco Talos Intelligence, Cisco Umbrella, and other external providers. TID then pushes the observables to the sensors that are managed by FMC, such as Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) devices, Firepower appliances, and Cisco Secure Firewall Cloud Native. The sensors can then use the observables to block or monitor traffic based on the reputation and threat level of the IP addresses, URLs, and domains12.

References: 1: Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 6.6 - Threat Intelligence Director [Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center] - Cisco 2: Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Configuration Guide for Firepower Device Manager, Version 6.6 - Threat Intelligence Director [Cisco Firepower NGFW] - Cisco

ExplanationCommunity Cloud allows system and services to be accessible by group of organizations. It shares theinfrastructure between several organizations from a specific community. It may be managed internally byorganizations or by the third-party.

ExplanationExplanationCustomers must manage applications and data in PaaS.

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The main difference between an on-premise solution and a cloud-based solution is the distribution of responsibilities between the customer and the provider. With an on-premise solution, the customer has full control over the installation, configuration, maintenance, and security of the product, but also bears the costs and risks associated with it. With a cloud-based solution, the provider takes care of most of these aspects, while the customer pays a subscription fee and accesses the product over the internet. Therefore, when choosing between the two options, the customer must consider factors such as cost, scalability, performance, availability, security, compliance, and customization. For example, an on-premise solution may be preferred if the customer has strict security or regulatory requirements, or needs a high level of customization. A cloud-based solution may be preferred if the customer wants to reduce capital expenditure, or needs a flexible and scalable solution that can adapt to changing demands. References :=

Some possible references are:

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 1: Security Concepts, Lesson 1: Describing Information Security Concepts, Topic: Cloud Security
• 350-701 SCOR - Cisco, Exam Topics, 1.0 Security Concepts, 1.6 Compare and contrast the characteristics of a data center and the cloud
• Cloud vs. On-Premise Software Comparison

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An active/active FlexVPN configuration allows for multiple routers or VRFs to act as hubs for different VPN groups, providing load balancing and redundancy1. This is useful when the VPN deployment has a large number of spokes or different security policies for different groups of spokes. DMVPN, on the other hand, only supports a single hub or a pair of hubs in active/standby mode for each VPN group2. This limits the scalability and flexibility of DMVPN deployments. Therefore, an engineer would opt for an active/active FlexVPN configuration as opposed to DMVPN when multiple routers or VRFs are required. References :=

• Cisco FlexVPN: Benefits and Best Practices
• Cisco DMVPN Design Guide

ExplanationExplanationYou can also bring up the port by using these commands:+ The “shutdown” interface configuration command followed by the “no shutdown” interface configurationcommand restarts the disabled port.+ The “errdisable recovery cause …” global configuration command enables the timer to automatically recover error-disabled state, and the “errdisable recovery interval interval” global configuration command specifies the time to recover error-disabled state.

A Trojan malware attack is a type of malicious code or software that disguises itself as a legitimate program or file to trick users into executing it. Once executed, the Trojan can perform various harmful actions on the infected system or network, such as stealing data, deleting files, or installing other malware. There are different types of Trojan malware attacks, depending on their purpose and behavior. Two common types are:

• Rootkit: A rootkit is a type of Trojan that hides itself and other malware from detection and removal by antivirus software or system tools. A rootkit can modify the operating system or the firmware of the device to gain persistent and privileged access to the system. A rootkit can also intercept and manipulate system calls, network traffic, or user input to conceal its activities or redirect them to malicious servers.
• Backdoor: A backdoor is a type of Trojan that creates a secret or unauthorized access point to the infected system or network. A backdoor can allow an attacker to remotely control the system, execute commands, upload or download files, or monitor the system activity. A backdoor can also be used to install other malware or launch further attacks on other systems or networks.

References:

• [Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0], Module 1: Malware Threats, Lesson 1: Identifying Malware Threats, Topic: Trojan Horse
• What is a Trojan? Is it a virus or is it malware? - Norton™
• Trojan Horse Examples (2024): The 6 Worst Attacks Ever - SoftwareLab

ExplanationExplanationHow To Troubleshoot ISE Failed Authentications & AuthorizationsCheck the ISE Live LogsLogin to the primary ISE Policy Administration Node (PAN).Go to Operations > RADIUS > Live Logs(Optional) If the event is not present in the RADIUS Live Logs, go to Operations > Reports > Reports >Endpoints and Users > RADIUS AuthenticationsCheck for Any Failed Authentication Attempts in the Log

 The vulnerability that allows the attacker to see the passwords being transmitted in clear text is the lack of encryption on the VPN links. Encryption is a process of transforming data into an unreadable form, so that only authorized parties can access it. VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure tunnel between two or more devices over a public network, such as the Internet. VPN links should be encrypted to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, or spoofing of the data that passes through them. If the VPN links are not encrypted, an attacker can use a packet sniffer to intercept and read the data, including the passwords, that are sent over the network. This is called a sniffing attack, and it can lead to credential theft, identity spoofing, or data manipulation. Therefore, VPN links should always use strong encryption protocols, such as IPsec or SSL/TLS, to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data. References :=

Some possible references are:

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 - Cisco: This is the official course page for the SCOR 350-701 exam, which covers the topics of implementing and operating Cisco security core technologies. It provides the course objectives, outline, duration, and prerequisites. It also offers various learning options, such as instructor-led training, e-learning, and practice exams.
• SCOR 350-701 Official Cert Guide - Cisco Press: This is the official study guide for the SCOR 350-701 exam, written by Omar Santos, a principal engineer at Cisco’s Security Research and Operations group. It covers all the exam topics in depth, with explanations, examples, exercises, and practice questions. It also includes a companion website with online resources, such as videos, quizzes, flashcards, and more.
• Cleartext submission of password - PortSwigger: This is a web security article that explains the vulnerability of transmitting passwords over unencrypted connections, and how to exploit it using Burp Suite, a web application testing tool. It also provides some remediation advice, such as using HTTPS and HSTS to enforce encryption.
• What Are Sniffing Attacks, and How Can You Protect Yourself? - EC-Council: This is a blog post that describes what sniffing attacks are, how they work, and what are the common types and tools of sniffing attacks. It also provides some tips on how to prevent or detect sniffing attacks, such as using encryption, VPN, firewall, IDS, and anti-sniffing software.
• OWASP Application Security FAQ | OWASP Foundation: This is a frequently asked questions page about application security, maintained by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), a non-profit organization that promotes web security awareness and best practices. It covers various topics, such as authentication, authorization, session management, input validation, output encoding, cryptography, error handling, logging, and more.

3DES is a symmetric-key block cipher that applies the DES algorithm three times to each data block. It was developed to improve the security of DES, which has a small key size and is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. 3DES encrypts traffic by using three different keys, each 56 bits long, to perform three rounds of encryption on the plaintext. The encryption process can be described as follows:

• Encrypt the plaintext with the first key (K1).
• Decrypt the result with the second key (K2).
• Encrypt the result again with the third key (K3).

The final ciphertext is the output of the third encryption. The decryption process is the reverse of the encryption process, using the same keys in reverse order:

• Decrypt the ciphertext with the third key (K3).
• Encrypt the result with the second key (K2).
• Decrypt the result again with the first key (K1).

The final plaintext is the output of the third decryption. 3DES is more secure than DES because it uses a longer effective key length of 168 bits (56 x 3), which makes brute-force attacks more difficult. However, 3DES is also slower than DES because it requires three times more computations. Moreover, 3DES has some weaknesses, such as the meet-in-the-middle attack, which can reduce the effective key length to 112 bits. Therefore, 3DES is not recommended for new applications and has been deprecated by NIST since 201712

References := 1: NIST Special Publication 800-67 Revision 2 Recommendation for the Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (TDEA) Block Cipher 2: What is 3DES encryption and how does DES work? | Comparitech

Cisco AMP for Endpoints is a cloud-based endpoint security solution that provides advanced malware protection, threat detection and response, and endpoint isolation. It protects endpoint systems through application control and real-time scanning, which are two of its multifaceted prevention techniques. Application control allows administrators to define and enforce policies on which applications can run on the endpoints, while real-time scanning continuously monitors files and processes for malicious activity. These features help stop threats from compromising the endpoints and reduce the attack surface. Cisco Secure Endpoint (Formerly AMP for Endpoints) - CiscoMalware Protection - Cisco AMP Advanced Malware Protection References:

• Cisco Secure Endpoint (Formerly AMP for Endpoints) - Cisco
• Malware Protection - Cisco AMP Advanced Malware Protection
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.1: Cisco AMP for Endpoints, Topic 3.1.1: Introduction to Cisco AMP for Endpoints
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.1: Cisco AMP for Endpoints, Topic 3.1.2: Cisco AMP for Endpoints Architecture
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.1: Cisco AMP for Endpoints, Topic 3.1.3: Cisco AMP for Endpoints Features

ExplanationExplanationA Directory Harvest Attack (DHA) is a technique used by spammers to find valid/existent email addresses at a domain either by using Brute force or by guessing valid e-mail addresses at a domain using differentpermutations of common username. Its easy for attackers to get hold of a valid email address if yourorganization uses standard format for official e-mail alias (for example: jsmith@example.com). We canconfigure DHA Prevention to prevent malicious actors from quickly identifying valid recipients.Note: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is an Internet protocol that email programs use to look up contact information from a server, such as ClickMail Central Directory. For example, here’s an LDAP search translated into plain English: “Search for all people located in Chicago who’s name contains “Fred” that have an email address. Please return their full name, email, title, and description.

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ExplanationA posture policy is a collection of posture requirements, which are associated with one or more identity groups, and operating systems. We can configure ISE to check for the Windows patch at Work Centers > Posture > Posture Elements > Conditions > File.In this example, we are going to use the predefined file check to ensure that our Windows 10 clients have the critical security patch installed to prevent the Wanna Cry malware; and we can also configure ISE to update the client with this patch.

A passphrase is a type of protection that encrypts RSA keys when they are exported and imported. A passphrase is a sequence of characters that the user enters to decrypt the key. The passphrase acts as a symmetric key that is used to encrypt and decrypt the RSA key with a symmetric algorithm, such as AES. This way, the RSA key is protected from unauthorized access or tampering when it is transferred or stored. A passphrase can also provide additional security by adding entropy to the RSA key generation process. A file, NGE, and nonexportable are not types of protection that encrypt RSA keys when they are exported and imported. A file is a container that stores the RSA key, but does not encrypt it. NGE stands for Next Generation Encryption, which is a set of cryptographic standards and algorithms that Cisco recommends, but it is not a specific type of protection. Nonexportable is a property that prevents the RSA key from being exported at all, but it does not encrypt it. References: RSA/Schannel Key BLOBs, Common Encryption Types, Protocols and Algorithms Explained, Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 (Module 5: Implementing Secure Communications with VPNs, Lesson 5.1: Implementing Site-to-Site VPNs, Topic 5.1.2: Implementing Site-to-Site VPNs with Pre-Shared Keys)

ExplanationExplanationThere are three basic categories of attack:+ volume-based attacks, which use high traffic to inundate the network bandwidth+ protocol attacks, which focus on exploiting server resources+ application attacks, which focus on web applications and are considered the most sophisticated and serious type of attacks Reference:

ExplanationExplanationDevSecOps (development, security, and operations) is a concept used in recent years to describe how to movesecurity activities to the start of the development life cycle and have built-in security practices in the continuousintegration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline. Thus minimizing vulnerabilities and bringing security closerto IT and business objectives.Three key things make a real DevSecOps environment:+ Security testing is done by the development team.+ Issues found during that testing is managed by the development team.+ Fixing those issues stays within the development team.

ExplanationIn explicit proxy mode, users are configured to use a web proxy and the web traffic is sent directly to the Cisco WSA. In contrast, in transparent proxy mode the Cisco WSA intercepts user's web traffic redirected from other network devices, such as switches, routers, or firewalls.

Stateful failover means that the connection state information is replicated from the active ASA to the standby ASA, so that in the event of a failover, the connections are preserved and do not need to be reestablished. Stateless failover means that the connection state information is not replicated, so that in the event of a failover, the connections are dropped and need to be reestablished by the end hosts. Stateful failover provides a smoother transition and less disruption to the network traffic, while stateless failover is simpler and less resource-intensive. References:

• Failover for High Availability - Cisco
• Failover Types / ASA Failover Addresses / Failover Requirements | Cisco …

PFS stands for Perfect Forward Secrecy, which is a property of some cryptographic protocols that ensures that the compromise of a long-term key does not affect the security of past or future sessions. PFS provides the highest level of protection against brute-force attacks, because even if an attacker manages to break the long-term key, they cannot decrypt the previous or subsequent communications that use different session keys. PFS is achieved by using ephemeral or temporary keys that are derived from a Diffie-Hellman key exchange, and are not based on the long-term key. Therefore, each session has a unique and independent key that is not stored or reused. PFS is supported by some protocols such as TLS, SSH, and IPsec123. References := 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 4: Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower Next Generation IPS, Lesson 4.1: Deploying Cisco Firepower Next-Generation IPS, Topic 4.1.2: Cisco Firepower NGIPS Device Management 2: What is Perfect Forward Secrecy? | Baeldung on Computer Science4 3: Perfect Forward Secrecy - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics5

ExplanationExplanationTo configure an NTP enabled router to require authentication when other devices connect to it, use thefollowing commands:NTP_Server(config)#ntp authentication-key 2 md5 securitytutNTP_Server(config)#ntp authenticateNTP_Server(config)#ntp trusted-key 2Then you must configure the same authentication-key on the client router:NTP_Client(config)#ntp authentication-key 2 md5 securitytutNTP_Client(config)#ntp authenticateNTP_Client(config)#ntp trusted-key 2NTP_Client(config)#ntp server 10.10.10.1 key 2Note: To configure a Cisco device as a NTP client, use the command ntp server . For example:Router(config)#ntp server 10.10.10.1. This command will instruct the router to query 10.10.10.1 for the time.

Device compliance is the state of devices meeting the standards and regulations for the industry or organization. Device compliance policies define the rules and settings that users and devices must meet to be compliant, such as minimum operating systems, disk encryption, or Secure Boot. Device compliance policies can also include actions that apply to devices that are noncompliant, such as alerting users, blocking access, or wiping data. Device compliance policies can be integrated with Conditional Access, which can enforce attribute-driven policies based on the compliance status of the device. Attribute-driven policies are policies that use attributes of the device, user, or resource to determine the level of access or protection. For example, a policy can allow access to a resource only if the device is compliant, the user is in a certain group, and the resource is in a certain location. Attribute-driven policies provide more granular and flexible control over access and security than traditional policies based on roles or permissions. Therefore, the benefit of performing device compliance is providing attribute-driven policies, which is option D. References:

• Device compliance policies in Microsoft Intune
• Device Compliance settings for Windows 10/11 in Intune
• Device Compliance: What it is and why you should use it
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0

ExplanationExplanationCryptographic algorithms defined for use with IPsec include:+ HMAC-SHA1/SHA2 for integrity protection and authenticity.+ TripleDES-CBC for confidentiality+ AES-CBC and AES-CTR for confidentiality.+ AES-GCM and ChaCha20-Poly1305 providing confidentiality and authentication together efficiently.

 Cisco Firepower is a unified security solution that combines firewall, intrusion prevention system (IPS), advanced malware protection (AMP), and threat intelligence features. Cisco ASA is a traditional firewall that focuses on network traffic control based on packet filtering and stateful inspection. One of the key differences between Cisco Firepower and Cisco ASA is that Cisco Firepower natively provides intrusion prevention capabilities while Cisco ASA does not. Intrusion prevention is the process of detecting and blocking malicious network traffic before it reaches the intended target. Cisco Firepower uses a combination of signature-based and behavior-based detection methods to identify and stop known and unknown attacks. Cisco ASA, on the other hand, does not have built-in intrusion prevention capabilities. It can only perform basic packet inspection and filtering based on predefined rules. To enable intrusion prevention on Cisco ASA, an additional module called FirePOWER Services is required. This module integrates Cisco Firepower features into Cisco ASA, but it is not the same as Cisco Firepower itself. Cisco Firepower offers more advanced and integrated security features than Cisco ASA with FirePOWER Services123. References: 1: Cisco ASA vs Cisco Firepower | What are the differences? - StackShare 2: Cisco FTD vs ASA: Difference and Comparison 3: CISCO FIREPOWER VS. ASA - Critical Design

ExplanationThe command crypto isakmp key cisco address 1.2.3.4 authenticates the IP address of the 1.2.3.4 peer by using the key cisco. The address of “0.0.0.0” will authenticate any address with this key

ExplanationExplanationEach rule also has an action, which determines whether you monitor, trust, block, or allow matching traffic.Note: With action “trust”, Firepower does not do any more inspection on the traffic. There will be no intrusion protection and also no file-policy on this traffic.

DNS tunneling is a technique that exploits the DNS protocol to tunnel malware and other data through a client-server model. DNS tunneling can be used for data exfiltration, command and control, or IP-over-DNS tunneling. DNS tunneling works by encoding the information of other protocols or programs in DNS queries and responses. An attacker registers a domain, such as badsite.com, and sets up a malicious DNS server that can interpret the encoded data. The attacker then infects a client with malware that can send and receive DNS queries to the attacker’s domain. The malware can use DNS queries to request commands from the attacker, or to send sensitive data to the attacker. The DNS queries and responses look like normal DNS traffic, but they contain hidden data that can bypass network defenses123. References := 1: What Is DNS Tunneling? - Palo Alto Networks 2: What is DNS Tunneling? - Check Point Software 3: What Is DNS Tunneling and How to Detect and Prevent Attacks

 Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a solution that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, such as an application, online account, or a VPN. MFA is more secure than the traditional use of a username and password because it reduces the risk of identity theft, phishing, and credential compromise. MFA can use different types of factors, such as something the user knows (e.g., password, PIN), something the user has (e.g., smartphone, token, smart card), or something the user is (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition). MFA can be implemented using various methods, such as security defaults, Conditional Access policies, or third-party solutions123. References:

Web usage controls are a feature of Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) that allow administrators to define and enforce policies for web access based on URL categories. URL categories are groups of websites that share a common theme or content, such as news, sports, entertainment, etc. Cisco WSA uses the Cisco Dynamic Content Analysis Engine and the Talos Security Intelligence and Research Group to provide accurate and up-to-date URL categorization. Administrators can use the web usage controls to allow, block, warn, or monitor web requests based on the URL category of the destination website. They can also create custom URL categories to include or exclude specific domains or URLs from the predefined categories. Web usage controls help administrators to control web traffic, enhance security, improve productivity, and comply with regulatory and organizational requirements. References :=

Some possible references are:

• Web Usage Controls - Cisco Web Security Appliance User Guide, Cisco
• Cisco Web Usage Control Filtering Categories Data Sheet, Cisco
• Define Custom URL Categories in WSA, Cisco

Explanation m_ise_interoperability_mdm.html

Cisco Secure Workload (formerly Tetration) is a solution that provides visibility, segmentation, and security for cloud applications. It can monitor application communications, detect abnormal application behavior, and identify vulnerabilities within the applications. Cisco Secure Workload can also enforce granular policies to control the traffic between applications and prevent unauthorized access. References: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 6: Cloud and Content Security, Lesson 6.2: Cisco Cloud Security Solutions, Topic 6.2.2: Cisco Secure Workload

Talos Intelligence is a comprehensive threat intelligence service that provides up-to-date information on URL filtering, reputations, and vulnerability information. Talos Intelligence can be integrated with Cisco FTD and Cisco WSA to enhance the security and visibility of the network. Cisco FTD and Cisco WSA can leverage the Talos Intelligence feeds to perform Security Intelligence filtering, which allows the devices to block or allow traffic based on the reputation of the source or destination IP addresses, URLs, or DNS requests. Talos Intelligence feeds are updated regularly and can be configured to download automatically or manually on the FTD and WSA devices12345. References := 1: Cisco Talos Intelligence Group - Comprehensive Threat Intelligence 2: Threat Intelligence on Cisco Stealthwatch - Cisco Community 3: Third-Party Integration of Security Feeds with FMC (Cisco Threat … - Cisco Community 4: Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Configuration Guide for Firepower Device … 5: Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Configuration Guide for Firepower Device …

NetFlow is a Cisco IOS application that provides statistics on packets flowing through the router. NetFlow is based on 7 key fields that identify a flow, such as source and destination IP addresses, source and destination port numbers, layer 3 protocol type, ToS byte, and input logical interface. To enable NetFlow on a router, IP routing must be configured first, because NetFlow relies on IP addresses to classify and monitor traffic. SNMPv3, syslog, and VRF are not required for NetFlow configuration, although they can be used for other purposes such as network management, logging, and virtualization. References:

• Getting Started with Configuring Cisco IOS NetFlow and NetFlow Data Export (Section: NetFlow Data Capture)
• How to configure NetFlow on Cisco routers (Section: Enable NetFlow)
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 (Module 5.1.1)

 File discovery is a feature of Cisco AMP that allows the engineering team to search for files across all endpoints in the network based on their SHA-256 hashes. File discovery can help identify whether a file is installed on a selected few workstations, and also provide information such as file name, path, size, date, and disposition. File discovery can be used to locate malicious files, unauthorized software, or sensitive data on the endpoints. File discovery can be accessed from the Outbreak Control menu in the AMP console1. References: 

The threat intelligence standard that contains malware hashes is trusted automated exchange of indicator information (TAXII). TAXII is a protocol that enables the exchange of cyber threat information in a standardized and automated manner. It supports various types of threat intelligence, such as indicators of compromise (IOCs), observables, incidents, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and campaigns. Malware hashes are one example of IOCs that can be shared using TAXII. Malware hashes are cryptographic signatures that uniquely identify malicious files or programs. They can be used to detect and block malware infections on endpoints or networks. TAXII uses STIX (structured threat information expression) as the data format for representing threat intelligence. STIX is a language that defines a common vocabulary and structure for describing cyber threat information. STIX allows threat intelligence producers and consumers to share information in a consistent and interoperable way. STIX defines various objects and properties that can be used to represent different aspects of cyber threat information, such as indicators, observables, incidents, TTPs, campaigns, threat actors, courses of action, and relationships. Malware hashes can be expressed as observables in STIX, which are concrete items or events that are observable in the operational domain. Observables can have various types, such as file, process, registry key, URL, IP address, domain name, etc. Each observable type has a set of attributes that describe its properties. For example, a file observable can have attributes such as name, size, type, hashes, magic number, etc. A hash attribute can have a type (such as MD5, SHA1, SHA256, etc.) and a value (such as the hexadecimal representation of the hash). A file observable can have one or more hash attributes to represent different hashing algorithms applied to the same file. For example, a file observable can have both MD5 and SHA256 hashes to increase the confidence and accuracy of identifying the file.

The other options are incorrect because they are not threat intelligence standards that contain malware hashes. Option A is incorrect because advanced persistent threat (APT) is not a standard, but a term that describes a stealthy and sophisticated cyberattack that aims to compromise and maintain access to a target network or system over a long period of time. Option B is incorrect because open command and control (OpenC2) is not a standard that contains malware hashes, but a language that enables the command and control of cyber defense components, such as sensors, actuators, and orchestrators. Option C is incorrect because structured threat information expression (STIX) is not a standard that contains malware hashes, but a data format that represents threat intelligence. STIX uses TAXII as the transport protocol for exchanging threat intelligence, including malware hashes. References:

• TAXII
• STIX
• Malware Hashes

Northbound APIs are the link between the applications and the SDN controller. The applications can tell the network what they need (data, storage, bandwidth, and so on) and the network can deliver those resources, or communicate what it has. These APIs support a wide variety of applications, such as load balancers, firewalls, orchestration platforms, and automation stacks. Northbound APIs also enable the applications to use the controller’s capabilities to program flows into the network devices using the southbound interface. Northbound APIs are usually RESTful APIs that use HTTP methods to exchange data in JSON or XML formats12.

OpenFlow is not a northbound API protocol, but a southbound API protocol that defines the communication between the SDN controller and the network switches or routers. OpenFlow allows the controller to manipulate the forwarding behavior of the switches or routers by sending commands and receiving events3 .

NETCONF is not a northbound API protocol, but a network management protocol that can be used as a southbound API protocol to configure and monitor network devices. NETCONF uses XML to encode data and remote procedure calls (RPCs) to exchange messages between the controller and the network devices . References := 1: What are SDN Northbound APIs (and SDN Rest APIs)? - SDxCentral 2: SDN North-bound and South-bound APIs and Interfaces 3: OpenFlow - Wikipedia : OpenFlow - SDxCentral : NETCONF - Wikipedia : NETCONF Protocol - Cisco

Learn more1

sdxcentral.com2

computernetworkingnotes.com3

examguides.com

The function of the crypto is a kmp key cisc406397954 address 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 command when establishing an IPsec VPN tunnel is to configure the pre-shared authentication key. This command specifies the key that will be used to authenticate the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) phase 1 negotiation between the IPsec peers. The key is associated with the address 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0, which means that it will apply to any peer that initiates or responds to the IKE negotiation. This is a common configuration for dynamic IPsec VPN scenarios, such as Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) or Easy VPN, where the IP addresses of the peers are not known in advance. However, this is also a less secure configuration, as it exposes the VPN server to potential brute-force attacks from any source. A more secure configuration would be to specify the exact IP address or subnet of the peer, or to use certificates instead of pre-shared keys.

References:

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 4: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 2: Site-to-Site VPNs, Topic: IPsec VPN Configuration
• Cisco IOS Security Configuration Guide: Securing User Services, Release 12.4 - Configuring Internet Key Exchange for IPsec VPNs [Support] - Cisco, Configuring IKE Policies, Step 3: crypto isakmp key keystring [address | hostname] [mask | no-xauth] [netmask mask]

To block all subdomains of domain.com, the administrator should configure the domain.com address in the block list. This is because Umbrella automatically applies a left side and right side wildcard to every domain in a block or allow destination list. Therefore, adding domain.com to a block list will result in requests to domain.com or its subdomains, such as being blocked. Adding a wildcard character (*) is not supported and will not work. Adding the *.com address in the block list will block all domains that end with .com, which is not the desired outcome.  References:

• Understanding Destination lists supported entries and error messages
• Wildcards and Destination Lists

Cisco ISE is a platform that can onboard the endpoint and can issue a CA signed certificate while also automatically configuring endpoint network settings to use the signed endpoint certificate, allowing the endpoint to gain network access. Cisco ISE has an internal CA service that can validate and sign certificate requests from endpoints, generate and store keys and certificates, and provide an OCSP responder to check the validity of certificates. Cisco ISE also supports Enrollment over Secure Transport (EST), which is a protocol that allows endpoints to securely enroll with a CA and obtain certificates. Cisco ISE can use EST to provision certificates to endpoints and configure their network settings to use EAP-TLS authentication. Cisco ISE can also use BYOD workflows to onboard endpoints and issue certificates to them. References:

• Understand ISE Internal Certificate Authority Services
• Endpoint On-boarding using Internal ISE CA
• Cisco ISE BYOD Prescriptive Deployment Guide

To create an access control list (ACL) on a Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) firewall, you need to use the access-list command followed by the name of the ACL, the action (permit or deny), the protocol, the source address and mask, and the destination address and mask. For example, to permit HTTP traffic from the inside network 192.168.1.0/24 to any destination on the internet, you can use this command:

access-list inside_access_in permit tcp 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 any eq www

This command creates an ACL named inside_access_in that permits TCP traffic from the source network 192.168.1.0/24 to any destination with the destination port equal to 80 (www). The eq keyword is used to specify the port number or name. You can also use the range keyword to specify a range of ports.

To apply the ACL to an interface, you need to use the access-group command followed by the name of the ACL and the direction (in or out). For example, to apply the ACL to the inside interface in the inbound direction, you can use this command:

access-group inside_access_in in interface inside

This command applies the ACL inside_access_in to the interface named inside in the inbound direction. This means that the ACL will filter the traffic that enters the firewall through the inside interface.

Option D is the only option that matches the syntax of the access-list command for the ASA firewall. Option A is incorrect because it uses the ip keyword instead of the tcp keyword. Option B is incorrect because it uses the any keyword for both the source and destination addresses. Option C is incorrect because it uses the host keyword for the source address, which is not valid for a network address.

References:

• Configure ASA Access Control List for Various Scenarios
• Cisco ASA Access Lists Concepts and Configuration
• How to Configure Access Control Lists (ACL) on Cisco ASA 5500 Firewalls

Southbound APIs are used to communicate between the SDN Controller and the switches and routers of the network. They can be open-source or proprietary. They facilitate control over the network and enable the SDN Controller to dynamically make changes according to real-time demands and needs. OpenFlow and OpFlex are two examples of southbound APIs. OpenFlow, which was developed by the Open Networking Foundation (ONF), is the first and probably most well-known southbound interface. OpenFlow defines the way the SDN Controller should interact with the forwarding plane to make adjustments to the network, so it can better adapt to changing business requirements. With OpenFlow, entries can be added and removed to the internal flow-table of switches and routers to make the network more responsive to real-time traffic demands. OpFlex, which was proposed by Cisco, is another southbound interface that uses a declarative model to communicate policies and state between the controller and the network devices. OpFlex allows the network devices to retain some intelligence and autonomy, while still being managed by the controller. OpFlex is designed to be flexible and extensible, and can support different types of network devices and services. Services running over the network, external application APIs, and applications running over the network are not southbound APIs, as they do not directly communicate between the controller and the network devices. Therefore, the correct answer is B and E. References :=

Some possible references are:

• What are SDN Southbound APIs? - Where they are used. - SDxCentral
• SDN North-bound and South-bound APIs and Interfaces
• Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure Fundamentals

DHCP option 82 is a feature that allows the network access device (NAD) to insert additional information into the DHCP request packet from the endpoint. This information can include the switch ID, port number, VLAN ID, and other attributes that can help Cisco ISE to identify and profile the endpoint. Cisco ISE can use DHCP option 82 to assign the endpoint to the appropriate identity group, policy, and authorization profile. DHCP option 82 is also useful to prevent rogue DHCP servers from assigning IP addresses to endpoints, as Cisco ISE can verify the legitimacy of the DHCP request based on the option 82 data. To use DHCP option 82, the NAD must be configured to enable this feature and send the option 82 data to Cisco ISE. Cisco ISE must also be configured to accept and parse the option 82 data from the NAD. For more details on how to configure DHCP option 82 on Cisco ISE and NAD, see the references below. References:

• Configuring the DHCP Probe
• Securing Your Network From DHCP Risks
• Can we use ISE as DHCP/DNS server to prevent guest traffic using …

Northbound and southbound APIs are two types of interfaces that enable communication between different layers of the SDN architecture. Northbound APIs relay information between the controller and the applications or policy engines, while southbound APIs relay information between the controller and the network devices.

Northbound APIs allow applications to request network services or resources from the controller, such as bandwidth, latency, security, or routing. The controller then translates these requests into network configurations and applies them to the network devices via the southbound APIs. Northbound APIs typically use RESTful API methods such as GET, POST, and DELETE to communicate with the controller.

Southbound APIs allow the controller to program the network devices to perform forwarding and other functions. The controller can use different protocols or standards to communicate with the network devices, depending on their capabilities and vendor-specific features. Some common examples of southbound APIs are CLI, SNMP, RESTCONF, NETCONF, OpenFlow, and OpFlex.

References:

• Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Definition - Cisco
• Software-Defined Networking Security and Network … - Cisco Press
• Cisco SDN – Software Defined Networking Explained - Study-CCNA
• SDN Network - Cisco Community

A mobile device management (MDM) solution is a software tool that helps organizations manage, secure, and monitor mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Some of the benefits of using an MDM solution are:

• A. grants administrators a way to remotely wipe a lost or stolen device: This feature allows administrators to erase all the data and settings on a device that is lost or stolen, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. This can also help comply with data protection regulations and policies12
• E. allows for centralized management of endpoint device applications and configurations: This feature enables administrators to control the applications and settings on the devices, such as enforcing security policies, installing or updating software, configuring network access, and restricting device features. This can help improve productivity, performance, and compliance of the devices13

Other benefits of using an MDM solution are:

• B. provides simple and streamlined login experience for multiple applications and users: This feature allows users to access multiple applications and services with a single sign-on (SSO) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanism, reducing the hassle of remembering and entering multiple credentials. This can also enhance security and user satisfaction4
• C. native integration that helps secure applications across multiple cloud platforms or on-premises environments: This feature allows applications to leverage the native security features of the devices, such as encryption, biometric authentication, and device attestation. This can also help protect the applications from malware, tampering, and data breaches across different environments.
• D. encrypts data that is stored on endpoints: This feature allows data to be encrypted at rest and in transit on the devices, preventing unauthorized access or interception of the data. This can also help comply with data protection regulations and policies.

References := 1: Mobile Device Management (MDM): What is MDM & why do Businesses need it? - Business Tech Weekly 2: Top 10 Benefits of Mobile Device Management (MDM) - TechFunnel 3: What are the Benefits of Mobile Device Management? - knowledgenile 4: Mobile Device Management (MDM) - Cisco : Mobile Application Management (MAM) - Cisco : Mobile Device Security - Cisco

ExplanationAn example of configuring a NetFlow exporter is shown below:flow exporter Exporterdestination 192.168.100.22transport udp 2055

To route inbound email to Cisco Cloud Email Security (CES), the engineer must modify the MX record of the domain to point to the CES hostname or IP address. The MX record is a DNS record that specifies the mail server responsible for accepting email messages on behalf of a domain name. By changing the MX record, the engineer can direct all incoming email traffic to the CES gateway, where it can be filtered and scanned for threats before being delivered to the Microsoft Office 365 mailboxes. The other options are not relevant for this task. A CNAME record is a DNS record that maps an alias name to a canonical name. An SPF record is a DNS record that identifies the authorized senders of email for a domain. A DKIM record is a DNS record that contains a public key for verifying the digital signature of email messages sent from a domain. References :=

Some possible references for this question are:

• Configure Microsoft 365 with Secure Email
• Configure Microsoft 365 with Secure Email - More
• [Cisco Cloud Email Security - Configuration Guide]

The cause of this issue is that NTP authentication is not enabled on the router. The commands shown in the exhibit only define the authentication key and mark it as trusted, but they do not enable NTP authentication globally or on a per-peer basis. To enable NTP authentication globally, the command ntp authenticate must be used. To enable NTP authentication on a per-peer basis, the command ntp server ip-address key key-id or ntp peer ip-address key key-id must be used, where key-id is the same as the one defined by the ntp authentication-key command. Without enabling NTP authentication, any device can synchronize time with this router, regardless of whether it has the same authentication key or not.

The other options are incorrect because:

• The key was configured in plain text, but this is not the cause of the issue. Although it is recommended to use the ntp authentication-key key-id md5 key [encrypted] command to encrypt the key, using plain text does not prevent NTP authentication from working, as long as the same key is configured on both the router and the peer.
• The hashing algorithm that was used was MD5, which is supported by NTP. MD5 is the default algorithm for NTP authentication and it can be used with any key length from 1 to 16 characters. Other algorithms, such as SHA and SHA1, are also supported by NTP if the OpenSSL library is installed, but they are not required for NTP authentication to work.
• The router was not rebooted after the NTP configuration updated, but this is not necessary for NTP authentication to take effect. NTP authentication is applied immediately after the configuration commands are entered, and no reboot is required.

References:

• Configuring NTP
• Authentication Support
• NTP Authentication Explained

accomplish the task is to install and configure the Cisco DUO Authentication Proxy and configure the identity source sequence within Cisco ISE. This will allow the engineer to integrate Cisco ISE with Cisco DUO for TACACS+ device administration using Active Directory as the primary authentication source and Cisco DUO as the secondary authentication source for multi-factor authentication (MFA). The steps to configure this solution are as follows12:

• Install and configure the Cisco DUO Authentication Proxy on a Windows or Linux machine. The proxy will act as a RADIUS server that communicates with Cisco ISE and a RADIUS client that communicates with Cisco DUO cloud. The proxy will also connect to Active Directory for the primary authentication of the users.
• Configure the proxy by editing the authproxy.cfg file. The file should include the following sections:
• Restart the proxy service after saving the authproxy.cfg file.
• Configure Cisco ISE as a TACACS+ server and add the proxy as an external RADIUS server. The steps are as follows:
• Configure the network devices to use TACACS+ for device administration and specify Cisco ISE as the TACACS+ server and the proxy as the RADIUS server. The configuration commands may vary depending on the device type and model, but the general syntax is as follows:
• aaa new-model
• aaa authentication login default group tacacs+ local
• aaa authorization exec default group tacacs+ local
• aaa accounting exec default start-stop group tacacs+
• tacacs server ISE
• address ipv4
• key
• radius server DUO
• address ipv4 auth-port
• key
• Test the solution by logging into the network devices using Active Directory credentials. The user should receive a Cisco DUO prompt for the second factor authentication, such as a push notification, a phone call, or a passcode. After approving the second factor authentication, the user should be granted access to the device with the appropriate privileges based on the TACACS profile and the Active Directory attributes.

References := 1: Duo MFA Integration with ISE for TACACS+ Device Administration with Microsoft Active Directory Users - Cisco Community 2: Protecting Access to Network devices with ISE TACACS+ and DUO MFA - Cisco Community

The Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) posture module provides several actions that ensure endpoint security. Two of these actions are:

• Assignments to endpoint groups are made dynamically, based on endpoint attributes. This means that ISE can assign endpoints to different identity groups or roles, depending on the results of the posture assessment. For example, ISE can assign an endpoint to a compliant group if it meets all the posture requirements, or to a quarantine group if it fails the posture assessment. This allows ISE to enforce granular access policies based on the endpoint’s posture status and attributes, such as operating system, device type, location, etc.
• The latest antivirus updates are applied before access is allowed. This means that ISE can check if the endpoint has the most recent antivirus definitions installed, and if not, it can remediate the endpoint by applying the latest updates. This ensures that the endpoint is protected from the latest malware threats and vulnerabilities, and reduces the risk of infection and compromise.

References:

• Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 2.2, Configure Client Posture Policies
• Configuring Posture Policies, Antivirus Compound Condition
• Which two actions does the Cisco Identity Services Engine posture module provide that ensures endpoint security?

Mobile device management (MDM) is a solution that allows organizations to manage and secure mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. MDM can provide two security benefits:

• Robust security policy enforcement: MDM can enforce strong security practices and hygiene by defining unified settings that can be applied across your fleet. This centralized software ensures all devices are continuously staying in compliance. For example, MDM can configure settings like full-disk encryption, screen locks, password policies, device restrictions, VPN, firewall, antivirus, and more. MDM can also prevent unwanted or risky software from being installed, and remotely lock or wipe devices if they are lost, stolen, or compromised1.
• Privacy control checks: MDM can help organizations stay compliant with privacy regulations and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. MDM can segment personal and corporate data on devices, and selectively wipe only corporate data when needed. MDM can also monitor device usage and location, and alert administrators of any suspicious or anomalous behavior. MDM can also provide secure containers for sensitive documents and content, and encrypt data in transit and at rest23.

References:

• 1: 5 benefits of implementing a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform - CyberOne
• 2: Top Six Benefits of Mobile Device Management - N-able
• 3: Mobile device management 101: Why it matters and how to deploy - Vanta
• 4: MDM and security: here is everything you should know - Blog Appaloosa

Microsegmentation is a network security technique that enables security architects to logically divide the data center or cloud environment into distinct security segments down to the individual workload level, and then define security controls and deliver services for each unique segment. Microsegmentation software with network virtualization technology is used to create zones in cloud deployments. These granular secure zones isolate workloads, securing them individually with custom, workload-specific policies. Microsegmentation uses a zero-trust model, which means that no traffic is allowed by default, and only explicitly authorized traffic is permitted based on the principle of least privilege. Microsegmentation helps to reduce the attack surface, prevent the lateral movement of threats, and strengthen regulatory compliance. The other options are incorrect because they do not describe microsegmentation accurately. Option B is incorrect because container orchestration platforms, such as Kubernetes, are used to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications, but they do not provide microsegmentation by themselves. Option C is incorrect because private VLAN segmentation is a network security technique that isolates hosts within the same VLAN, but it does not provide granular security controls at the workload level. Option D is incorrect because host-based firewall rules are one of the components of microsegmentation, but they are not sufficient to implement microsegmentation without network virtualization and policy automation. References : What Is Microsegmentation? - Palo Alto Networks, What Is Micro-Segmentation? - Cisco, What is Micro-Segmentation? | VMware Glossary

 To configure a flow-export action on a Cisco ASA, you need to use the flow-export event-type command and the policy-map command. The flow-export event-type command specifies the type of events that trigger the export of NetFlow Security Event Logging (NSEL) records to a collector. The policy-map command creates or modifies a policy map that can be applied to one or more interfaces to specify a service policy. A service policy consists of a traffic class and one or more actions to be applied to the traffic class. One of the actions can be a flow-export action that matches the NSEL events and sends them to a collector. The other commands are not required for configuring a flow-export action. The access-list command creates or modifies an access list that can be used to filter traffic or match traffic classes, but it is not mandatory for a flow-export action. The flow-export template timeout-rate command specifies how often the ASA sends the template to the collector, but it is not part of the flow-export action configuration. The access-group command applies an access list to an interface, but it is not related to the flow-export action. References:

• Cisco ASA 5500 Series Configuration Guide using the CLI, 8.4 and 8.6 - Configuring Network Secure Event Logging (NSEL)
• Solved: Flow-Export problem - Cisco Community
• How to configure NetFlow on Cisco ASA firewalls - Auvik Support
• Configuring Cisco’s ASA for NSEL Export to the StealthWatch System

 PAC files are scripts that tell web browsers how to use proxies on the network. They use if-else statements to determine whether to use a proxy or a direct connection for traffic between the PC and the host, based on criteria such as the destination URL, the source IP address, or the network subnet12. The WSA can host PAC files on port 9001 by default, and this port can be changed in the PAC file hosting settings2. If the WSA host port is changed, the default port does not redirect web traffic to the correct port automatically; the browser needs to point to the new port in the PAC file URL2. The WSA does not host PAC files on port 6001 by default2. PAC files do not direct traffic through a proxy when the PC and the host are on the same subnet by default; this behavior depends on the PAC file logic12. References:

• PAC file format
• PAC file hosting on WSA

Cisco ISE and pxGrid use the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) standards to integrate with each other and with other interoperable security platforms. IETF is an open, international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers who produce voluntary standards for the Internet. Cisco pxGrid is based on the IETF standards-track XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) and RESTCONF (Representational State Transfer Configuration Protocol) technologies. These standards enable Cisco pxGrid to provide a scalable, secure, and open data-sharing platform that supports multiple security products and services. Cisco ISE uses the IETF standards-track RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) and TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus) protocols to provide network access control and policy enforcement. Cisco ISE also supports the IETF standards-track SXP (Security Group Tag eXchange Protocol) to propagate security group tags across the network. By using the IETF standards, Cisco ISE and pxGrid can interoperate with other security platforms that support the same standards, such as Infoblox, Splunk, Rapid7, and more. References:

• Cisco pxGrid - Cisco
• ISE pxGrid General Information & FAQ - Cisco Community
• How To: Integrate Cisco WSA using ISE and TrustSec via pxGrid
• Infoblox DDI, Cisco ISE, and the pxGrid Solution Platform

Explanation"configure INTRUSION RULES for DNP3" -> Documentation states, that enabling INTRUSION RULES is mandatory for CIP to work + required preprocessors (in Network Access Policy - NAP) will be enabled automatically:

"If you want the CIP preprocessor rules listed in the following table to generate events, you MUST enable them. See Setting Intrusion Rule States for information on enabling rules."

"If the Modbus, DNP3, or CIP preprocessor is disabled, and you enable and deploy an intrusion rule that requires one of these preprocessors, the system automatically uses the required preprocessor, with its current settings, although the preprocessor remains disabled in the web interface for the corresponding network analysis policy."

[1]

to configure GigabitEthernet0/1 as promiscuous port, GigabitEthernet0/2 as isolated port and GigabitEthernet0/3 and GrgabitEthernet0/4 as community ports. This way, the default gateway can communicate with all servers, the isolated port can only communicate with the promiscuous port, and the community ports can communicate with each other and the promiscuous port. This prevents the file server from communicating with the DNS servers, as required by the question.

To understand the concept of private VLANs and port types, you can refer to the following sections of the source book:

• Section 1.1.2: Describe the concepts of network security
• Section 1.1.2.1: Describe the concepts of private VLANs
• Section 1.1.2.2: Describe the concepts of port types
• Section 1.1.2.3: Describe the concepts of PVLAN edge
• Section 1.1.2.4: Describe the concepts of protected ports
• Section 1.1.2.5: Describe the concepts of PVLAN configuration

References:

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0
• Private VLAN - GeeksforGeeks
• A quick summarized view to Private VLAN (PVLAN) - Cisco Learning Network

Dual-SSID BYOD is the term for when an endpoint is associated to a provisioning WLAN that is shared with guest access, and the same guest portal is used as the BYOD portal. This flow is a unique capability of ISE where the user does not have to log in twice, as ISE can take the user information from the 802.1X session and direct the user to the BYOD flow. Once the endpoint is onboarded, it is reconnected to the secured WLAN for full network access. This flow is different from single-SSID BYOD, where the endpoint associates to a secure WLAN, gets onboarded, and then reconnects to the same WLAN12. References: 1: ISE BYOD: Dual vs. Single SSID Onboarding - Cisco Community 2: Cisco ISE BYOD Prescriptive Deployment Guide - Cisco Community

Intra-EPG Isolation is an option to prevent physical or virtual endpoint devices that are in the same base EPG or microsegmented (uSeg) EPG from communicating with each other. By default, endpoint devices included in the same EPG are allowed to communicate with one another.

 TAXII, short for Trusted Automated eXchange of Intelligence Information, is a protocol that defines how cyber threat information can be shared via services and message exchanges. It is designed specifically to support STIX information, which is a standardized language for expressing and exchanging cyber threat information. TAXII enables organizations to share STIX information by defining an API that aligns with common sharing models, such as hub and spoke, source/subscriber, and peer-to-peer. TAXII also defines four services that allow users to discover, manage, receive, and request STIX information. Therefore, TAXII supports STIX information and determines how threat intelligence information is relayed. TAXII does not determine the “what” of threat intelligence, as that is the role of STIX. TAXII does not allow users to describe threat motivations and abilities, as that is also part of STIX. TAXII does not exchange trusted anomaly intelligence information, as that is a specific type of threat intelligence that may or may not be represented in STIX. References:

• What are STIX/TAXII Standards I Resources I Anomali
• Cyber Threat Intelligence Technical Committee - GitHub Pages

Patching helps to mitigate vulnerabilities by applying fixes or updates to software or firmware that have known security flaws. Vulnerabilities can be exploited by cybercriminals to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the IT systems and data. Patching endpoints consistently reduces the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches by closing the gaps that attackers can use to gain unauthorized access or cause damage. Patching also improves the performance and functionality of the IT systems by addressing bugs or errors12.

Option B is the correct answer, as it explains the main benefit of patching endpoints consistently. Option A is incorrect, as patching does not necessarily reduce the attack surface of the infrastructure, which is the total number of possible entry points for an attacker. Patching only addresses the existing vulnerabilities in the software or firmware, but does not eliminate the attack surface itself. Option C is incorrect, as patching is not always required per the vendor contract, although some vendors may provide support or incentives for patching. Option D is incorrect, as patching does not allow for creating a honeypot, which is a decoy system that is intentionally left vulnerable to lure and trap attackers. References: Patch Management Overview, Challenges, and Recommendations. Patch Management Explained: Challenges, Best Practices & Steps.

The correct command to log all events to a destination collector is flow-export event-type all destination 209.165.201.10. This command configures a flow-export action that sends all NSEL events to the specified IP address. NSEL events include flow-create, flow-teardown, flow-denied, and flow-update events. The command must be entered in the policy-map class configuration mode, after defining a policy-map and a class-map that match the traffic and event type. The other commands are incorrect because they either specify the wrong event type (flow-update instead of all) or the wrong destination IP address (209.165.201 instead of 209.165.201.10). References :=

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 5: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 5.2: DNS Security
• Cisco Secure Firewall ASA NetFlow Implementation Guide
• Configuring Cisco ASA for NetFlow Export via CLI – Plixer

MDM stands for Mobile Device Management, which is a system that performs compliance checks and remote wiping on mobile devices. MDM allows administrators to enforce security policies, monitor device status, and remotely manage devices in case of loss, theft, or compromise. MDM can also integrate with other Cisco security solutions, such as ISE, AMP, and Umbrella, to provide enhanced protection and visibility for mobile devices. References:

• Mobile Device Management (MDM) - Cisco
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) - Module 5: Secure Network Access

Posture assessment is a feature of Cisco ISE that allows you to check the compliance of endpoints with corporate security policies before allowing them to access the network1. Posture assessment can detect missing patches on endpoints and help with remediation by applying the appropriate posture policy and requirement2. Posture assessment can also check for the presence and status of security software, such as antivirus, antispyware, firewall, and so on3. Posture assessment is one of the core security technologies covered in the Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) course4, which prepares you for the Cisco CCNP Security and CCIE Security certifications and for senior-level security roles. References: 1: Posture Service 2: Configure Posture Policies 3: Posture Conditions 4: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0

Diagram Description automatically generated

In XSS, an attacker will try to inject his malicious code (usually malicious links) into a database. When other users follow his links, their web browsers are redirected to websites where attackers can steal data from them. In a SQL Injection, an attacker will try to inject SQL code (via his browser) into forms, cookies, or HTTP headers that do not use data sanitizing or validation methods of GET/POST parameters.

The process of performing automated static and dynamic analysis of files against preloaded behavioral indicators for threat analysis is called advanced sandboxing. Advanced sandboxing is a feature of Cisco Secure Malware Analytics (Threat Grid), which is a cloud-based or on-premises solution that analyzes the behavior of suspicious files and URLs. Advanced sandboxing uses a combination of static and dynamic analysis techniques to examine the files against more than 700 behavioral indicators, such as registry changes, network connections, file modifications, and process injections. These indicators help to uncover stealthy and sophisticated threats, and provide the security team with detailed reports and actionable intelligence. Advanced sandboxing also integrates with other Cisco security products, such as AMP, Firepower, and Email Security, to provide comprehensive malware protection across the network. Advanced sandboxing is different from other options, such as deep visibility scan, point-in-time checks, and advanced scanning, which are not specific processes or features of Cisco Secure Malware Analytics. Deep visibility scan is a generic term that refers to the ability to inspect network traffic and files for malicious activity. Point-in-time checks are periodic scans that detect malware at a specific moment, but do not provide continuous analysis or retrospective security. Advanced scanning is also a generic term that can refer to any scanning technique that goes beyond basic signature-based detection, such as heuristic analysis, machine learning, or behavioral analysis. References :=

Some possible references are:

• Cisco Secure Malware Analytics (Threat Grid)
• Malware Protection - Cisco AMP Advanced Malware Protection
• Cisco Secure Malware Analytics Data Sheet

SHA-2 is a family of hash functions that includes SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512. SHA-2 is part of the Next Generation Encryption (NGE) suite of cryptographic algorithms that Cisco recommends for strong security and good performance. SHA-2 is believed to be quantum-computer resistant, meaning that it would not be easily broken by a hypothetical quantum-computer. SHA-2 is also more secure than older hash functions such as MD5 and SHA-1, which have been shown to have weaknesses and collisions. SHA-2 is widely used in various protocols and functions, such as digital signatures, integrity verification, and key derivation. References: 1

DNS tunneling is a technique that encodes data of other programs and protocols in DNS queries, including data payloads that can be used to control a remote server and applications1. DNS exfiltration is a form of DNS tunneling that allows attackers to extract data from a compromised system by sending encoded DNS requests to a domain under their control2. The direction of the data transfer in DNS exfiltration is outbound, meaning from the victim’s network to the attacker’s network. This is different from inbound, which means from the attacker’s network to the victim’s network, or north-south and east-west, which are terms used to describe the traffic flow between different network segments or zones3. Outbound DNS requests are often allowed by default in many firewalls and network devices, making them an attractive channel for data exfiltration4. However, DNS exfiltration can be detected and prevented by using security solutions that monitor and analyze DNS traffic for anomalies and malicious patterns5.

References: 1: Improvements to DNS Tunneling & Exfiltration Detection - Cisco Umbrella 2: DNS Exfiltration & Tunneling: How it Works & DNSteal Demo Setup 3: What Is DNS Tunneling? - Palo Alto Networks 4: DNS Data Exfiltration and DNS Tunneling | Vercara 5: DNS Exfiltration: The Light at the End of the DNS Tunnel - site

A NetFlow version 9 template record is a record that contains information about the fields that will be present in the data records that follow the template. A template record consists of a template ID, a field count, and a list of field types and lengths. A template record is sent periodically by the NetFlow exporter to the NetFlow collector, so that the collector can parse and interpret the data records correctly. A template record can also be requested by the collector using an options template record. The purpose of a template record is to define the format of data records, which contain the actual information about the IP flows1234.

A. It specifies the data format of NetFlow processes. - This is incorrect, because a template record does not specify the data format of NetFlow processes, but rather the data format of data records. NetFlow processes are the functions that perform flow creation, aggregation, export, and analysis on the NetFlow device or the collector. B. It provides a standardized set of information about an IP flow. - This is incorrect, because a template record does not provide any information about an IP flow, but rather the information about the fields that will be present in the data records. The data records are the ones that provide the information about an IP flow, such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, bytes, packets, timestamps, and so on. C. It defines the format of data records. - This is correct, because a template record defines the format of data records by specifying the field types and lengths that will be present in the data records. A template record allows the NetFlow collector to parse and interpret the data records correctly, and also enables the NetFlow exporter to use different formats for different types of flows. D. It serves as a unique identification number to distinguish individual data records. - This is incorrect, because a template record does not serve as a unique identification number, but rather as a description of the fields. A template record has a template ID, which is a 16-bit value that identifies the template record uniquely within an export packet, but this ID is not used to distinguish individual data records. The data records are distinguished by their position within the export packet and their association with a template record.

References := 1: NetFlow Version 9 Flow-Record Format [IP Application Services] - Cisco … 2: NetFlow V9 formats - IBM 3: Netflow :: Version 9 - Caligare 4: NetFlow Versions > NetFlow for Cybersecurity | Cisco Press

The WCCP-configured router identifies if the Cisco WSA is functional by exchanging periodic messages with the WSA. The WSA sends a Here-I-Am message every 10 seconds to the router, which contains information such as the WSA’s IP address, service group, and hash assignment. The router responds with an I-See-You message, which acknowledges the receipt of the Here-I-Am message and provides information such as the router’s IP address, service group, and view of the WCCP topology. These messages allow the router and the WSA to maintain a bidirectional communication and to detect any changes or failures in the WCCP network12.

Option C is the correct answer, as it describes the correct message exchange between the WCCP-configured router and the Cisco WSA. Option A is incorrect, as the router does not use ICMP ping to check the WSA’s functionality, and the traffic is not transmitted to the router, but redirected by the router. Option B is incorrect, as the router does not use ICMP ping to check the WSA’s functionality, and the traffic is not transmitted to the WSA, but redirected by the WSA. Option D is incorrect, as the router does not send a Here-I-Am message, but an I-See-You message, and the WSA does not acknowledge with an I-See-You message, but a Here-I-Am message. References: WCCP Router Configuration Example - Cisco. Cisco ASA WCCP Traffic Redirection Guide - Cisco.

Add the DNS entry for the new Cisco ISE node into the DNS server. This is because the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the new Cisco ISE node, for example, ise1.cisco.com, must be DNS-resolvable from the primary Administration ISE node. Otherwise, node registration will fail. The DNS server must contain the IP addresses and FQDNs of the ISE nodes that are part of the distributed deployment1.

The other options are incorrect because:

• Changing the IP address of the new Cisco ISE node to the same network as the others is not necessary, as long as the nodes can communicate with each other over the network.
• Making the new Cisco ISE node a secondary PAN before registering it with the primary is not possible, as the node must be registered first before changing its persona or role.
• Opening port 8905 on the firewall between the Cisco ISE nodes is not required, as this port is used for communication between the primary and secondary Monitoring ISE nodes, not for node registration.

References:

• Setting Up Cisco ISE in a Distributed Environment
• ISE node registering after change domain-name
• FQDN IN ISE

To achieve the goal of excluding some servers from the VPN tunnel and accessing them directly, the engineer must modify the group policy that is applied to the remote access VPN users. The group policy contains the settings for split tunneling, which is a feature that allows the VPN client to route some traffic through the VPN tunnel and some traffic directly to the internet. Split tunneling can be configured based on the destination IP address, the application, or the domain name of the traffic. By modifying the group policy, the engineer can specify which servers or networks should be excluded from the VPN tunnel and accessed directly by the VPN client. This can improve the performance and efficiency of the VPN connection, as well as reduce the load on the VPN gateway and the corporate network. However, split tunneling also introduces some security risks, such as exposing the VPN client to internet threats, bypassing the corporate firewall and security policies, and leaking sensitive data. Therefore, the engineer must carefully evaluate the trade-offs and best practices of using split tunneling for remote access VPNs. References :=

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Secure Connectivity, Lesson 3.1: Implementing and Troubleshooting Remote Access VPN, Topic 3.1.4: Configure and Verify Remote Access VPN, Subtopic 3.1.4.2: Configure and Verify Split Tunneling
• VPN Split Tunneling: What It Is & Pros and Cons
• Cisco ASA - Enable Split Tunnel for Remote VPN Clients

CoA-ACK is the CoA response code that is sent if an authorization state is changed successfully on a Cisco IOS device. CoA-ACK stands for CoA acknowledgment, which indicates that the device has received and processed the CoA request from the server and applied the new authorization settings to the session. The attributes returned within a CoA-ACK can vary based on the CoA request, such as session reauthentication, session termination, or session modification. The other options are not correct because they are not valid CoA response codes. CoA-NCL, CoA-NAK, and CoA-MAV are not defined in RFC 5176, which specifies the CoA protocol. CoA-NAK is the closest option, but it stands for CoA non-acknowledgment, which indicates that the device has rejected the CoA request from the server due to some error or inconsistency. References :=

Some possible references are:

• RADIUS Change of Authorization - Cisco
• Security and VPN Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE 17.x
• RFC 5176 - Dynamic Authorization Extensions to Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS)

 Cisco Advanced Phishing Protection (AAP) is a solution that adds sophisticated machine learning capabilities to Cisco Email Security to block advanced identity deception attacks for inbound email by assessing its threat posture1. It also uses both global and local telemetry data combined with analytics and modeling to validate the reputation and authenticity of senders2. AAP provides sender authentication and BEC detection capabilities, and uses advanced machine learning techniques, real-time behavior analytics, relationship modeling and telemetry to protect against identity deception–based threats3.

In two ways, the Cisco Advanced Phishing Protection solution protects users:

• It prevents use of compromised accounts and social engineering. AAP detects and blocks phishing emails that attempt to impersonate legitimate senders, such as executives, partners, or customers, and trick users into revealing sensitive information or transferring funds. AAP analyzes the sender’s identity, behavior, and relationship with the recipient, and assigns a risk score to the email. If the email is deemed suspicious or malicious, AAP can quarantine it, flag it, or deliver it with a warning4.
• It automatically removes malicious emails from users’ inbox. AAP provides retrospective analysis and remediation capabilities, which means that it can identify and remove emails that were initially delivered but later found to be malicious. AAP leverages the Cisco Talos threat intelligence network and the Sensor-based solution to continuously monitor the threat landscape and update the email disposition accordingly. If an email is reclassified as malicious, AAP can automatically delete it from the users’ inbox, or notify the administrator or the user to take action45.

The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the functions of AAP. AAP does not prevent all zero-day attacks coming from the Internet, as it focuses on phishing and identity deception attacks. AAP does not prevent trojan horse malware using sensors, as sensors are used to collect and analyze email data, not to block malware. AAP does not secure all passwords that are shared in video conferences, as it is not related to video conferencing security. Therefore, the correct answer is A and C. References:

• Cisco’s Security Innovations to Protect the Endpoint and Email
• Cisco Advanced Phishing Protection - Cisco Video Portal
• Cisco Advanced Phishing Protection At A Glance - AVANTEC
• User Guide for Cisco Advanced Phishing Protection
• Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense - Cisco
• Integrating the Email Gateway with Cisco Advanced Phishing Protection

Cisco Umbrella allows you to create custom destination lists that contain specific domains or IP addresses that you want to allow or block. You can then apply these destination lists to your policies to override the default behavior of Umbrella. For example, if you want to block specific addresses using Cisco Umbrella, you can create a destination list with those addresses and set the action to block. Then, you can assign this destination list to the policy that you want to modify. This way, any request to those addresses will be blocked by Umbrella, regardless of the content category or application settings12 References := 1: Manage Policies - Umbrella User Guide 2: Understanding Destination lists supported entries and error messages - Cisco Umbrella

Cisco FMC is assigned the role of a client in the pxGrid ecosystem. A client is a partner that subscribes to the contextual data published by other partners or by ISE. A client can also publish its own data, but it does not have to. A client can use the contextual data to enforce security policies, perform threat analysis, or provide visibility. Cisco FMC can subscribe to various topics from ISE or other partners, such as user identity, session directory, endpoint profile, SGT mapping, threat events, or vulnerability assessment. Cisco FMC can also publish its own threat events to ISE or other partners. Cisco FMC can use the contextual data to apply access control rules, correlation policies, or network discovery policies based on the attributes of the users, endpoints, or sessions12.

The other options are not correct because they are not the roles assigned for Cisco FMC. A server is a partner that publishes contextual data to other partners or to ISE. A server can also subscribe to data, but it does not have to. A server can provide valuable information about the network, such as device inventory, configuration, or compliance. An example of a server is Cisco Prime Infrastructure3. A controller is the core component of the pxGrid ecosystem that manages the communication, authentication, and authorization between the partners. The controller is always ISE, and it is responsible for creating and maintaining the pxGrid domain, distributing the certificates, and facilitating the data exchange4. A publisher is a partner that publishes contextual data to other partners or to ISE, but does not subscribe to any data. A publisher can provide useful information about the network, such as security events, alerts, or incidents. An example of a publisher is Cisco Stealthwatch. References :=

• Integrate FMC with ISE using pxGrid | Blue Network Security
• How To: Integrate Firepower Management Center (FMC) 6 … - Cisco Community
• Cisco Prime Infrastructure and ISE pxGrid Integration - Cisco
• pxGrid Overview - Cisco
• [Cisco Stealthwatch and ISE pxGrid Integration - Cisco]

Cisco Defense Orchestrator (CDO) is a cloud-based management solution that allows you to manage security policies and device configurations with ease across multiple Cisco and cloud-native security platforms. CDO centrally manages elements of policy and configuration across Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower, Cisco Meraki, and AWS1. CDO also provides visibility, automation, and orchestration capabilities to simplify and unify security operations2. The other options are not cloud security software that can centrally manage policies on multiple platforms. Cisco Configuration Professional is a device management tool for Cisco routers and switches. Cisco Secureworks is a security services provider that offers threat intelligence and incident response. Cisco DNAC is a network controller that automates and assures services across campus, branch, and edge networks. References :=

• Cisco Defense Orchestrator Data Sheet
• Cisco Defense Orchestrator

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is the method of attack that is used by a hacker to send malicious code through a web application to an unsuspecting user to request that the victim’s web browser executes the code. XSS is a type of injection attack that exploits the lack of input validation or output encoding in a web application. An attacker can craft a malicious script and embed it in a web page or a URL that is sent to the user. When the user visits the web page or clicks the URL, the script is executed by the user’s browser, which may not be able to distinguish it from legitimate code. The script can then perform various actions, such as stealing cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information, redirecting the user to a malicious site, or performing actions on behalf of the user12. The other options are not correct, because they are not methods of attack that use web applications to execute malicious code on the user’s browser. Buffer overflow is a type of attack that exploits a memory vulnerability in a program or system, where an attacker can overwrite the memory beyond the allocated buffer and execute arbitrary code3. Browser WGET is a command-line tool that can be used to download files from the web, but it is not an attack method by itself4. SQL injection is a type of attack that exploits a database vulnerability in a web application, where an attacker can inject malicious SQL statements into a user input field and execute them on the database server5. References:

• 1: What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? - Cisco
• 2: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) - OWASP
• 3: What is a Buffer Overflow? - Cisco
• 4: GNU Wget 1.21.1 Manual
• 5: What is SQL Injection (SQLi)? - Cisco

two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires users to provide two pieces of evidence to verify their identity before accessing SaaS-based applications1. These pieces of evidence can be something the user knows (such as a password or a PIN), something the user has (such as a smartphone or a token), or something the user is (such as a fingerprint or a face scan)1. 2FA enhances the security of SaaS-based applications by making it harder for attackers to compromise login credentials and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and resources2. The other options are not correct because they are not sufficient to secure SaaS-based applications. Modular policy framework (MPF) is a feature of Cisco ASA that allows administrators to create and apply security policies to traffic flows3. However, MPF alone cannot protect SaaS-based applications from web-based threats or data breaches. Application security gateway (ASG) is a device that provides firewall, intrusion prevention, and content filtering services for web applications4. However, ASG cannot prevent credential theft or account takeover attacks that target SaaS-based applications. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a method of encrypting data in transit and at rest, so that only the sender and the receiver can decrypt it. However, E2EE cannot prevent unauthorized access to SaaS-based applications if the encryption keys are compromised or stolen. References:

• 1: What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?
• 2: How to Secure Your SaaS Applications
• 3: Modular Policy Framework Overview
• 4: What is an Application Security Gateway?
• : What is End-to-End Encryption?

The correct command to configure the new router to use 192.168.1.110 as its primary time source without the new router attempting to offer time to existing devices is ntp server 192.168.1.110 key 1 prefer. This command specifies that the new router will act as an NTP client and synchronize its time with the NTP server at 192.168.1.110, using the authentication key 1 and giving preference to this server over other possible servers. The prefer keyword indicates that this server is preferred over other servers with the same stratum number. The ntp server command is different from the ntp peer command, which configures the new router to act as an NTP peer and exchange time information with another NTP device. A peer relationship is bidirectional and symmetric, meaning that both devices can provide and receive time information from each other. A client-server relationship is unidirectional and asymmetric, meaning that the client only receives time information from the server and does not provide any time information to the server. Therefore, the ntp peer command is not suitable for the scenario, as it would make the new router attempt to offer time to existing devices, which is not desired. The primary keyword is not a valid option for either the ntp server or the ntp peer command, and it would cause a syntax error. References :=

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 1: Security Concepts, Lesson 1.3: Network Time Protocol
• Configuring NTP - Cisco, Configuring NTP on the Switch, Configuring NTP in Client Mode
• NTP Commands - Cisco, ntp server, ntp peer

To deploy Cisco WSA in transparent mode, the configuration component that must be used is WCCP on switch. WCCP stands for Web Cache Communication Protocol, which is a protocol that allows a network device (such as a switch) to redirect web traffic to a proxy server (such as Cisco WSA) transparently. This means that the client does not need to configure any proxy settings on the browser, and the proxy server can intercept and process the web requests and responses without the client’s knowledge. WCCP can also provide load balancing and failover capabilities for multiple proxy servers.

The other options are incorrect because they are not required or relevant for transparent mode deployment. Option A is incorrect because MDA (Multilink PPP Dial Access) is a feature that allows multiple physical links to be aggregated into a single logical link for dial-up connections. It has nothing to do with transparent mode. Option B is incorrect because PBR (Policy-Based Routing) is a feature that allows routing decisions to be based on criteria other than the destination IP address, such as source IP address, protocol, port, etc. It is not necessary for transparent mode, as WCCP can handle the traffic redirection. Option D is incorrect because DNS resolution on Cisco WSA is not a configuration component, but a function that allows the proxy server to resolve domain names to IP addresses. It is not specific to transparent mode, as it is also used in explicit mode. References:

• What is the difference between transparent and forward proxy mode?
• User Guide for AsyncOS 12.7 for Cisco Web Security Appliances - LD (Limited Deployment) - Acquire End-User Credentials
• Cisco WSA : Is it possible to use web proxy in transparent mode without WCCP?

In a remote access VPN configuration, dynamic split tunneling allows traffic to certain trusted domains to bypass the VPN tunnel and exit through the client's local internet gateway. This feature selectively directs only the necessary traffic over the VPN, while allowing direct internet access for specific domains or traffic deemed safe or trusted, optimizing bandwidth and performance for remote users.

ExplanationMalware means “malicious software”, is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. The most popular types of malware includes viruses, ransomware and spyware. Virus Possibly the most common type of malware, viruses attach their malicious code to clean code and wait to be run.

Ransomware is malicious software that infects your computer and displays messages demanding a fee to be paid in order for your system to work again.Spyware is spying software that can secretly record everything you enter, upload, download, and store on your computers or mobile devices. Spyware always tries to keep itself hidden.An exploit is a code that takes advantage of a software vulnerability or security flaw.Exploits and malware are two risks for endpoints that are not up to date. ARP spoofing and eavesdropping are attacks against the network while denial-of-service attack is based on the flooding of IP packets.

The Talos IP and Domain Reputation Center is the world’s most comprehensive real-time threat detection network. It collects and analyzes data from millions of web requests, emails, malware samples, open-source data sets, endpoint intelligence, and network intrusions. It assigns a reputation score to IP addresses and domains based on their observed malicious activity and behavior. The reputation score can range from -10 (very malicious) to +10 (very benign). The reputation score can be used to block or allow traffic, or to trigger further inspection or analysis. The Talos IP and Domain Reputation Center allows you to track the reputation of IP addresses for email and web traffic, as well as to look up the category, volume, and history of any IP address or domain. You can also submit feedback or request a change of reputation for any IP address or domain. References 

Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) is a security feature that validates ARP packets in a network. DAI allows a network administrator to intercept, log, and discard ARP packets with invalid MAC address to IP address bindings. This capability protects the network from certain “man-in-the-middle” attacks. DAI determines the validity of an ARP packet based on valid IP to MAC address bindings from the DHCP snooping binding database. DAI also supports static ARP ACLs for hosts with static IP addresses. DAI checks all ARP packets on untrusted interfaces, and only forwards the packets that have valid bindings. DAI can also rate-limit the ARP packets on untrusted interfaces to prevent DoS attacks. The other options are incorrect because:

• B. In a typical network, DAI should be configured to make all ports as untrusted except for the ports connecting to trusted hosts or switches, which are trusted.
• C. DAI does not associate a trust state with each switch, but with each interface on the switch.
• D. DAI intercepts all ARP requests and responses on untrusted ports only, not on trusted ports. References :=

Endpoint security is the process of protecting devices like workstations, servers, and other devices from malicious threats and cyberattacks. Endpoint security enables businesses to secure endpoints that employees use for work purposes or servers that are either on a network or in the cloud. Endpoint security is important because every device that connects to the corporate network is a potential vulnerability, providing a possible entry point for cyber criminals. Therefore, every device an employee uses to connect to any business system or resource carries the risk of becoming the chosen route for hacking into an organization. These devices can be exploited by malware that could leak or steal sensitive data from the business12.

One of the benefits of endpoint security is that it allows the organization to detect and mitigate threats that the perimeter security devices do not detect. Perimeter security devices, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, are designed to protect the network from external attacks. However, they may not be able to prevent or detect attacks that originate from within the network, such as insider threats, compromised devices, or lateral movement. Endpoint security solutions can provide visibility and control over the devices that connect to the network, and can monitor, analyze, and respond to suspicious or malicious activities on the endpoints. Endpoint security solutions can also leverage threat intelligence and advanced analytics to identify and block known and unknown threats, such as ransomware, zero-day exploits, and targeted attacks13. References := 1: What is Endpoint Security? How Does It Work? | Fortinet 2: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Microsoft Security 3: Endpoint Security - Check Point Software

MAB is a fallback mechanism for IEEE 802.1X that allows network access based on the MAC address of the endpoint. However, MAB does not prevent MAC address spoofing, which is a technique used by attackers to impersonate authorized devices and bypass authentication. To mitigate this risk, two catalyst switch security features can be used in conjunction with MAB: 802.1AE MacSec and port security.

802.1AE MacSec is a standard that provides encryption and integrity protection for data frames between two MACsec-capable devices. MacSec also uses a secure key exchange protocol called MKA (MACsec Key Agreement) to establish and maintain cryptographic keys between the peers. By enabling MacSec on the switch ports, the switch can verify the identity and authenticity of the endpoints and prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the data frames.

Port security is a feature that allows the switch to limit the number and type of MAC addresses that can access a port. Port security can be configured to allow only a specific MAC address or a maximum number of MAC addresses per port. Port security can also be configured to take an action when a violation occurs, such as shutting down the port, sending a trap, or dropping packets. By enabling port security on the switch ports, the switch can prevent multiple devices from accessing the same port or deny access to devices with spoofed MAC addresses.

References:

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 2: Network Security, Lesson 2.2: Implementing Network Access Control
• MAC Authentication Bypass Deployment Guide, MAB Benefits and Limitations, MAB Feature Interaction

 Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a solution that allows an organization to manage, monitor, and secure mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. MDM provides two main advantages to an organization with regards to device management:

• Asset inventory management: MDM helps an organization keep track of all the mobile devices that are connected to its network, including their location, status, configuration, and usage. MDM also enables an organization to remotely wipe or lock devices that are lost, stolen, or compromised, preventing data loss and unauthorized access. Asset inventory management helps an organization optimize its resources, reduce costs, and comply with regulations12.
• Allowed application management: MDM allows an organization to control what applications can be installed and run on the mobile devices, as well as how they can access and share data. MDM can also push updates and patches to the devices, ensuring that they are always running the latest and most secure versions of the applications. Allowed application management helps an organization enhance security, productivity, and performance of the mobile devices34.

References: 1: 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Device Management [2024] 2: 5 Benefits of Mobile Device Management - ESET 3: Top 10 Benefits of Mobile Device Management (MDM) - TechFunnel 4: Benefits of Mobile Device Management (MDM) for Businesses

ExplanationThe AES encryption algorithm encrypts and decrypts data in blocks of 128 bits (block size). It can do this using 128-bit, 192-bit, or 256-bit keys

Active Directory (AD) is an ID store that requires that a shadow user be created on Cisco ISE for the admin login to work. A shadow user is a user account that is defined in the ISE internal database, but has the password set to external. This means that the user authentication is performed against an external identity source, such as AD, while the user authorization is based on the ISE admin group membership. A shadow user is useful when the admin wants to assign different roles or permissions to specific AD users, rather than using AD groups. To create a shadow user, the admin must check the External checkbox in the ISE admin user configuration, and make sure that the username matches the AD username. The shadow user must also be assigned to an ISE admin group that has the Type set to External123. References := 1: ISE Admin User Shadow AD Account Issue 2: ISE Admin user authentication from AD 3: Which ID store requires that a shadow user be created on Cisco ISE for the admin login to work?

ExplanationDTLS is used for delay sensitive applications (voice and video) as its UDP based while TLS is TCP based.Therefore DTLS offers strongest throughput performance. The throughput of DTLS at the time of AnyConnect connection can be expected to have processing performance close to VPN throughput.

 The application blocking list is an outbreak control method that allows the administrator to block certain files from executing on the endpoints based on their SHA values. This can prevent malware from running on the endpoints and causing damage. The other options are not outbreak control methods, but rather different features of AMP for endpoints. Device flow correlation is a network analysis feature that monitors connections and detects malicious activity. Simple detections and advanced custom detections are custom rules that can be created by the administrator to detect and block files based on signatures or other criteria. References:

• Configure Windows Policy in AMP for Endpoints - Cisco
• Prevent, Detect and Respond with Cisco AMP for Endpoints

ExplanationSQL injection usually occurs when you ask a user for input, like their username/userid, but the user gives(“injects”) you an SQL statement that you will unknowingly run on your database. For example:Look at the following example, which creates a SELECT statement by adding a variable (txtUserId) to a selectstring. The variable is fetched from user input (getRequestString):txtUserId = getRequestString(“UserId”);txtSQL = “SELECT * FROM Users WHERE UserId = ” + txtUserId;If user enter something like this: “100 OR 1=1” then the SzQL statement will look like this:SELECT * FROM Users WHERE UserId = 100 OR 1=1;The SQL above is valid and will return ALL rows from the “Users” table, since OR 1=1 is always TRUE. Ahacker might get access to all the user names and passwords in this database.

Multiple context mode allows you to partition a single ASA into multiple virtual firewalls, each with its own security policy, interfaces, and management IP address. This mode is useful for providing security services to different customers or tenants on a shared appliance, while maintaining separation of management and configuration. Each context acts as an independent device and can be in either routed or transparent mode. You can also assign different administrators to each context and limit their access to specific commands and features. Multiple context mode is supported in Cisco ACI with the ASA device package version 1.2 or later. References: 

ExplanationPhishing attacks are the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputablesource. It is usually done through email. The goal is to steal sensitive data like credit card and login information,or to install malware on the victim’s machine.

ExplanationTwo-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to your online accounts. Verifying your identity using asecond factor (like your phone or other mobile device) prevents anyone but you from logging in, even if theyknow your password.Note: Single sign-on (SSO) is a property of identity and access management that enables users to securelyauthenticate with multiple applications and websites by logging in only once with just one set of credentials(username and password). With SSO, the application or website that the user is trying to access relies on atrusted third party to verify that users are who they say they are.

Wired 802.1X authentication is a port-based network access control that uses the physical characteristics of the switched LAN infrastructure to authenticate devices attached to a LAN port1. Wired 802.1X authentication requires three components: a supplicant, an authenticator, and an authentication server2. The supplicant is the client device that requests access to the network. The authenticator is the switch port that controls the access to the network based on the authentication result. The authentication server is the server that validates the credentials of the supplicant and sends the authentication result to the authenticator3.

In this question, option A is correct because Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE) is an example of an authentication server that supports wired 802.1X authentication4. Option C is correct because Cisco Catalyst switch is an example of an authenticator that supports wired 802.1X authentication5. Option B is incorrect because Cisco AnyConnect ISE Posture module is not a supplicant, but a software component that checks the compliance status of the supplicant. Option D is incorrect because Cisco ISE is not an authenticator, but an authentication server. Option E is incorrect because Cisco Prime Infrastructure is not an authentication server, but a network management tool.

References: 1: Wired 802.1X Deployment Guide - Cisco 2: 802.1X Authenticated Wired Access Overview | Microsoft Learn 3: About 802.1X Authentication - Aruba 4: Cisco Identity Services Engine - Products & Services - Cisco 5: Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series Switches - Products & Services - Cisco : Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Administrator Guide, Release 4.9 - Configure Posture [Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client] - Cisco : Cisco Prime Infrastructure - Products & Services - Cisco

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) are both important components of an endpoint security strategy, but they have different goals and capabilities. EPP is designed to act as a preventive security measure, blocking known and unknown malware and malicious activity on endpoint devices using various techniques such as antivirus, data encryption, and data loss prevention. EPP solutions are mainly cloud-managed and assisted by cloud data, and use multiple detection engines such as signature-based, machine learning, and behavioral analysis. EPP solutions prevent breaches by leveraging threat intelligence and sandboxing capabilities to continuously protect endpoints from emerging threats12.

EDR, on the other hand, focuses on detecting and responding to advanced threats that have already evaded the front-line defenses and infiltrated the environment. EDR solutions provide continuous and comprehensive visibility into endpoint activity in real time, allowing security teams to quickly and effectively identify and remediate cyberattacks such as ransomware and fileless malware. EDR solutions offer advanced threat detection, investigation, and response capabilities, including incident data search and investigation, alert triage, suspicious activity validation, threat hunting, and malicious activity detection and containment. EDR solutions serve as a safety net to capture threats that go undetected by traditional antivirus software and uncover incidents that would otherwise remain invisible34.

Therefore, the primary difference between an EPP and an EDR is that EPP focuses on prevention, and EDR focuses on advanced threats that evade perimeter defenses. References: 1: Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) Definition - Cisco 2: EPP vs. EDR: Why You Need Both - CrowdStrike 3: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Definition - Cisco 4: EDR vs EPP: Why Should You Have to Choose? - Check Point Software

SQL injection attacks are a type of code injection technique that exploit the use of dynamic SQL queries in web applications. Attackers can inject malicious SQL statements into user input fields, such as login forms, search boxes, or URLs, and execute them on the underlying database. This can result in unauthorized access, data theft, data corruption, or denial of service.

To prevent SQL injection attacks, web developers should use the following techniques:

• Use prepared statements and parameterized queries: Prepared statements are SQL queries that are precompiled and executed with user-supplied parameters. Parameterized queries are SQL queries that use placeholders for user input and bind them to actual values at runtime. Both techniques separate the SQL code from the user input, making it impossible for attackers to inject SQL commands into the query. For example, in Java, PreparedStatement is a class that implements parameterized queries. In PHP, PDO and mysqli are extensions that support prepared statements.
• Block SQL code execution in the web application database login: Web applications should use a dedicated database user account with limited privileges to connect to the database. This account should only have the permissions necessary to perform the required operations, such as select, insert, update, or delete. It should not have the permissions to execute arbitrary SQL commands, such as create, drop, alter, grant, or revoke. This way, even if an attacker manages to inject SQL code into the query, the database will reject it due to insufficient privileges.

References:

• [Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0], Module 5: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 5.2: Cloud Application Security, Topic 5.2.2: SQL Injection
• SQL Injection Prevention - OWASP Cheat Sheet Series
• How to Prevent SQL Injection: 5 Key Prevention Methods - eSecurityPlanet
• How to Protect Against SQL Injection Attacks

ExplanationCisco Umbrella protects users from accessing malicious domains by proactively analyzing and blocking unsafe destinations – before a connection is ever made. Thus it can protect from phishing attacks by blocking suspicious domains when users click on the given links that an attacker sent. Cisco Umbrella roaming protects your employees even when they are off the VPN.

RADIUS Change of Authorization (CoA) is a feature of Cisco ASA that allows VPN users to be postured against Cisco ISE without requiring an inline posture node. RADIUS CoA enables the ISE to send a message to the ASA to change the authorization attributes of an existing VPN session, such as the assigned IP address, ACL, or group policy. This way, the ISE can dynamically adjust the access level of the VPN user based on the posture assessment results, without the need for an intermediate device to enforce the policy change12. RADIUS CoA is supported by the ASA since version 9.2.13. References: 1: ASA Version 9.2.1 VPN Posture with ISE Configuration Example - Cisco 2: How To: ISE and ASA Integration using CoA for Posture - Cisco Community 3: How To Configure Posture with AnyConnect Compliance … - Cisco CommunityQUESTION NO: 94

What two mechanisms are used to redirect users to a web portal to authenticate to ISE for guest services?(Choose two)A. multiple factor authB. local web authC. single sign-onD. central web authE. TACACS+

Answer: B, D

 Local web authentication (LWA) and central web authentication (CWA) are two mechanisms that are used to redirect users to a web portal to authenticate to ISE for guest services. Both methods involve the use of a redirect access control list (ACL) that allows the user to access only the web portal URL and blocks all other traffic until the user is authenticated. The difference between LWA and CWA is where the web portal and the authentication logic are hosted.

• LWA: The web portal and the authentication logic are hosted on the wireless LAN controller (WLC). The WLC sends a RADIUS access-accept message to the network access device (NAD) along with the redirect ACL and the web portal URL. The NAD then redirects the user to the web portal on the WLC, where the user enters their credentials. The WLC verifies the credentials with the ISE and grants or denies access to the user. The advantage of LWA is that it does not require any configuration on the ISE, but the disadvantage is that it does not support advanced features such as posture assessment, profiling, or authorization policies.
• CWA: The web portal and the authentication logic are hosted on the ISE. The WLC sends a RADIUS access-challenge message to the NAD along with the redirect ACL and the web portal URL. The NAD then redirects the user to the web portal on the ISE, where the user enters their credentials. The ISE verifies the credentials and sends a RADIUS access-accept message to the WLC with the authorization profile and the final ACL. The WLC then applies the authorization profile and the final ACL to the user session. The advantage of CWA is that it supports advanced features such as posture assessment, profiling, or authorization policies, but the disadvantage is that it requires more configuration on the ISE.

References :=

• Configure Guest Access
• Web Authentication Redirection to Original URL
• Configure Local Web Authentication with External Authentication

A virus is a type of malware that infects a computer system by attaching itself to another program or file. Once executed, the virus can replicate itself and spread to other files or systems. A virus can be used to gain unauthorized access to a computer system by exploiting software vulnerabilities, stealing credentials, or installing backdoors. A virus can also cause damage to the system by deleting, modifying, or encrypting data, or consuming system resources. According to the Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) course, viruses are one of the most common forms of malware and can be classified into different types based on their behavior, such as boot sector viruses, file infectors, macro viruses, or polymorphic viruses1. References: 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) course, Module 1: Malware Analysis, Lesson 1: Malware Types and Characteristics, Topic: Virus.

Cisco FTDv in AWS can be deployed in two different deployment models: single-instance and cluster. In both models, the FTDv can be configured in routed mode and managed by either an FMCv installed in AWS or a physical FMC appliance on premises. The FTDv can also use Geneve encapsulation for traffic interfaces to support AWS Gateway Load Balancer (GWLB) integration. The following table summarizes the supported deployment model configurations for FTDv in AWS:

Table

Deployment Model

Management Mode

Traffic Mode

Geneve Encapsulation

Single-instance

FMCv in AWS

Routed

Optional

Single-instance

FMC on premises

Routed

Optional

Cluster

FMCv in AWS

Routed

Required

Cluster

FMC on premises

Routed

Required

References :=

• Deploy the Threat Defense Virtual on AWS - Cisco
• Deploy a Threat Defense Virtual Cluster on AWS - Cisco
• Configure Geneve Interfaces in Secure FTDv - Cisco
• Deployment of Cisco Secure FTDv and FMCv instances in AWS - Terraform
• Solved: FTD virtual appliance in AWS - Cisco Community

The function of Cisco Cloudlock for data security is data loss prevention (DLP). Cisco Cloudlock is a cloud-native cloud access security broker (CASB) that helps you move to the cloud safely. It protects your cloud users, data, and apps. Cloudlock’s simple, open, and automated approach uses APIs to manage the risks in your cloud app ecosystem1. One of the key features of Cloudlock is its DLP technology, which continuously monitors cloud environments to detect and secure sensitive information. It provides countless out-of-the-box policies as well as highly tunable custom policies. You can use Cloudlock’s DLP to prevent data breaches, comply with regulations, and enforce data governance across SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS platforms2. References: 1: Cisco Cloudlock - Cisco2: Cloudlock: Cloud User Security - Cisco Umbrella.

Cisco Firepower impact flags are indicators that help you evaluate the impact an intrusion has on your network by correlating intrusion data, network discovery data, and vulnerability information1. Impact flags are assigned to intrusion events based on the following criteria:

• The operating system and application protocol of the target host
• The exploitability of the target host by the attacker
• The relevance of the intrusion rule to the target host
• The severity of the intrusion rule Impact flags can have four values: unknown, neutral, affected, or vulnerable. Unknown means that the system does not have enough information to assess the impact. Neutral means that the system knows the target host is not affected by the intrusion. Affected means that the system knows the target host is affected by the intrusion, but not necessarily exploitable. Vulnerable means that the system knows the target host is exploitable by the intrusion1. Impact flags can help you prioritize your response to intrusion events, as well as generate reports and alerts based on the impact level. You can also use impact flags to filter and search for intrusion events in the Firepower Management Center1. References: 1: Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 6.1 - External Alerting with Alert Responses.

ExplanationEach of the ASAs interfaces need to be grouped into one or more bridge groups. Each of these groups acts as an independent transparent firewall. It is not possible for one bridge group to communicate with another bridge group without assistance from an external router.As of 8.4(1) upto 8 bridge groups are supported with 2-4 interface in each group. Prior to this only one bridge group was supported and only 2 interfaces.Up to 4 interfaces are permitted per bridge–group (inside, outside, DMZ1, DMZ2)

ExplanationThe term ‘rootkit’ originally comes from the Unix world, where the word ‘root’ is used to describe a user with thehighest possible level of access privileges, similar to an ‘Administrator’ in Windows. The word ‘kit’ refers to thesoftware that grants root-level access to the machine. Put the two together and you get ‘rootkit’, a program thatgives someone – with legitimate or malicious intentions – privileged access to a computer.There are four main types of rootkits: Kernel rootkits, User mode rootkits, Bootloader rootkits, Memory rootkits

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) uses various probes to collect attributes of connected endpoints, such as device type, operating system, IP address, MAC address, and so on. These attributes are used to profile the endpoints and assign them to appropriate identity groups and policies. Two of the probes that can be configured to gather attributes of connected endpoints using Cisco ISE are RADIUS and DHCP.

• RADIUS probe: The RADIUS probe collects attributes from the RADIUS packets that are exchanged between the network access devices (NADs) and the ISE Policy Service Nodes (PSNs) during the authentication and authorization process. The RADIUS probe can extract attributes such as username, calling-station-ID, NAS-IP-address, NAS-port-type, service-type, and so on. The RADIUS probe can also collect attributes from the RADIUS accounting packets that are sent by the NADs to the ISE PSNs after the session is established. The RADIUS probe can extract attributes such as session-ID, framed-IP-address, acct-session-time, and so on. The RADIUS probe is enabled by default and does not require any additional configuration on the NADs or the ISE PSNs.
• DHCP probe: The DHCP probe collects attributes from the DHCP packets that are exchanged between the endpoints and the DHCP server during the IP address assignment process. The DHCP probe can extract attributes such as hostname, vendor-class-identifier, client-identifier, parameter-request-list, and so on. The DHCP probe can also collect attributes from the DHCP relay packets that are forwarded by the NADs to the ISE PSNs. The DHCP probe can extract attributes such as relay-agent-information and subscriber-ID. The DHCP probe requires some configuration on the NADs and the ISE PSNs. The NADs must be configured to relay or copy the DHCP packets to the ISE PSNs, and the ISE PSNs must be configured to receive the DHCP packets on a specific interface.

References: 

FlexVPN and DMVPN are both Cisco technologies that use point-to-point GRE tunnels to create dynamic VPN networks. However, they differ in some aspects, such as:

• FlexVPN is a newer solution that requires newer hardware and IOS versions, while DMVPN is more widely supported on older devices1.
• FlexVPN is based on IKEv2, which is a more robust and efficient protocol than IKEv1, which is used by DMVPN (although DMVPN can also use IKEv2)2.
• FlexVPN uses static or virtual access interfaces for GRE tunnels, while DMVPN uses a single multipoint GRE interface. This allows more flexibility and visibility for FlexVPN tunnels2.
• FlexVPN does not require NHRP registration for spokes to communicate with the hub, while DMVPN does. This simplifies the configuration and reduces the overhead of NHRP3.
• FlexVPN has only one standard mode of operation, while DMVPN has three phases with different characteristics and configurations2.

References := 1: what is the difference between dmvpn and flexvpn 2: Cisco FlexVPN DMVPN, Part 1 - Overview and Design 3: DMVPN to FlexVPN Soft Migration Configuration Example

ExplanationCisco Cloudlock is a cloud-native cloud access security broker (CASB) that helps you move to the cloud safely. It protects your cloud users, data, and apps. Cisco Cloudlock provides visibility and compliance checks, protects data against misuse and exfiltration, and provides threat protections against malware like ransomware.

Explanation

In deceptive phishing, fraudsters impersonate a legitimate company in an attempt to steal people’s personal data or login credentials. Those emails frequently use threats and a sense of urgency to scare users into doing what the attackers want.

Spear phishing is carefully designed to get a single recipient to respond. Criminals select an individual target within an organization, using social media and other public information – and craft a fake email tailored for that person.

 IOS zone-based firewalls (ZBFW) are a feature that provides stateful firewall policies between groups of interfaces known as zones. A zone is a logical grouping of one or more interfaces that have similar security requirements. A zone can be applied to physical interfaces, subinterfaces, port channels, VLAN interfaces, or tunnel interfaces. However, an interface can be assigned only to one zone, and it cannot be shared between zones. This is because the ZBFW policy is applied between zones, not interfaces, and it controls the bidirectional traffic flow between them. Therefore, an interface can belong to only one zone at a time, and it must be removed from one zone before it can be added to another zone. This ensures that the firewall policy is consistent and unambiguous for each interface.

References :=

• Security Configuration Guide: Zone-Based Policy Firewall, Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.x, Configuring Zones
• Understand the Zone-Based Policy Firewall Design, Zone-Based Policy Overview
• IOS Zone Based Firewall Step-by-Step Basic Configuration, Zone Based Firewall Vs CBAC

Cisco ASA NetFlow v9 Secure Event Logging (NSEL) is a security logging mechanism that is built on NetFlow Version 9 technology and provides stateful, IP flow tracking for significant events in a flow. NSEL requires a collector to receive and process the exported data records. To configure NSEL, you need to define a flow-export event type under a policy using the Modular Policy Framework (MPF). The event type specifies which events to export, such as flow-create, flow-denied, flow-teardown, flow-update, or all. You also need to configure the NSEL collectors, the template timeout intervals, and the flow-update interval. Optionally, you can disable the redundant syslog messages and reset the runtime counters.

The other statements are false because:

• To view bandwidth usage for NetFlow records, the QoS feature is not required. You can use a NetFlow collector or analyzer to view the bandwidth usage and other statistics from the exported data records.
• A sysopt command cannot be used to enable NSEL on a specific interface. NSEL is enabled globally on all interfaces by default when you configure a flow-export event type under a policy.
• NSEL cannot be used without a collector configured. NSEL exports data records to the configured collectors using NetFlow over UDP. If no collector is configured, the data records are discarded.

References:

• NetFlow Secure Event Logging (NSEL) - Cisco, Topic: Configuring NSEL, page 48-5
• Cisco Secure Firewall ASA NetFlow Implementation Guide, Topic: Configure NSEL Collectors (CLI), Configure Flow-Export Actions Through Modular Policy Framework, Configure Template Timeout Intervals, Change the Time Interval for Sending Flow-Update Events to a Collector, Disable and Reenable NetFlow-related Syslog Messages, Reset Runtime Counters
• Configuring NetFlow on ASA with ASDM - Cisco Community, Topic: Enable NetFlow (ASDM)

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a web security vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject malicious code into a web page that is viewed by other users. XSS can compromise the user’s interaction with the web application, steal sensitive data, perform unauthorized actions, and more. To prevent XSS, web developers need to apply various defensive techniques to ensure that user-supplied data is not interpreted as code by the browser. Two of these techniques are:

• Incorporate contextual output encoding/escaping: This means that any user-supplied data that is displayed on the web page should be properly encoded or escaped according to the context where it appears. For example, if the data is inserted into an HTML attribute, it should be HTML attribute encoded; if the data is inserted into a JavaScript string, it should be JavaScript string encoded; and so on. This prevents the data from breaking out of its intended context and being executed as code by the browser. Output encoding should be done by using a reliable library or framework that supports different contexts and encodings.
• Run untrusted HTML input through an HTML sanitization engine: This means that any user-supplied data that is intended to contain HTML markup should be filtered and validated by a sanitization engine that removes or escapes any potentially dangerous elements, attributes, or scripts. This prevents the attacker from injecting malicious HTML code that can execute scripts, load external resources, redirect the user, or perform other malicious actions. HTML sanitization should be done by using a well-tested and maintained library or framework that follows the best practices and standards for HTML filtering.

References :=

• [Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0], Module 5: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 5.2: Web Application Security, Topic 5.2.2: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Cross Site Scripting Prevention Cheat Sheet - OWASP
• What is cross-site scripting (XSS) and how to prevent it? - Web Security Academy

 The Decrypt for Application Detection feature within the WSA Decryption options enhances the ability of AsyncOS to detect HTTPS applications. The HTTPS Proxy can decrypt HTTPS connections to web applications. This allows the Application Visibility and Control (AVC) engine to more accurately detect and block web applications that use HTTPS. This feature can help improve the security and performance of the network by identifying and controlling the usage of web applications that may consume bandwidth, pose security risks, or violate compliance policies.

References:

• WSA decryption options - Cisco Community, Topic: Decrypt for Application Detection
• User Guide for AsyncOS 11.7 for Cisco Web Security Appliances - GD (General Deployment) - Create Decryption Policies to Control HTTPS Traffic, Topic: Overview of Create Decryption Policies to Control HTTPS Traffic, Decryption for Application Detection

The debug crypto isakmp sa command shows the status of the Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP) security associations (SAs). The output of this command indicates that the ISAKMP negotiation failed after several retransmissions. The most likely cause of this failure is a mismatch in the authentication key between the two peers. The authentication key is specified by the crypto isakmp key command and must be the same on both routers. If the authentication key is different, the ISAKMP messages cannot be decrypted and verified by the peers, resulting in an error. To fix this problem, the network administrator should verify and correct the authentication key on both routers and clear the existing ISAKMP SAs with the clear crypto isakmp sa command. References: 1, 2, 3, 4

Time synchronization is one of the features that can be configured for managed devices in the device platform settings of the Firepower Management Center (FMC). Time synchronization ensures that the FMC and its managed devices have the same date and time settings, which is important for accurate event logging and reporting. The FMC can act as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server for its managed devices, or it can use an external NTP server as a time source1. The FMC can also synchronize its time with the system clock of the device where it is installed2. References := 1: Firepower Management Center Device Configuration Guide, 7.1 - Platform Settings 2: Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 6.6 - Device Management Basics

 Suppression is a feature of Cisco Next Generation Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS) that allows you to reduce false positives and unwanted alerts by filtering out specific traffic from the intrusion detection and prevention process. You can configure suppression based on different criteria, such as port, rule, source, destination, and network. The two valid suppression types for this question are port and rule. Port suppression allows you to exclude traffic based on the source or destination port number, or both. For example, you can suppress alerts for port 80 (HTTP) traffic if you are not interested in web-based attacks. Rule suppression allows you to exclude traffic based on the rule ID (SID) or the rule category. For example, you can suppress alerts for rules that belong to the policy-violations category if you are not concerned about them. You can also suppress alerts for specific rules that are not relevant to your network or generate too many false positives. References

In order to send web traffic transparently to the Web Security Appliance (WSA), the system administrator can use one of these two methods:

• Policy-based routing (PBR) on the network infrastructure: This method allows the administrator to define routing policies based on the source or destination IP address, port number, protocol, or other criteria of the web traffic. The administrator can then apply these policies to the network interfaces or subinterfaces and redirect the matching traffic to the WSA. This method does not require any configuration on the client side and can be applied to any type of web traffic, including HTTPS and FTP. However, this method may require additional network resources and maintenance, as well as coordination with other network administrators.
• Web Cache Communication Protocol (WCCP) on the WSA and the network device: This method allows the administrator to configure the WSA and the network device (such as a router, switch, or firewall) to communicate with each other using WCCP, a Cisco proprietary protocol. The network device acts as a WCCP router and redirects the web traffic to the WSA, which acts as a WCCP client. The WSA then processes the traffic and returns it to the network device, which forwards it to the original destination. This method does not require any configuration on the client side and can be applied to HTTP, HTTPS, and native FTP traffic. However, this method requires that the network device supports WCCP and that the WSA and the network device are in the same Layer 2 domain.

References:

 Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and AnyConnect Posture module are the best solution to ensure that all endpoints are compliant before users are allowed access on the corporate network. ISE is a policy-based platform that provides secure network access, identity management, and endpoint compliance. AnyConnect Posture module is a component of the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client that performs posture assessment and remediation on the endpoints. Together, they can enforce policies based on the endpoint’s compliance status, such as the presence and update of the corporate antivirus application and the Windows 10 build version. The administrator can configure posture requirements, profiles, and policies on ISE, and deploy them to the endpoints through AnyConnect. The endpoints will then report their posture status to ISE, which will grant or deny network access accordingly, or redirect them to a remediation portal if needed. References :

ExplanationExplanationCisco Umbrella protects users from accessing malicious domains by proactively analyzing and blocking unsafe destinations – before a connection is ever made. Thus it can protect from phishing attacks by blocking suspicious domains when users click on the given links that an attacker sent.

A network discovery policy is required for the health monitoring feature on the Cisco Firepower Next Generation Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS). Health monitoring allows the system to collect and display information about the health and performance of the managed devices, such as CPU, memory, disk, and interface utilization, as well as the status of various processes and services. Health monitoring also enables the system to generate alerts and notifications when certain thresholds or conditions are met or violated.

To enable health monitoring, the system must have access to the network data from the managed devices, which is provided by the network discovery policy. The network discovery policy controls how the system collects data on the network assets and which network segments and ports are monitored. The network discovery policy also specifies the zones to which the policy is deployed, which determines the scope of the health monitoring data. Without a network discovery policy, the system cannot perform health monitoring on the NGIPS devices.

References :=

1: Network Discovery Policies, Cisco Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 7.0, page 1. 2: Health Monitoring, Cisco Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 7.0, page 1.

Explanation

Spero analysis is a feature of Cisco AMP for Networks that examines structural characteristics such as metadata and header information in executable files. After generating a Spero signature based on this information, if the file is an eligible executable file, the device submits it to the Spero heuristic engine in the AMP cloud for analysis1. Spero analysis can detect malware based on the file’s structure and behavior, without requiring a full file upload2. Spero analysis is different from dynamic analysis, sandbox analysis, and malware analysis, which are other features of Cisco AMP for Networks that perform different types of file inspection and analysis3. References: 1: How to configure Firepower AMP to not upload files to … - Cisco Community 2: File Policies - Network Direction 3: Cisco AMP for Networks - Cisco

Posture is a service in Cisco ISE that checks the compliance of endpoints with corporate security policies before allowing them to connect to the network. Posture policies define the requirements that endpoints must meet to be compliant, such as having antivirus software installed and updated, or having a specific registry key value. If an endpoint is compliant, Cisco ISE can apply a Change of Authorization (CoA) to grant it access to the network resources. CoA is a mechanism that allows Cisco ISE to dynamically change the authorization attributes of an existing session, such as VLAN, dACL, or SGT, without requiring the user to reauthenticate. CoA can be triggered by various events, such as posture assessment results, profiling changes, or manual actions by the administrator. CoA can also be used to quarantine or disconnect non-compliant endpoints. Therefore, ensuring that an endpoint is compliant with a posture policy configured in Cisco ISE provides the benefit of allowing CoA to be applied if the endpoint status is compliant. References :=

• Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 2.2 - Configure Client Posture Policies
• Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 2.2 - Change of Authorization

ExplanationStateful failover for IP Security (IPsec) enables a router to continue processing and forwarding IPsec packetsafter a planned or unplanned outage occurs. Customers employ a backup (secondary) router that automaticallytakes over the tasks of the active (primary) router if the active router loses connectivity for any reason. Thisfailover process is transparent to users and does not require adjustment or reconfiguration of any remote peer.Stateful failover for IPsec requires that your network contains two identical routers that are available to be eitherthe primary or secondary device. Both routers should be the same type of device, have the same CPU andmemory, and have either no encryption accelerator or identical encryption accelerators.Prerequisites for Stateful Failover for IPsec

One of the main reasons why a user would choose an on-premises ESA versus the CES solution is to have more control over the sensitive data that flows through the email system. With an on-premises ESA, the user can ensure that the data is stored and processed within their own network and data center, and that they comply with any regulatory or organizational requirements for data security and privacy. With a CES solution, the user would have to trust Cisco to handle the data in their cloud infrastructure, and to adhere to the service level agreements and security policies that are agreed upon. Some users may not be comfortable with this level of outsourcing, especially if they have strict data governance or compliance needs12. References: 1: Physical ESA vs Cloud ESA - Cisco Community 2: Cisco Email Security Appliance - Data Sheet

ExplanationThe profiling service issues the change of authorization in the following cases:– Endpoint deleted—When an endpoint is deleted from the Endpoints page and the endpoint is disconnectedor removed from the network.An exception action is configured—If you have an exception action configured per profile that leads to anunusual or an unacceptable event from that endpoint. The profiling service moves the endpoint to thecorresponding static profile by issuing a CoA.– An endpoint is profiled for the first time—When an endpoint is not statically assigned and profiled for the first time; for example, the profile changes from an unknown to a known profile.+ An endpoint identity group has changed—When an endpoint is added or removed from an endpoint identity group that is used by an authorization policy.The profiling service issues a CoA when there is any change in an endpoint identity group, and the endpoint identity group is used in the authorization policy for the following:

The command show authen sess int gi0/1 displays the authentication session information for the interface gi0/1, such as the MAC address, the authentication method, the authentication state, the session timeout, and the VLAN assignment. This command is useful for verifying the status of an 802.1X connection on a specific interface. The other commands are not related to 802.1X authentication. The command show authorization status displays the authorization status for the current user. The command show connection status gi0/1 is not a valid Cisco command. The command show ver gi0/1 displays the version information for the interface gi0/1. References: 802.1X Authentication Commands, Configuring IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Authentication, What Cisco command shows you the status of an 802.1X connection on interface gi0/1?

ExplanationThe command “snmp-server user user-name group-name [remote ip-address [udp-port port]] {v1 | v2c | v3 [encrypted] [auth {md5 | sha} auth-password]} [access access-list]” adds a new user (in this case “andy”) to an SNMPv3 group (in this case group name “myv3”) and configures a password for the user.In the “snmp-server host” command, we need to:+ Specify the SNMP version with key word “version {1 | 2 | 3}”+ Specify the username (“andy”), not group name (“myv3”).Note: In “snmp-server host inside …” command, “inside” is the interface name of the ASA interface through which the NMS (located at 10.255.254.1) can be reached.

 Firepower NGIPS inline deployment mode is a mode where the NGIPS device is placed in the traffic path and can take actions such as blocking, modifying, or redirecting traffic based on the policies and rules. In this mode, the NGIPS device must have inline interface pairs configured, which are pairs of physical or logical interfaces that act as a single logical interface. The inline interface pairs are connected to the network devices on both sides of the NGIPS device, and the traffic flows through the NGIPS device from one interface to the other. The NGIPS device can inspect and modify the traffic as it passes through the inline interface pairs12. References := 1: Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 6.6 - Device Management Basics 2: Configure FTD Interfaces in Inline-Pair Mode

Explanation

A buffer overflow (or buffer overrun) occurs when the volume of data exceeds the storage capacity of the memory buffer. As a result, the program attempting to write the data to the buffer overwrites adjacent memory locations.

Buffer overflow is a vulnerability in low level codes of C and C++. An attacker can cause the program to crash, make data corrupt, steal some private information or run his/her own code. It basically means to access any buffer outside of it’s alloted memory space. This happens quite frequently in the case of arrays.

Cisco Security Intelligence is a feature that allows you to block or monitor traffic based on IP addresses or domain names that are known to be malicious or suspicious. Cisco Security Intelligence requires a Protect license on the Cisco Next Generation Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS), which is part of the Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) software. A Protect license allows you to perform intrusion detection and prevention, file control, and Security Intelligence filtering1. The other license options (control, malware, and URL filtering) do not enable Cisco Security Intelligence on the NGIPS. References:

• Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, section “Security Intelligence”
• Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 6.0, section “Licensing the Firepower System”

To enable malware file scanning for the Secure Internet Gateway (SIG), you need to enable Intelligent Proxy, which is a feature of Cisco Umbrella that provides selective proxying of web requests based on the risk level of the domain1. Intelligent Proxy allows SIG to inspect the content of potentially malicious web requests and block or allow them based on the configured policies2. Intelligent Proxy also enables SSL decryption, which is necessary to scan encrypted web traffic for malware3. Enabling IP Layer enforcement, activating the Advanced Malware Protection license, and activating SSL decryption are not required prerequisites to enable malware file scanning for the SIG, although they may provide additional security benefits45. References: 1: Intelligent Proxy - Cisco Umbrella 2: Cisco Umbrella SIG Advantage - Cisco Umbrella 3: [SSL Decryption - Cisco Umbrella] 4: [IP Layer Enforcement - Cisco Umbrella] 5: [Advanced Malware Protection - Cisco Umbrella]