Cisco 300-710 Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (300-710 SNCF) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 3 Q31-45
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Question 31
Which Cisco Firepower feature enables administrators to apply different security policies based on the time of day or day of the week?
A) Time-Based Access Control Policy
B) Security Intelligence
C) URL Filtering
D) Snort
Answer: A) Time-Based Access Control Policy
Explanation:
Time-Based Access Control Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to apply security rules dynamically depending on the time of day or day of the week. This is particularly useful for organizations that need to enforce stricter policies during business hours or relax restrictions during off-hours for maintenance, testing, or other operational needs. Administrators can create rules that allow, block, inspect, or trust traffic during specific time intervals. This functionality ensures that network security is tailored to organizational requirements, balancing protection and usability without requiring manual adjustments.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on threat reputation, such as known malicious IP addresses or domains. While it is highly effective for preventing access to malicious sources, Security Intelligence does not have a built-in capability to vary policy enforcement based on time or day. It is focused on dynamic threat mitigation rather than temporal policy management.
URL Filtering controls access to web content based on categories or reputation. Although URL Filtering can enforce rules for specific categories or domains, it cannot dynamically apply policies based on the time of day or week. URL Filtering is content-focused and does not provide temporal policy granularity.
Snort is the intrusion detection and prevention engine that analyzes network traffic for known attack signatures and protocol anomalies. While Snort is critical for detecting threats, it does not provide the ability to enforce different security rules based on time. Snort operates continuously and analyzes traffic in real time, but temporal adjustments require external mechanisms such as Time-Based Access Control Policy.
Time-Based Access Control Policy is the correct answer because it allows organizations to adapt security enforcement to operational requirements. For example, traffic from non-business-critical applications may be blocked during peak hours but allowed after hours for updates or testing. Similarly, access to certain internal resources may be restricted during weekends or holidays. This capability enhances security while ensuring operational flexibility and efficiency. By combining Time-Based Access Control Policy with other engines such as Snort, File Policy, and URL Filtering, administrators can create comprehensive, context-aware security rules that respond to both threat intelligence and organizational needs. It reduces administrative overhead by automating policy changes based on time and improves compliance with corporate policies. Time-Based Access Control Policy ensures that traffic handling is adaptive and predictable, providing granular control over network access and security enforcement. It also allows reporting and auditing of time-specific access events, giving visibility into user behavior during different periods. Implementing Time-Based Access Control Policy is particularly beneficial for organizations with variable operational schedules, such as universities, retail chains, or global enterprises with multiple time zones. Enabling time-aware security enforcement, it provides a strategic approach to balancing protection, usability, and compliance, making it the optimal solution for applying different security policies based on time.
Question 32
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows inspection and blocking of email attachments for malware?
A) File Policy with Malware Detection
B) Snort
C) Security Intelligence
D) URL Filtering
Answer: A) File Policy with Malware Detection
Explanation:
File Policy with Malware Detection in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense provides the capability to inspect email attachments transmitted over SMTP, IMAP, or other mail protocols. This engine scans files for known malware signatures, behavioral anomalies, and potential threats using integrated Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for real-time intelligence and retrospective analysis. By examining email attachments before they reach endpoints, File Policy can prevent malware infections, ransomware, and other malicious payloads from compromising the network. Administrators can define policies to block specific file types, quarantine suspicious attachments, or allow safe content while logging events for monitoring and compliance purposes. This approach ensures protection of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of spreading malware internally, and minimizes business disruption caused by malicious emails.
Snort is the intrusion detection and prevention engine that identifies threats based on network signatures, anomalies, and protocol deviations. While Snort is effective at detecting network-level attacks, it does not inspect the contents of files or email attachments for malware. Snort focuses on packet-level analysis, making it insufficient for email-based malware detection.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic based on IP, URL, or domain reputation. It can prevent communication with known malicious email servers or phishing domains, but it does not scan the contents of email attachments for malware. Security Intelligence provides a layer of network protection, but cannot ensure that an individual attachment is safe.
URL Filtering controls access to websites and can prevent users from visiting malicious domains that may host malware. However, URL Filtering does not inspect email attachments or block file-based malware delivered through mail protocols. Its function is content access control, not file security.
File Policy with Malware Detection is the correct answer because it performs deep inspection of email attachments, allowing administrators to enforce policies that prevent malware from reaching endpoints. Integration with AMP enables real-time detection, continuous updates, and retrospective scanning for new threats, enhancing protection against both known and zero-day attacks. By enforcing granular rules based on file type, source, and behavior, File Policy ensures that legitimate attachments are allowed while malicious content is intercepted, quarantined, or blocked. This prevents disruption to business operations and protects sensitive information from compromise. It is particularly valuable in environments where email is a primary vector for malware, ransomware, or phishing campaigns. File Policy also supports logging and reporting, giving administrators visibility into potential threats and user behavior. By integrating with other engines such as Snort, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence, File Policy provides a comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy, making it the ideal solution for inspecting and blocking malware in email attachments.
Question 33
Which Cisco Firepower feature provides granular control over network traffic based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols?
A) Access Control Policy
B) Security Intelligence
C) Snort
D) File Policy
Answer: A) Access Control Policy
Explanation:
Access Control Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense provides administrators with the ability to enforce granular rules based on source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and network protocols. It defines how traffic is treated across interfaces, zones, and segments, specifying actions such as allow, block, inspect, or trust. By combining Access Control Policies with engines like Snort, File Policy, and Security Intelligence, administrators can create comprehensive rules that protect the network while maintaining operational efficiency. Access Control Policy is the framework through which security decisions are enforced, ensuring that network communication complies with organizational standards and threat mitigation strategies.
Security Intelligence uses threat reputation feeds to block or allow traffic from known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs. While Security Intelligence can enhance Access Control Policy, it does not provide granular control over traffic based on protocol, port, or source/destination IP alone. Security Intelligence is primarily dynamic and focused on threat prevention rather than detailed traffic enforcement.
Snort is an intrusion detection and prevention engine that analyzes network traffic for exploit signatures, anomalies, and malicious behavior. Snort identifies attacks and generates alerts or blocks traffic inline, but does not provide the policy framework for granular control over all types of network traffic. Snort complements Access Control Policy, but is not a standalone mechanism for source/destination-based control.
File Policy inspects files transmitted across the network for malware and other suspicious content. While it is essential for file-level protection, it does not define traffic enforcement rules based on IP addresses, ports, or protocols. File Policy focuses on content inspection rather than granular traffic control.
Access Control Policy is the correct answer because it enables administrators to create highly specific rules for network traffic management. Policies can differentiate traffic based on the combination of source and destination addresses, ports, and protocols, allowing enforcement of security requirements for both internal and external communication. By integrating with inspection engines, Access Control Policies ensure that traffic is not only controlled but also inspected for threats in real time. For example, administrators can block certain applications or protocols from untrusted networks while allowing secure communication for critical business services. Access Control Policy supports logging, monitoring, and auditing of network activity, providing visibility into policy enforcement and potential security events. Its flexibility allows organizations to enforce regulatory compliance, protect sensitive resources, and minimize exposure to attacks. By centralizing traffic management and integrating threat detection, Access Control Policy ensures that security enforcement is consistent, precise, and adaptive to network conditions. Its ability to combine granular source/destination control with enforcement of inspection engines and threat intelligence makes Access Control Policy the optimal solution for controlling network traffic effectively.
Question 34
Which Cisco FTD feature allows administrators to apply security policies to specific users or groups rather than just IP addresses?
A) Identity Policy
B) Access Control Policy
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Identity Policy
Explanation:
Identity Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to apply security policies based on the identity of users or groups rather than solely relying on IP addresses. This approach is critical in modern networks where multiple users may share the same IP, or devices are mobile, frequently changing network locations. By integrating with Active Directory, LDAP, or other authentication systems, Identity Policy maps network traffic to specific users or groups, allowing granular enforcement of policies based on role, department, or user classification. For example, an administrator can allow finance users access to internal financial applications while restricting access to social media sites or file-sharing platforms. This ensures that security enforcement aligns with organizational structure, compliance requirements, and operational needs, enhancing both security and productivity.
Access Control Policy defines rules for traffic between zones or segments, specifying actions like allow, block, inspect, or trust. While Access Control Policy can restrict traffic based on IP addresses, ports, or protocols, it does not inherently associate traffic with user identities. Without an Identity Policy, Access Control Policy cannot apply rules based on user or group membership, limiting its granularity in environments with dynamic addressing or shared IPs.
URL Filtering enforces access controls to websites based on content categories, reputation, or domains. Although URL Filtering can restrict web traffic for all users, it cannot differentiate between individual users or groups without integration with Identity Policy. URL Filtering alone is content-focused, not user-specific, so it cannot enforce personalized policies based on identity.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on the reputation of IP addresses, domains, or URLs. While effective for preventing communication with known malicious sources, Security Intelligence does not provide per-user enforcement. Its primary focus is network-level threat mitigation, not identity-based policy application.
Identity Policy is the correct answer because it allows organizations to enforce access controls based on actual user identity rather than static IPs. This is particularly valuable in environments with VPNs, NAT, mobile devices, or shared workstations, where IP-based policies would be insufficient. By mapping traffic to authenticated users or groups, administrators can apply tailored rules that enforce compliance, protect sensitive resources, and optimize operational efficiency. Identity Policy also integrates with other inspection engines such as Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence, enabling enforcement of threats and content policies on a per-user basis. Additionally, it provides visibility into which users are generating traffic, allowing auditing, reporting, and proactive threat mitigation. This ensures that policies are precise, reducing unnecessary blocking of legitimate traffic while preventing unauthorized access. Identity Policy supports role-based access control, enabling organizations to define security rules that align with job functions or organizational hierarchy. By focusing on user identity, it improves overall security posture while simplifying administration and ensuring that policies are adaptable to dynamic and complex network environments.
Question 35
Which Cisco Firepower engine inspects traffic for known attack patterns and exploits in real time?
A) Snort
B) URL Filtering
C) File Policy
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Snort
Explanation:
Snort is the intrusion detection and prevention engine within Cisco Firepower Threat Defense that inspects network traffic for known attack patterns, exploits, and anomalies in real time. It uses signature-based detection to identify malicious activity, including buffer overflows, SQL injection, command injection, malware communication, and other network-based attacks. Snort can operate inline to block malicious traffic or in passive mode to generate alerts for further investigation. Administrators can deploy standard or customized rules to adapt detection to the organization’s specific network environment and threat landscape. Snort’s deep packet inspection capability allows it to analyze protocol behavior, packet payloads, and session anomalies, making it highly effective for detecting threats as they occur, before they compromise endpoints or critical systems.
URL Filtering controls access to websites based on categories, domains, or reputation. While it can block access to malicious sites, it does not analyze traffic for known exploit signatures or network-based attacks. Its function is primarily content control rather than intrusion detection. URL Filtering may complement Snort by restricting traffic to malicious domains, but it is not a detection engine for exploits or attack patterns.
File Policy inspects files transferred across protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB for malware or malicious content. While File Policy is essential for detecting file-based threats, it does not analyze network traffic for exploits or signature-based attacks. Its focus is on content within files rather than the broader network or protocol-level behavior.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on reputation of IP addresses, domains, or URLs. Although effective for threat mitigation, it does not inspect packets or traffic payloads for known exploit patterns. Security Intelligence is focused on dynamic, reputation-based blocking rather than detection of active attacks in real time.
Snort is the correct answer because it provides real-time intrusion detection and prevention, leveraging signature-based rules to identify and respond to threats immediately. By inspecting traffic at the packet level, it detects attacks that exploit vulnerabilities, malware communications, or suspicious behavior. Administrators can create custom rules to enhance detection, integrate Snort with Access Control Policies to enforce blocks or inspections, and use Firepower Management Center for centralized rule management and event correlation. Snort’s ability to analyze traffic for known attack patterns ensures that threats are intercepted before reaching endpoints, providing critical protection against intrusions, exploits, and network-based attacks. Its real-time capabilities, deep packet inspection, and integration with other Firepower engines make it an essential component of network security enforcement.
Question 36
Which Cisco FTD feature enables reporting and event correlation across multiple managed devices?
A) Firepower Management Center
B) Snort
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Firepower Management Center
Explanation:
Firepower Management Center (FMC) provides centralized management, reporting, and event correlation for multiple Cisco Firepower Threat Defense devices. FMC aggregates logs and alerts from engines such as Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence, allowing administrators to analyze security events, detect trends, and respond to incidents in real time. By providing dashboards, historical reports, and detailed analytics, FMC enables comprehensive visibility into network activity, user behavior, and security posture across the organization. It allows administrators to deploy consistent policies to all managed devices, ensuring uniform enforcement of security controls and streamlining operational efficiency. FMC also correlates events from different devices and sources to identify coordinated attacks, advanced threats, or anomalies that may be overlooked if devices are analyzed individually.
Snort is the intrusion detection and prevention engine that generates alerts for network threats based on signatures. While Snort produces valuable security information, it does not aggregate or correlate logs from multiple devices. Its alerts must be collected and managed via FMC or similar systems to provide centralized visibility.
URL Filtering logs web access events and can generate reports for individual devices. However, it does not provide a centralized platform for correlating security events across multiple devices. URL Filtering contributes to data collection but does not perform holistic analysis or centralized reporting.
Security Intelligence provides dynamic blocking or allowing of traffic based on reputation. Although it generates logs and alerts, it does not offer centralized reporting or event correlation for multiple devices. Security Intelligence is primarily focused on proactive threat mitigation rather than multi-device management and analytics.
Firepower Management Center is the correct answer because it consolidates data from multiple devices and inspection engines, allowing administrators to gain a complete understanding of network security. It supports detailed reporting, historical analysis, and centralized policy deployment, making it an essential tool for enterprise-scale security management. By correlating events, FMC helps identify patterns, detect advanced threats, and streamline incident response. Its integration with Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence ensures that all relevant security information is captured, analyzed, and presented in a unified platform. FMC enhances operational efficiency, improves threat visibility, and allows organizations to maintain a proactive security posture, making it the optimal solution for reporting and event correlation across multiple managed devices.
Question 37
Which Cisco FTD feature allows inspection and control of traffic based on the type of application being used, regardless of the port or protocol?
A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
B) Access Control Policy
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
Explanation:
Application Visibility and Control (AVC) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to identify, monitor, and control applications traversing the network, regardless of the ports or protocols they use. Modern applications often operate on non-standard ports or use encryption to bypass traditional security controls. AVC uses deep packet inspection, behavior analysis, and contextual intelligence to identify the actual application being used, even when it is encapsulated within standard protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, or TCP. Administrators can then enforce granular policies to allow, block, or prioritize specific applications based on business or security requirements. For example, an organization may allow essential collaboration tools while restricting recreational social media or peer-to-peer applications. AVC also provides detailed visibility into bandwidth usage, enabling administrators to make informed decisions about application prioritization and network performance management.
Access Control Policy defines the framework for enforcing traffic rules such as allow, block, inspect, or trust between network zones or interfaces. While Access Control Policy is essential for traffic enforcement, it primarily relies on IP addresses, ports, or protocols to apply rules. Without AVC, Access Control Policy cannot identify applications that use dynamic ports or non-standard protocols, limiting the granularity of enforcement.
URL Filtering restricts access to websites based on categories, reputation, or specific domains. It is effective for controlling web-based applications and preventing access to malicious or inappropriate sites. However, URL Filtering is web-centric and cannot identify or enforce policies on non-web applications, encrypted applications, or applications using non-standard ports.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on reputation information from known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs. While it is valuable for threat prevention, it does not identify applications or enforce policies based on application type. Security Intelligence operates at a network or reputation level rather than providing granular application control.
AVC is the correct answer because it enables organizations to gain visibility into and control over network traffic at the application layer. It identifies applications that may bypass traditional port-based enforcement, providing the ability to enforce policies that align with organizational priorities and compliance requirements. By integrating AVC with Access Control Policies, administrators can implement application-aware security rules that balance protection, productivity, and network efficiency. AVC also allows for dynamic response to application behavior, ensuring that critical applications maintain performance while limiting bandwidth for non-essential applications. The detailed reporting and monitoring provided by AVC give administrators insights into which applications consume the most resources, which are high-risk, and which may be non-compliant with organizational policies. By controlling applications rather than just ports or IP addresses, AVC addresses modern security challenges posed by encrypted, tunneled, or dynamic applications, making it the optimal solution for application-based policy enforcement in Firepower deployments.
Question 38
Which Cisco Firepower feature can detect and prevent advanced malware using both signature-based and behavioral analysis?
A) File Policy with Malware Detection
B) Snort
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) File Policy with Malware Detection
Explanation:
File Policy with Malware Detection in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense is specifically designed to detect and prevent advanced malware, including zero-day threats and ransomware. This feature uses a combination of signature-based detection and behavioral analysis to inspect files transmitted over protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB. By examining file content and behavior, File Policy can identify known threats as well as anomalous or suspicious patterns that indicate previously unknown malware. Integration with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) provides continuous updates, retrospective analysis, and global threat intelligence to enhance detection and response capabilities. Administrators can configure policies to block, allow, or quarantine suspicious files, ensuring that endpoints and critical systems are protected from malicious content. This proactive inspection prevents malware from executing on devices and spreading across the network, minimizing operational disruption and reducing the risk of data compromise.
Snort is the intrusion detection and prevention engine in Firepower, which analyzes network traffic for known attack signatures and protocol anomalies. While Snort can detect exploit attempts, malware communication, and network-based attacks, it does not analyze the contents of files for malware or perform behavioral analysis at the file level. Snort focuses on packet-level detection rather than content inspection.
URL Filtering enforces access controls based on website categories, reputation, and domains. While URL Filtering can prevent users from accessing sites that may host malware, it does not analyze individual files for malicious behavior or provide advanced malware detection. Its scope is limited to web content rather than comprehensive file security.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on IP, URL, or domain reputation. While effective for preventing communication with known malicious sources, Security Intelligence does not inspect files for malware or analyze file behavior. Its focus is dynamic threat prevention, not content inspection or behavioral analysis.
File Policy with Malware Detection is the correct answer because it combines signature-based and behavioral analysis to identify and prevent malware at the network level before it reaches endpoints. By inspecting files in transit, leveraging AMP threat intelligence, and providing options to block, allow, or quarantine, File Policy ensures that both known and unknown threats are effectively mitigated. This engine provides a critical layer of defense, protecting against malware propagation, ransomware outbreaks, and other advanced threats delivered via files. It supports granular configuration for specific file types, protocols, and sources, allowing organizations to enforce security policies while minimizing disruption to legitimate operations. Its integration with other Firepower engines ensures comprehensive protection across both network and endpoint layers.
Question 39
Which Cisco Firepower feature provides centralized policy management, reporting, and visibility for multiple devices in a network?
A) Firepower Management Center
B) Snort
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Firepower Management Center
Explanation:
Firepower Management Center (FMC) is the centralized management platform for Cisco Firepower Threat Defense devices, providing policy management, reporting, and visibility across multiple devices. FMC aggregates data from engines such as Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence, giving administrators a unified view of security events, user activity, network performance, and potential threats. It allows for centralized deployment of Access Control Policies, SSL Decryption Policies, Application Visibility and Control policies, and other inspection rules across multiple devices, ensuring consistent enforcement of security measures throughout the network. FMC also supports event correlation, enabling the identification of advanced or coordinated attacks that might be missed if devices are managed individually. By providing dashboards, historical reports, and analytics, FMC allows administrators to monitor trends, investigate incidents, and respond to security events in a timely and informed manner.
Snort is the intrusion detection and prevention engine that detects known attack signatures and anomalies. While Snort generates critical alerts, it does not provide centralized visibility or manage policies across multiple devices. Snort’s output must be integrated with FMC to allow comprehensive analysis and correlation.
URL Filtering controls access to web content based on categories, reputation, and domains. Although it can log events for individual devices, it does not provide centralized management, reporting, or correlation across the network. URL Filtering complements FMC by supplying data but is not a management platform on its own.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on IP, URL, or domain reputation. While effective for dynamic threat mitigation, it does not provide unified policy management, reporting, or cross-device visibility. Its function is prevention at the traffic level, not centralized analytics.
Firepower Management Center is the correct answer because it consolidates logs, events, and policy enforcement from multiple devices, giving administrators a holistic view of the network’s security posture. By providing centralized reporting, dashboards, and event correlation, FMC helps organizations detect trends, respond to incidents, and maintain compliance. It integrates with all inspection engines, including Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence, to provide comprehensive visibility into user activity, traffic patterns, and threat events. FMC allows organizations to enforce policies consistently across multiple Firepower devices, reducing operational complexity and ensuring that security measures are applied uniformly. Its centralized management capabilities, combined with detailed analytics and reporting, make FMC indispensable for large-scale, multi-device network environments, ensuring proactive threat mitigation and efficient operational oversight.
Question 40
Which Cisco FTD feature allows administrators to block traffic based on the reputation of domains and IP addresses in real time?
A) Security Intelligence
B) URL Filtering
C) Snort
D) Access Control Policy
Answer: A) Security Intelligence
Explanation:
Security Intelligence in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense provides real-time threat mitigation by blocking traffic based on the reputation of IP addresses, domains, or URLs. This feature integrates threat intelligence feeds, including those from Cisco Talos, to dynamically identify and block traffic from known malicious sources. By using reputation-based blocking, administrators can prevent access to command-and-control servers, phishing sites, botnet endpoints, and other high-risk destinations without manually updating firewall rules. Security Intelligence is highly effective in reducing exposure to threats that attempt to bypass traditional security mechanisms, such as malware-laden downloads, phishing campaigns, or compromised network hosts. Administrators can configure Security Intelligence feeds within Access Control Policies, allowing automatic enforcement of block or trust actions based on threat scores or categories. This enables organizations to respond proactively to evolving threats and reduce the window of vulnerability for endpoints and critical infrastructure.
URL Filtering controls access to websites based on categories or domain reputation. While URL Filtering is effective at preventing access to malicious or inappropriate websites, it is primarily focused on web content rather than IP addresses and network-level communication. URL Filtering cannot dynamically block traffic to all non-web destinations, making it less comprehensive than Security Intelligence for reputation-based enforcement.
Snort is the intrusion detection and prevention engine in Firepower that analyzes network traffic for exploit signatures, anomalies, and known attack patterns. While Snort detects threats in real time, it does not block traffic based on reputation feeds. Snort’s focus is signature-based detection and prevention rather than proactive reputation-based traffic enforcement.
Access Control Policy defines rules for traffic enforcement, specifying actions such as allow, block, inspect, or trust between network zones. While Access Control Policy is the mechanism through which Security Intelligence is applied, it does not provide reputation data itself. The intelligence and dynamic blocking come from Security Intelligence feeds, which inform Access Control Policy about malicious sources.
Security Intelligence is the correct answer because it enables organizations to dynamically block traffic from high-risk IP addresses and domains, enhancing proactive threat mitigation. By integrating with Access Control Policies, Security Intelligence automates enforcement, reducing the administrative burden of manually maintaining threat lists. It allows the organization to defend against rapidly evolving threats, including botnets, phishing attacks, and malware distribution networks. Security Intelligence feeds are continuously updated with real-time information, ensuring that enforcement reflects the most current threat landscape. Administrators can define actions based on severity or reputation categories, providing granular control over network security. The integration of Security Intelligence with Firepower Management Center allows for centralized monitoring, reporting, and auditing of blocked traffic, giving visibility into the effectiveness of the policy. By preventing compromised endpoints from communicating with known malicious infrastructure, Security Intelligence helps maintain the integrity of the network, reduces the risk of data exfiltration, and complements other Firepower engines such as Snort, File Policy, and URL Filtering. Its real-time, dynamic approach to threat mitigation makes Security Intelligence an essential feature for maintaining proactive and automated network defense.
Question 41
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows inspection and control of encrypted HTTPS traffic without blocking business-critical applications?
A) SSL Decryption Policy
B) URL Filtering
C) Snort
D) File Policy
Answer: A) SSL Decryption Policy
Explanation:
SSL Decryption Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to inspect encrypted HTTPS traffic, ensuring security enforcement while minimizing disruption to legitimate business applications. HTTPS encryption is widely used for both legitimate and malicious traffic, and malware authors often exploit encrypted channels to bypass detection. SSL Decryption Policy allows FTD to decrypt, inspect, and re-encrypt traffic for inspection by engines such as Snort, File Policy with Malware Detection, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence. Administrators can configure selective decryption rules to target untrusted or high-risk sources while bypassing trusted business applications, ensuring that critical services like banking portals, ERP systems, or collaboration tools are not disrupted. This selective approach maintains operational continuity while providing visibility into threats hiding within encrypted traffic.
URL Filtering restricts web access based on content categories, domains, or reputation. While URL Filtering benefits from decrypted traffic for inspection, it cannot decrypt HTTPS traffic itself. Without SSL Decryption Policy, URL Filtering may be unable to inspect or block encrypted malicious content, limiting its effectiveness.
Snort detects network intrusions by analyzing traffic for known signatures, anomalies, or exploit patterns. While Snort requires decrypted traffic to inspect HTTPS content fully, it does not provide the decryption capability itself. Without SSL Decryption Policy, Snort can only analyze headers and metadata, leaving encrypted payloads unchecked.
File Policy inspects files for malware or suspicious behavior across various protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB. However, encrypted HTTPS traffic cannot be inspected unless decrypted first. File Policy relies on SSL Decryption Policy to provide visibility into encrypted content for threat detection.
SSL Decryption Policy is the correct answer because it enables inspection of encrypted traffic while allowing administrators to implement policies that selectively bypass trusted applications. By decrypting only targeted traffic, SSL Decryption Policy maintains business continuity and reduces the risk of false positives affecting critical services. It integrates with other Firepower engines to provide deep inspection of malicious content, malware, exploits, and inappropriate traffic. Administrators can configure decryption rules based on source or destination IP, domain, protocol, or user identity, providing precise control over which traffic is inspected. SSL Decryption Policy also supports logging and reporting, allowing organizations to monitor decrypted traffic, assess risks, and generate compliance reports. By providing visibility into previously opaque traffic, SSL Decryption Policy enhances network security, prevents malware delivery via encrypted channels, and ensures that essential business applications continue to function without disruption. Its ability to balance security enforcement with operational needs makes it a critical feature for modern networks where encryption is pervasive.
Question 42
Which Cisco FTD feature allows administrators to control user access to applications, regardless of the port or protocol being used?
A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
B) Access Control Policy
C) File Policy
D) URL Filtering
Answer: A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
Explanation:
Application Visibility and Control (AVC) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to monitor, control, and prioritize applications across the network independently of ports or protocols. AVC identifies applications using deep packet inspection, protocol analysis, and behavioral characteristics, allowing policies to target specific applications even if they are using dynamic ports or are encrypted within standard protocols like HTTP or HTTPS. This capability is critical because modern applications often bypass traditional port-based security mechanisms, making application-aware controls necessary to enforce organizational policies. Administrators can enforce rules to block non-business applications, prioritize critical tools, or restrict high-bandwidth recreational applications, ensuring both security and performance optimization. AVC also provides detailed reporting on application usage, helping organizations understand which applications consume the most resources or pose the highest security risks.
Access Control Policy defines rules for traffic between network segments, including allow, block, inspect, or trust actions based on IP addresses, ports, or protocols. While it is essential for enforcing security, Access Control Policy alone cannot identify applications using non-standard ports or encrypted channels. Without AVC, Access Control Policy lacks application-level granularity.
File Policy inspects files for malware or suspicious behavior during transmission across protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB. While File Policy protects endpoints from malicious content, it does not identify applications or enforce policies based on the specific application in use. File Policy focuses on file content, not application behavior.
URL Filtering restricts access to websites based on categories, domains, or reputation. Although it can block web applications, it cannot control non-web applications or those using dynamic ports. Its enforcement is limited to HTTP or HTTPS traffic and relies on URL categorization.
AVC is the correct answer because it provides application-aware visibility and enforcement, allowing organizations to manage access and prioritize traffic based on the actual applications being used. By integrating with Access Control Policies, administrators can enforce detailed rules while ensuring business-critical applications receive priority and non-essential applications are restricted. AVC identifies applications dynamically, providing flexibility to adapt to new applications and changes in network behavior. Reporting and monitoring capabilities offer insights into usage patterns, bandwidth consumption, and potential security risks, allowing informed policy adjustments. By enforcing policies at the application layer rather than relying on ports or IPs alone, AVC addresses modern network challenges, including encrypted traffic, dynamic application behavior, and high mobility of devices. This makes Application Visibility and Control the optimal solution for controlling user access to applications in complex network environments.
Question 43
Which Cisco FTD feature allows administrators to inspect and block file downloads from HTTP, HTTPS, and SMB traffic?
A) File Policy with Malware Detection
B) Snort
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) File Policy with Malware Detection
Explanation:
File Policy with Malware Detection in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to inspect files transmitted over multiple protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, and SMB, and block malicious content before it reaches the endpoint. This feature combines signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and integration with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) to identify both known and zero-day threats. By applying File Policy rules to specific protocols, administrators can target high-risk traffic while allowing legitimate file transfers, ensuring operational continuity. The ability to analyze file content ensures that malware cannot bypass network security by hiding within documents, executables, or compressed files.
Snort is the intrusion detection and prevention engine that analyzes network traffic for attack patterns, anomalies, and exploit signatures. While it is effective for detecting network-level attacks, it does not inspect the contents of files transmitted over protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, or SMB for malware. Snort focuses on traffic patterns rather than file content, so it cannot prevent malware embedded in file downloads.
URL Filtering restricts access to websites based on content categories, reputation, or specific domains. Although URL Filtering can prevent users from accessing sites that might host malicious downloads, it does not analyze the actual files being downloaded. It is web-content-focused rather than file-focused, making it insufficient for blocking malware within files.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on the reputation of IP addresses, domains, or URLs. While it can prevent communication with known malicious sources, it does not inspect individual files for malware content. Security Intelligence operates at a network or domain level rather than performing file-level inspection.
File Policy with Malware Detection is the correct answer because it provides deep inspection of files before they reach endpoints. Administrators can enforce policies to block, quarantine, or allow files based on type, source, or protocol. By combining signature-based detection and behavioral analysis, File Policy can detect zero-day malware and previously unknown threats, enhancing network security. Integration with AMP provides continuous updates, retrospective scanning, and global threat intelligence, ensuring that protection remains current. File Policy also supports logging, reporting, and auditing, giving administrators visibility into file transfers, threats detected, and actions taken. This enables organizations to maintain compliance and operational efficiency while ensuring endpoints remain protected. By focusing on HTTP, HTTPS, and SMB protocols, File Policy addresses the most common vectors for malware delivery, preventing infections before they can propagate across the network. Its ability to enforce granular rules ensures that critical business operations are not disrupted while malicious traffic is blocked. The combination of deep content inspection, dynamic policy enforcement, and integration with other Firepower engines makes File Policy with Malware Detection the ideal solution for controlling and securing file downloads.
Question 44
Which Cisco FTD feature provides centralized monitoring, reporting, and policy deployment for multiple Firepower devices?
A) Firepower Management Center
B) Snort
C) Security Intelligence
D) URL Filtering
Answer: A) Firepower Management Center
Explanation:
Firepower Management Center (FMC) is the centralized management platform for Cisco Firepower Threat Defense devices, providing policy deployment, monitoring, and reporting across multiple devices. FMC aggregates logs, alerts, and events from engines such as Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence, enabling administrators to gain a comprehensive view of network security. By centralizing management, FMC ensures consistent policy enforcement, reduces administrative overhead, and provides visibility into security posture across the organization. It allows for correlation of events, identifying coordinated or persistent threats that might otherwise go undetected. Administrators can use dashboards and historical reports to monitor trends, assess compliance, and make informed decisions regarding policy adjustments.
Snort is an intrusion detection and prevention engine that generates alerts for network-based attacks based on signatures. While Snort produces critical security information, it does not provide centralized monitoring, reporting, or policy management for multiple devices. Snort must be integrated with FMC to gain centralized visibility and correlation capabilities.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic based on reputation from IP addresses, domains, or URLs. It is effective for real-time threat mitigation but does not provide centralized management, reporting, or visibility across multiple Firepower devices. Security Intelligence operates primarily at the traffic level rather than providing a comprehensive network management platform.
URL Filtering enforces web access control based on categories, domains, or reputation. Although it can log events on individual devices, it does not offer centralized monitoring or correlation for multiple Firepower devices. Its functionality is limited to web content filtering rather than full network visibility or policy deployment.
Firepower Management Center is the correct answer because it consolidates security intelligence, monitoring, and reporting from all managed Firepower devices into a single platform. Administrators can deploy consistent policies, correlate events from multiple engines, and generate detailed reports for compliance, auditing, and incident response. FMC also provides real-time dashboards, historical analysis, and event alerts, ensuring that security teams can quickly identify and respond to threats. Its integration with Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence enables a holistic view of network activity and threat mitigation. By centralizing management and providing detailed analytics, FMC enhances operational efficiency, reduces configuration errors, and ensures uniform security enforcement across complex, multi-device networks. This makes Firepower Management Center essential for enterprise-scale deployment and proactive threat management.
Question 45
Which Cisco FTD feature allows administrators to detect and block traffic containing known exploit patterns?
A) Snort
B) File Policy
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Snort
Explanation:
Snort in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense is the primary engine responsible for detecting and blocking traffic containing known exploit patterns. It uses signature-based detection to analyze network traffic for threats such as SQL injection, buffer overflows, cross-site scripting, malware communication, and other network-based attacks. Snort can operate in-line to block malicious traffic or in a passive monitoring mode to generate alerts for security events. Administrators can leverage pre-defined rule sets or create custom rules tailored to the organization’s network environment, enabling precise detection and mitigation of threats. Deep packet inspection performed by Snort allows it to examine the content of network packets, ensuring that attacks hidden within standard protocols are identified and prevented.
File Policy inspects files transmitted over protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB for malware. While File Policy detects malicious files and malware content, it does not focus on detecting exploit patterns in network traffic. Its primary function is file-level inspection rather than network-level exploit detection.
URL Filtering controls access to websites based on content categories, domains, or reputation. It can block access to malicious sites or inappropriate content, but cannot analyze traffic for exploit signatures. Its scope is web-based content control rather than detecting network-based attacks.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic based on the reputation of IP addresses, domains, or URLs. While it prevents communication with known malicious sources, it does not inspect traffic for specific exploit patterns. Its focus is threat prevention through dynamic reputation feeds rather than signature-based exploit detection.
Snort is the correct answer because it provides real-time detection and prevention of network-based attacks using signature analysis and deep packet inspection. By integrating with Access Control Policies, administrators can enforce block or alert actions for suspicious traffic, ensuring that exploits are mitigated before reaching endpoints. Snort’s ability to analyze protocols, packet payloads, and behavior patterns allows it to detect complex or obfuscated attacks, providing a critical layer of security. Integration with Firepower Management Center enables centralized rule management, event correlation, and reporting, making it effective for large-scale deployments. Administrators can update Snort rules regularly to maintain protection against new threats, and custom rules allow tailoring detection to specific environments. Snort’s role in detecting and blocking traffic containing known exploit patterns is essential for maintaining network integrity, preventing unauthorized access, and reducing the risk of data compromise. Its combination of signature-based detection, inline prevention, and centralized management capabilities makes it the optimal solution for exploit detection in Cisco Firepower deployments.