Cisco 300-715 Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (300-715 SISE) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 16 Q211-225
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Question 211
A network administrator wants to automatically classify endpoints connecting to the network, such as laptops, printers, and IP phones, to apply device-specific access policies. The solution should enhance visibility and integrate with policy enforcement. Which Cisco ISE feature should be used?
A) Device Profiling
B) Posture Assessment
C) Guest Access
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Device Profiling
Explanation:
Device Profiling in Cisco ISE allows for automatic identification, classification, and monitoring of endpoints connecting to the network. Profiling gathers data from multiple sources including MAC addresses, DHCP requests, HTTP headers, operating system information, manufacturer details, and SNMP queries. This information enables accurate identification of endpoint types such as laptops, printers, IP phones, and mobile devices. Once classified, administrators can apply device-specific access policies. For example, printers can be restricted to printing subnets, IP phones can be placed in voice VLANs, and laptops can be granted full access to internal resources. Automated device classification reduces administrative overhead, minimizes configuration errors, and improves security by ensuring endpoints receive access appropriate to their type.
Posture Assessment evaluates devices against compliance policies such as antivirus presence, OS patching, and firewall configuration. While posture ensures security compliance, it does not classify devices by type. Device Profiling provides the necessary context for identifying devices, which can then be combined with Posture Assessment to enforce security and compliance policies.
Guest Access manages temporary network access for external users, including self-registration, sponsor approvals, and time-limited credentials. While it can restrict guest devices, it does not provide automated classification of internal endpoints or apply device-specific policies. Guest Access focuses on external user management rather than detailed device visibility.
Policy Sets define hierarchical rules for authentication and authorization based on attributes such as user identity, device type, location, and compliance. Policy Sets enforce access decisions, but they rely on Device Profiling to provide accurate device-type information. Without profiling, Policy Sets cannot differentiate endpoints effectively for applying device-specific policies.
Device Profiling enhances network security and operational efficiency by providing detailed visibility into endpoints. Integration with Policy Sets ensures accurate policy enforcement, while Posture Assessment ensures security compliance. This combination allows administrators to segment and control network access dynamically, enforce device-specific policies, and maintain a secure, well-managed enterprise network.
Question 212
A network administrator wants to enforce network access policies that grant or deny access based on the combination of user identity, device type, location, and time of day. The administrator also wants the system to integrate with external identity sources such as Active Directory. Which Cisco ISE feature should be used?
A) Policy Sets
B) Device Profiling
C) Guest Access
D) Posture Assessment
Answer: A) Policy Sets
Explanation:
Policy Sets in Cisco ISE are designed to enforce hierarchical, context-aware authentication and authorization policies based on multiple attributes. They allow administrators to define rules that consider user identity, device type, network location, time of day, and compliance status. By integrating external identity sources like Active Directory, LDAP, or RADIUS, Policy Sets ensure that access decisions are made based on verified credentials and correct group memberships. For example, corporate employees connecting during business hours using managed laptops may receive full network access, whereas contractors or BYOD devices may have restricted access. Hierarchical evaluation ensures that specific rules are processed before general ones, providing predictable and consistent policy enforcement.
Device Profiling automatically identifies and classifies endpoints connecting to the network by analyzing MAC addresses, device type, operating system, manufacturer, DHCP requests, HTTP headers, and SNMP data. While profiling provides critical visibility and context for endpoints, it does not enforce access policies by itself. Profiling information is used by Policy Sets to apply differentiated access rules, but without Policy Sets, device profiling cannot independently grant or deny access.
Guest Access provides temporary network access to visitors, contractors, or temporary staff via self-registration portals, sponsor approvals, and time-limited credentials. It focuses on external user management and is not designed to differentiate access based on internal user identity, device type, or location. While Guest Access can restrict network reach for external users, it does not provide hierarchical, context-aware policy enforcement for internal users.
Posture Assessment evaluates endpoint compliance with security requirements, such as antivirus installation, OS patches, and firewall configuration. While posture results influence access decisions, Posture Assessment alone does not enforce hierarchical policies or integrate contextual attributes like time of day or location. It is used in combination with Policy Sets to ensure compliant endpoints receive appropriate access.
Implementing Policy Sets allows administrators to enforce context-aware access control policies across the network. Integration with external identity sources ensures verified authentication, while device profiling provides visibility into connected endpoints. Posture Assessment complements Policy Sets by supplying compliance data that can influence access decisions. The combination of these features ensures secure, scalable, and flexible network access, allowing differentiated access for employees, contractors, and BYOD devices while maintaining operational efficiency and protecting sensitive resources.
Question 213
A network administrator wants to ensure that all devices connecting to the network are automatically classified by type, such as laptops, IP phones, and printers, to apply device-specific access policies and enhance network visibility. Which Cisco ISE feature should be implemented?
A) Device Profiling
B) Posture Assessment
C) Guest Access
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Device Profiling
Explanation:
Device Profiling in Cisco ISE enables automatic identification, classification, and monitoring of endpoints attempting to connect to the network. It collects data from multiple sources such as MAC addresses, operating system details, DHCP requests, HTTP headers, manufacturer information, and SNMP queries. By analyzing these attributes, the system can accurately identify devices including laptops, printers, IP phones, and mobile devices. Once classified, administrators can apply device-specific access policies. For instance, printers may be limited to printing VLANs, IP phones may be assigned to voice VLANs, and laptops may receive full network access. Automated device classification reduces manual administrative tasks, ensures consistent policy enforcement, and enhances security by segmenting endpoints appropriately.
Posture Assessment evaluates endpoint compliance against defined security policies, including antivirus presence, OS patch levels, and firewall configuration. While posture ensures devices meet security standards, it does not identify or classify devices by type. Profiling provides the context necessary for applying differentiated access policies, and posture ensures security compliance. Both work together to enforce granular access controls.
Guest Access manages temporary network connectivity for visitors or contractors through self-registration portals, sponsor approvals, and time-limited credentials. While it can restrict access for external users, Guest Access does not provide automatic device classification or device-specific policy enforcement. Its focus is on external user management rather than endpoint visibility.
Policy Sets enforce hierarchical rules for authentication and authorization based on user identity, device type, location, and compliance status. Policy Sets rely on Device Profiling to obtain accurate endpoint information in order to apply device-specific policies. Without profiling, Policy Sets cannot differentiate devices effectively and may apply generic or inappropriate access policies.
Device Profiling enhances security, operational efficiency, and network visibility by accurately identifying connected endpoints and enabling device-specific access controls. Integration with Policy Sets ensures that classified devices receive proper network privileges, while Posture Assessment guarantees compliance with security standards. Together, these features provide a dynamic, secure, and policy-driven network environment where endpoints are segmented, monitored, and managed according to organizational policies.
Question 214
A network administrator needs to provide secure temporary network access to visitors while ensuring they cannot access sensitive internal resources. The solution must include self-registration portals, sponsor approval workflows, time-limited credentials, and monitoring of guest activity. Which Cisco ISE feature should be deployed?
A) Guest Access
B) Device Profiling
C) Posture Assessment
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Guest Access
Explanation:
Guest Access in Cisco ISE is specifically designed to provide controlled temporary network connectivity for external users such as visitors, contractors, and temporary staff. It utilizes web-based captive portals that allow users to self-register, providing a streamlined and user-friendly onboarding process. Sponsor approval workflows ensure that internal personnel verify and authorize access before credentials are issued. Time-limited credentials automatically expire after a specified period, preventing extended or unauthorized access to corporate resources. Monitoring and auditing features allow administrators to track guest activity, analyze usage patterns, and maintain compliance with security policies. This ensures that external users can access the network without compromising sensitive internal resources.
Device Profiling classifies endpoints based on attributes such as MAC address, operating system, device type, and manufacturer. Profiling helps provide visibility into guest devices but does not manage temporary account creation, sponsor approvals, or credential expiration. Device Profiling supports access control but does not provide the operational tools necessary for managing guest access.
Posture Assessment evaluates the compliance of devices attempting to access the network, checking antivirus status, operating system patches, and firewall configuration. While posture is essential for ensuring internal endpoint security, it does not provide self-registration, sponsor workflows, or time-limited access. It is not suitable for managing temporary external users.
Policy Sets define hierarchical authentication and authorization rules based on factors such as user identity, device type, location, and compliance. While Policy Sets can enforce access restrictions for guest users, they do not provide mechanisms for self-registration, sponsor approval, or automatic credential expiration. Guest Access works in conjunction with Policy Sets to enforce appropriate restrictions for temporary users.
Implementing Guest Access ensures secure, manageable temporary connectivity for visitors. Captive portals enable registration, sponsor approvals authorize access, time-limited credentials prevent misuse, and monitoring tools provide visibility. Integration with Policy Sets ensures guests cannot access sensitive resources, while Device Profiling provides context for the types of endpoints used. This combination balances usability, security, and operational oversight, providing a secure environment for temporary external network access.
Question 215
A network administrator wants to enforce that endpoints connecting to the corporate network meet all required security compliance policies, including updated antivirus definitions, current operating system patches, and correctly configured firewalls, before granting full network access. Devices failing to meet compliance should be redirected to a remediation VLAN for corrective actions. Which Cisco ISE feature should be implemented?
A) Posture Assessment
B) Device Profiling
C) Guest Access
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Posture Assessment
Explanation:
Posture Assessment in Cisco ISE is a powerful feature that evaluates the compliance of endpoints attempting to access the network. It allows administrators to define policies that check for critical security requirements such as antivirus status, firewall configuration, and operating system patch levels. When an endpoint attempts to connect, Posture Assessment evaluates it against these defined criteria. Devices that meet all requirements are granted full network access, while non-compliant devices are redirected to a remediation VLAN, where users can perform corrective actions such as updating antivirus definitions, applying missing patches, or reconfiguring firewalls. This process ensures that only compliant devices gain access, reducing the risk of malware infections, unauthorized access, and potential data breaches.
Device Profiling identifies and classifies devices on the network based on attributes such as MAC address, device type, operating system, and manufacturer. While it provides critical visibility and context, profiling does not enforce compliance or redirect non-compliant devices. It works alongside Posture Assessment to provide the endpoint context needed for applying access policies but cannot independently enforce security standards or remediate devices.
Guest Access provides temporary network connectivity for visitors, contractors, or temporary staff through self-registration portals, sponsor approvals, and time-limited credentials. Although Guest Access restricts network reach for external users, it does not evaluate internal device compliance or redirect non-compliant devices to remediation VLANs. It is focused on external user lifecycle management rather than internal security enforcement.
Policy Sets define hierarchical rules for authentication and authorization based on user identity, device type, location, and compliance status. While Policy Sets determine access decisions, they rely on Posture Assessment to provide compliance information. Without Posture Assessment, Policy Sets cannot verify if an endpoint meets security requirements or redirect non-compliant devices. Policy Sets enforce decisions based on posture results but do not perform the compliance evaluation themselves.
By implementing Posture Assessment, administrators can ensure that only secure, compliant devices access sensitive network resources. Integration with Policy Sets allows dynamic, context-aware access decisions that consider compliance, user identity, and device type. Device Profiling enhances the system by providing visibility into endpoint characteristics, while remediation VLANs offer a controlled environment for non-compliant devices to correct deficiencies without compromising network security. This approach provides a robust, scalable, and secure access control framework for enterprise networks.
Question 216
A network administrator wants to provide temporary network access to external contractors and visitors while ensuring they cannot access sensitive internal resources. The solution should include self-registration portals, sponsor approval workflows, time-limited credentials, and the ability to monitor guest activity. Which Cisco ISE feature should be implemented?
A) Guest Access
B) Device Profiling
C) Posture Assessment
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Guest Access
Explanation:
Guest Access in Cisco ISE is designed to provide secure temporary network connectivity for external users such as visitors, contractors, and temporary employees. It uses web-based captive portals that allow users to self-register, making the onboarding process fast and efficient. Sponsor approval workflows ensure that internal personnel verify and authorize guests before credentials are issued, preventing unauthorized access. Time-limited credentials automatically expire after a defined period, reducing the risk of prolonged or unauthorized network usage. Administrators can monitor guest activity using logging and reporting features, which provides visibility and accountability while ensuring that guests cannot access sensitive internal resources.
Device Profiling identifies and classifies endpoints based on attributes such as MAC address, operating system, device type, and manufacturer. While profiling provides valuable context about the types of devices being used, it does not manage the guest lifecycle, enforce time-limited access, or provide sponsor approval workflows. Profiling enhances policy enforcement but is not sufficient for managing temporary access.
Posture Assessment evaluates device compliance with corporate security policies, including antivirus status, operating system patch levels, and firewall configuration. While posture assessment is critical for internal security, it does not manage temporary accounts, sponsor approvals, or guest credential expiration. Its function is primarily to enforce compliance for internal devices rather than manage external user access.
Policy Sets define hierarchical authentication and authorization rules based on factors such as user identity, device type, location, and compliance. While Policy Sets enforce access control decisions, they do not provide self-registration portals, sponsor workflows, or time-limited credentials. Policy Sets can work alongside Guest Access to limit the resources available to guests, but Guest Access provides the operational mechanisms for temporary access management.
Implementing Guest Access ensures that external users are granted secure, manageable network access. Captive portals facilitate registration, sponsor approvals confirm authorization, and time-limited credentials mitigate security risks. Integration with Policy Sets ensures that guests are restricted to specific network resources, while device profiling offers insight into the devices being used. This combination ensures secure, temporary connectivity that balances usability, security, and operational oversight.
Question 217
A network administrator wants to automatically classify endpoints such as laptops, IP phones, and printers to apply device-specific access policies and enhance visibility into connected devices. Which Cisco ISE feature should be implemented?
A) Device Profiling
B) Posture Assessment
C) Guest Access
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Device Profiling
Explanation:
Device Profiling in Cisco ISE provides the capability to automatically identify, classify, and monitor endpoints as they connect to the network. It collects data from multiple sources such as MAC addresses, DHCP requests, HTTP headers, operating system information, manufacturer details, and SNMP queries. This allows accurate identification of devices including laptops, printers, IP phones, and mobile devices. Once classified, administrators can enforce device-specific access policies. For example, printers can be restricted to printing subnets, IP phones assigned to voice VLANs, and laptops granted full internal access. Automated profiling reduces manual configuration, ensures consistent policy application, and enhances network security by enforcing segmentation based on device type.
Posture Assessment checks whether devices meet security compliance requirements, such as antivirus installation, firewall configuration, and OS patch levels. While posture ensures security compliance, it does not identify or classify device types. Profiling provides the necessary context to apply device-specific policies, and posture ensures the device is secure. Both work together to enforce granular access policies effectively.
Guest Access manages temporary network access for external users through self-registration portals, sponsor approvals, and time-limited credentials. While it can restrict guest devices, it does not classify internal endpoints or enforce device-specific policies. Its focus is on temporary user management rather than network visibility.
Policy Sets define hierarchical rules for authentication and authorization based on user identity, device type, location, and compliance. Policy Sets rely on Device Profiling to obtain accurate endpoint information to apply device-specific policies. Without profiling, Policy Sets cannot differentiate endpoints effectively, which could result in improper access assignments.
By implementing Device Profiling, administrators gain visibility into all connected devices and can enforce appropriate policies based on device type. Combined with Policy Sets and Posture Assessment, this approach ensures that devices are correctly segmented, monitored, and compliant, providing a secure, efficient, and dynamic network environment.
Question 218
A network administrator wants to enforce access policies that combine multiple contextual factors such as user identity, device type, location, and time of day to control network access. The policies must integrate with external identity sources such as Active Directory or LDAP. Which Cisco ISE feature should be implemented?
A) Policy Sets
B) Device Profiling
C) Guest Access
D) Posture Assessment
Answer: A) Policy Sets
Explanation:
Policy Sets in Cisco ISE provide a hierarchical framework for enforcing access policies based on multiple contextual attributes. They allow administrators to define complex rules that evaluate user identity, device type, location, and time of day simultaneously. Integration with external identity sources like Active Directory or LDAP ensures that access decisions are made based on verified credentials and accurate group memberships. For instance, corporate employees using managed laptops during business hours can be granted full network access, while contractors or BYOD devices may receive limited or restricted access. Policy Sets are evaluated hierarchically, meaning specific rules take precedence over general rules, allowing precise and predictable enforcement of access policies.
Device Profiling identifies and classifies endpoints connecting to the network based on attributes such as MAC address, device type, manufacturer, and operating system. While profiling provides valuable context that can influence access policies, it does not enforce access control by itself. Profiling is often used in conjunction with Policy Sets to determine the type of access granted to a device, but without Policy Sets, profiling cannot implement policy logic or make access decisions.
Guest Access provides temporary network connectivity for external users such as visitors, contractors, or temporary staff through self-registration portals, sponsor approval workflows, and time-limited credentials. While it includes some access restrictions, it is focused on managing temporary external users rather than enforcing hierarchical, context-aware policies for all network endpoints. Guest Access does not combine user identity, device type, or time-of-day attributes to make access decisions for internal devices.
Posture Assessment evaluates whether endpoints meet security compliance requirements, such as antivirus installation, OS patch levels, and firewall configuration. Although posture results are often incorporated into Policy Sets to influence access decisions, Posture Assessment itself does not define hierarchical rules or integrate multiple contextual factors like location or time of day. It is primarily used to ensure that endpoints meet security policies before granting access.
Implementing Policy Sets allows administrators to enforce precise, context-aware access policies across the network. By integrating with external identity sources, Policy Sets ensure that only authenticated and authorized users gain appropriate network access. Device Profiling can enhance policy enforcement by providing detailed endpoint information, while Posture Assessment ensures devices are compliant with security requirements. The combination of these features enables organizations to maintain a secure, flexible, and scalable network environment that dynamically enforces access policies based on multiple criteria.
Question 219
A network administrator wants to provide temporary network access to visitors and contractors while ensuring they cannot access sensitive internal resources. The solution must include self-registration portals, sponsor approval workflows, time-limited credentials, and the ability to monitor guest activity. Which Cisco ISE feature should be deployed?
A) Guest Access
B) Device Profiling
C) Posture Assessment
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Guest Access
Explanation:
Guest Access in Cisco ISE is designed to provide secure temporary network connectivity for external users such as visitors, contractors, and temporary staff. It provides web-based captive portals that allow self-registration, making onboarding efficient and user-friendly. Sponsor approval workflows ensure that internal personnel verify and authorize guest access before credentials are issued, preventing unauthorized network access. Time-limited credentials automatically expire after a predefined period, reducing the risk of prolonged or unauthorized access. Administrators can monitor guest activity using logging and reporting features, which allows visibility into guest usage patterns and ensures compliance with organizational policies. This functionality ensures that external users can access the network without compromising sensitive internal resources.
Device Profiling identifies and classifies endpoints based on attributes such as MAC address, operating system, device type, and manufacturer. While profiling provides context about the types of devices connecting to the network, it does not manage temporary access, sponsor approvals, or time-limited credentials. Profiling can support Guest Access by providing visibility into guest devices but cannot independently enforce temporary access policies.
Posture Assessment evaluates endpoint compliance with security policies, including antivirus status, OS patch levels, and firewall configuration. While it ensures that internal devices meet security requirements, it does not provide mechanisms for self-registration, sponsor approval, or temporary account expiration. Posture Assessment is not suitable for managing external guest access.
Policy Sets define hierarchical rules for authentication and authorization based on user identity, device type, location, and compliance. While Policy Sets enforce access restrictions for guest users, they do not provide the operational tools for registration portals, sponsor approvals, or automatic credential expiration. Guest Access works in conjunction with Policy Sets to ensure that guests can only access appropriate resources.
Implementing Guest Access ensures that external users are granted secure and manageable temporary network access. Captive portals facilitate registration, sponsor approvals validate authorization, and time-limited credentials mitigate security risks. Integration with Policy Sets ensures guests cannot reach sensitive internal resources, while device profiling provides visibility into the endpoints being used. This integrated approach balances usability, security, and operational control for temporary network access.
Question 220
A network administrator wants to automatically classify endpoints such as laptops, IP phones, and printers as they connect to the network. The goal is to apply device-specific access policies, improve visibility, and support policy enforcement. Which Cisco ISE feature should be used?
A) Device Profiling
B) Posture Assessment
C) Guest Access
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Device Profiling
Explanation:
Device Profiling in Cisco ISE enables automatic identification, classification, and monitoring of endpoints connecting to the network. It collects data from multiple sources including MAC addresses, DHCP requests, HTTP headers, operating system information, manufacturer details, and SNMP queries. This data allows the system to accurately identify device types such as laptops, printers, IP phones, and mobile devices. Once classified, administrators can enforce device-specific access policies. For example, printers may be restricted to specific VLANs, IP phones assigned to voice VLANs, and laptops granted full access to internal resources. Automated device classification reduces manual configuration, ensures consistent policy enforcement, and enhances security by segmenting endpoints appropriately.
Posture Assessment evaluates whether devices meet security compliance requirements, including antivirus installation, OS patch levels, and firewall configuration. While posture ensures endpoint security, it does not identify or classify devices by type. Profiling provides the context required for applying differentiated access policies, while posture ensures that devices are compliant with security standards. Both features can be integrated for comprehensive access control.
Guest Access provides temporary connectivity for external users via self-registration portals, sponsor approvals, and time-limited credentials. It focuses on managing external users rather than automatically classifying endpoints. Guest Access cannot provide the detailed visibility or device-specific policy enforcement that Device Profiling offers.
Policy Sets define hierarchical rules for authentication and authorization based on user identity, device type, location, and compliance. Policy Sets rely on Device Profiling to obtain accurate endpoint information to apply device-specific policies. Without profiling, Policy Sets cannot differentiate devices effectively and may apply inappropriate or generic access rules.
Implementing Device Profiling provides visibility into all connected endpoints and enables precise device-specific access policies. Integration with Policy Sets ensures that classified devices receive appropriate network privileges, while Posture Assessment ensures compliance with security requirements. This combination results in a secure, well-managed, and dynamic network environment where endpoints are monitored, segmented, and controlled according to organizational policies.
Question 221
A network administrator wants to enforce access control policies that grant full network access only to endpoints meeting security compliance requirements, such as updated antivirus software, patched operating systems, and enabled firewalls. Non-compliant devices should be redirected to a remediation VLAN for corrective actions. Which Cisco ISE feature should be implemented?
A) Posture Assessment
B) Device Profiling
C) Guest Access
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Posture Assessment
Explanation:
Posture Assessment in Cisco ISE is a comprehensive feature designed to ensure that endpoints meet organizational security requirements before they gain network access. It allows administrators to define compliance rules for endpoints, which may include antivirus status, operating system patch levels, firewall configuration, disk encryption, and other security measures. When a device attempts to connect to the network, Posture Assessment evaluates its compliance against these preconfigured rules. Devices that meet all security requirements are granted full network access, while non-compliant devices are automatically redirected to a remediation VLAN. The remediation VLAN provides a secure environment where users can take corrective actions, such as updating antivirus software, applying missing patches, or reconfiguring firewall settings. This ensures that non-compliant endpoints do not introduce security risks or compromise sensitive corporate resources.
Device Profiling is a feature that identifies and classifies endpoints based on attributes such as MAC address, operating system, device type, manufacturer, and other network characteristics. While it provides visibility into the types of devices connecting to the network and informs policy decisions, it does not enforce security compliance or redirect non-compliant devices. Device Profiling complements Posture Assessment by providing context about the device, which can influence access policies, but on its own, it cannot ensure that endpoints meet security requirements.
Guest Access provides temporary network connectivity for visitors, contractors, or temporary staff. It includes features such as self-registration portals, sponsor approval workflows, and time-limited credentials. Guest Access is focused on managing temporary external users rather than enforcing internal endpoint security. While it can restrict network reach and monitor guest activity, it does not evaluate endpoint compliance, enforce security policies, or redirect non-compliant devices to a remediation VLAN.
Policy Sets in Cisco ISE define hierarchical rules for authentication and authorization based on multiple attributes such as user identity, device type, location, and compliance status. Policy Sets enforce access control decisions using the information provided by Posture Assessment and Device Profiling. While Policy Sets determine the final access outcome, they rely on Posture Assessment to provide the compliance status of devices. Without Posture Assessment, Policy Sets cannot evaluate whether endpoints meet security requirements or enforce remediation workflows. Policy Sets are essential for integrating contextual information and applying policies consistently but cannot perform compliance checks independently.
Implementing Posture Assessment ensures that only secure and compliant devices can access corporate network resources. Integration with Policy Sets allows administrators to create context-aware access rules that consider compliance, user identity, and device type. Device Profiling enhances the system by providing detailed endpoint information, which supports more granular policy enforcement. The combination of these features creates a secure, scalable, and dynamic network environment where non-compliant devices are isolated for remediation and compliant devices receive appropriate network privileges. Posture Assessment not only protects the network from potential threats but also simplifies administrative oversight by automating the evaluation and remediation process.
Question 222
A network administrator needs to provide temporary network access to external contractors and visitors while ensuring they cannot access sensitive internal resources. The solution must include self-registration portals, sponsor approval workflows, time-limited credentials, and monitoring of guest activity. Which Cisco ISE feature should be deployed?
A) Guest Access
B) Device Profiling
C) Posture Assessment
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Guest Access
Explanation:
Guest Access in Cisco ISE is specifically designed to provide secure, controlled temporary network access for external users such as visitors, contractors, and temporary staff. It offers web-based captive portals that allow users to self-register efficiently, simplifying the onboarding process. Sponsor approval workflows ensure that internal personnel verify and authorize access before credentials are issued, preventing unauthorized network entry. Time-limited credentials automatically expire after a defined period, reducing the risk of extended or unauthorized network access. Administrators can monitor guest activity through logging and reporting features, providing visibility and accountability while ensuring that guests cannot access sensitive internal resources. This makes Guest Access a comprehensive solution for managing temporary external connectivity without compromising network security.
Device Profiling identifies and classifies endpoints connecting to the network based on MAC address, device type, operating system, and manufacturer. While profiling provides visibility into the types of devices being used, it does not manage guest lifecycles, sponsor approvals, or time-limited access. Profiling can complement Guest Access by providing context about guest devices, but it cannot independently enforce temporary access policies or restrictions.
Posture Assessment evaluates whether internal endpoints meet security compliance policies such as antivirus status, OS patches, and firewall configuration. While crucial for internal network security, Posture Assessment does not provide operational mechanisms for managing temporary accounts, sponsor workflows, or automatic credential expiration. It is not intended for managing external user access.
Policy Sets define hierarchical authentication and authorization rules based on user identity, device type, location, and compliance. Although Policy Sets enforce access decisions for both internal and external users, they do not provide mechanisms for self-registration, sponsor approvals, or time-limited credentials. Guest Access works in combination with Policy Sets to enforce restricted access policies for temporary users, ensuring they only reach appropriate resources.
By deploying Guest Access, organizations provide a secure, operationally efficient solution for external users. Captive portals allow registration, sponsor approvals validate authorization, and time-limited credentials prevent misuse. Integration with Policy Sets ensures that guests are restricted from sensitive resources, while device profiling offers visibility into endpoints. This combination balances security, usability, and operational control for temporary external network access.
Question 223
A network administrator wants to automatically classify endpoints such as laptops, IP phones, and printers to apply device-specific access policies and improve visibility into the network. Which Cisco ISE feature should be implemented?
A) Device Profiling
B) Posture Assessment
C) Guest Access
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Device Profiling
Explanation:
Device Profiling in Cisco ISE is a feature that enables automatic identification, classification, and monitoring of endpoints as they connect to the network. It collects information from various sources such as MAC addresses, DHCP requests, HTTP headers, operating system details, manufacturer data, and SNMP queries. This data allows accurate identification of endpoint types, including laptops, printers, IP phones, and mobile devices. Once classified, administrators can apply device-specific access policies. For example, printers can be restricted to printing VLANs, IP phones placed in voice VLANs, and laptops granted full internal access. Automated device classification reduces administrative overhead, ensures consistent policy enforcement, and enhances security by appropriately segmenting endpoints.
Posture Assessment ensures devices comply with security requirements such as antivirus status, OS patching, and firewall configuration. While posture ensures security compliance, it does not classify devices by type. Device Profiling provides context about device types, which, when combined with posture and Policy Sets, allows granular, context-aware access enforcement.
Guest Access manages temporary network access for external users using self-registration portals, sponsor approvals, and time-limited credentials. While Guest Access restricts guest device access, it does not classify internal endpoints or support device-specific policy enforcement.
Policy Sets define hierarchical rules for authentication and authorization based on user identity, device type, location, and compliance. Policy Sets rely on Device Profiling for accurate device information to enforce device-specific policies. Without profiling, Policy Sets cannot differentiate endpoint types and may apply generic or inappropriate policies.
Implementing Device Profiling provides visibility into all connected endpoints, enabling administrators to enforce precise access policies based on device type. Integration with Policy Sets ensures proper access control, while Posture Assessment ensures devices are compliant with security standards. Together, these features create a secure, well-managed, and dynamic network environment where endpoints are appropriately segmented, monitored, and controlled.
Question 224
A network administrator wants to enforce access control policies that grant network access based on multiple contextual factors such as user identity, device type, location, and time of day. These policies must integrate with external identity sources such as Active Directory to ensure that only authorized users gain access. Which Cisco ISE feature should be used?
A) Policy Sets
B) Device Profiling
C) Guest Access
D) Posture Assessment
Answer: A) Policy Sets
Explanation:
Policy Sets in Cisco ISE provide a structured and hierarchical framework for defining and enforcing access control policies. They allow administrators to combine multiple contextual attributes—such as user identity, device type, location, and time of day—into comprehensive rules that determine network access. Integration with external identity sources such as Active Directory or LDAP ensures that only authenticated users with proper group memberships and permissions are granted access. For example, employees connecting during standard business hours using corporate-managed laptops can be allowed full network access, whereas contractors or personal BYOD devices may receive limited or restricted access based on their attributes.
Device Profiling automatically identifies and classifies endpoints connecting to the network using information such as MAC addresses, device type, operating system, and manufacturer. Profiling provides valuable context for policy enforcement but does not independently determine access. It works alongside Policy Sets to help differentiate access for different device types, ensuring that each device receives appropriate permissions. However, on its own, profiling cannot combine contextual factors such as user identity or time-of-day to enforce access decisions.
Guest Access provides temporary network connectivity for external users such as visitors, contractors, or temporary staff. It includes self-registration portals, sponsor approval workflows, and time-limited credentials. Guest Access focuses on managing temporary users rather than enforcing hierarchical, context-aware access policies. It does not integrate multiple internal contextual factors or external identity sources for comprehensive access control.
Posture Assessment evaluates whether endpoints meet organizational security requirements, including antivirus status, operating system patches, and firewall configuration. While posture provides critical information for compliance-based access decisions, it does not combine contextual factors or integrate with external identity sources to make hierarchical policy decisions. Posture results are often used within Policy Sets to enforce compliance-based restrictions, but posture alone cannot provide complete access control.
Implementing Policy Sets enables administrators to enforce granular, context-aware access control across the network. Integration with external identity sources ensures only authorized users gain appropriate access, while Device Profiling provides endpoint context and Posture Assessment ensures compliance. The combination of these features creates a secure, dynamic network environment that allows administrators to define precise rules, manage exceptions, and enforce differentiated access for employees, contractors, and BYOD devices while maintaining operational efficiency.
Question 225
A network administrator needs to provide temporary network access to contractors and visitors while preventing access to sensitive internal resources. The solution must include self-registration portals, sponsor approval workflows, time-limited credentials, and activity monitoring. Which Cisco ISE feature should be deployed?
A) Guest Access
B) Device Profiling
C) Posture Assessment
D) Policy Sets
Answer: A) Guest Access
Explanation:
Guest Access in Cisco ISE is designed to provide secure and controlled temporary network connectivity for external users such as visitors, contractors, and temporary staff. It uses web-based captive portals to allow users to self-register, streamlining the onboarding process and ensuring that only authorized users gain network access. Sponsor approval workflows provide an additional layer of security, requiring internal personnel to verify and approve guest access before credentials are issued. Time-limited credentials automatically expire after a set period, preventing prolonged or unauthorized access. Administrators can monitor guest activity through logging and reporting features, ensuring visibility and accountability while protecting sensitive internal resources from unauthorized access.
Device Profiling identifies and classifies endpoints based on attributes such as MAC address, operating system, device type, and manufacturer. While profiling provides valuable visibility into the types of devices connected to the network, it does not manage temporary access, sponsor approvals, or time-limited credentials. Profiling can complement Guest Access by providing information about the types of guest devices connecting to the network, but it cannot independently enforce temporary access policies.
Posture Assessment evaluates the compliance of internal endpoints with security policies, such as antivirus installation, OS patch levels, and firewall configuration. While posture is essential for enforcing internal device security, it does not provide mechanisms for self-registration portals, sponsor workflows, or temporary account expiration. It is focused on ensuring that devices meet security requirements rather than managing temporary external users.
Policy Sets define hierarchical authentication and authorization rules based on attributes such as user identity, device type, location, and compliance. Although Policy Sets enforce access restrictions, they do not provide operational tools for managing temporary guest accounts or workflows. Guest Access works in conjunction with Policy Sets to ensure that guests are restricted to appropriate network resources, while Policy Sets apply additional restrictions based on device type or identity.
Implementing Guest Access provides a complete solution for temporary network connectivity, balancing usability, security, and operational control. Self-registration portals facilitate guest onboarding, sponsor approvals validate authorization, and time-limited credentials prevent misuse. Integration with Policy Sets ensures guests cannot access sensitive resources, and device profiling provides visibility into guest devices. This approach allows administrators to manage temporary users efficiently while maintaining a secure network environment.