Cisco 300-710 Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (300-710 SNCF) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 7 Q91-105
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Question 91
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to prioritize, block, or monitor applications in real time, even when they use dynamic ports or encrypted traffic?
A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
B) File Policy
C) URL Filtering
D) Snort
Answer: A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
Explanation:
Application Visibility and Control (AVC) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to monitor, prioritize, block, or allow applications in real time, even when applications use dynamic ports, encryption, or tunneling. Modern enterprise networks rely heavily on applications that can bypass traditional port-based controls, making visibility and management challenging. AVC addresses this by analyzing traffic at the application layer using deep packet inspection, behavioral analysis, and application signatures. This allows administrators to accurately identify both known and unknown applications, regardless of the communication method.
AVC policies can be configured to prioritize business-critical applications, throttle bandwidth for non-essential applications, block unauthorized or high-risk applications, or monitor suspicious applications for compliance. Real-time logging provides insights into application usage, user interactions, and enforcement actions, which supports auditing, operational monitoring, and policy optimization. Integration with Access Control Policies ensures that AVC enforcement is consistent across multiple devices, creating a centralized and scalable management environment.
File Policy inspects files for malware, ransomware, or other threats transmitted across protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB. While critical for endpoint and content security, File Policy does not provide real-time application identification or control and cannot enforce policies based on dynamic ports or encrypted traffic. Its focus is on file content rather than traffic behavior at the application level.
URL Filtering enforces web access policies based on content categories, domains, or URL reputation. Although URL Filtering can restrict access to specific web applications, it does not provide visibility into non-web applications or traffic using dynamic ports or tunneling. Its scope is primarily web-based, and it lacks the granular control offered by AVC across all application traffic.
Snort provides intrusion detection and prevention using signature-based and behavioral detection. While Snort is essential for identifying exploits, anomalies, and attacks, it does not provide application-level enforcement for prioritization, monitoring, or blocking. Its function focuses on threat detection rather than application traffic management.
AVC is the correct answer because it delivers application-aware security and traffic management, allowing organizations to control application usage, optimize bandwidth, and enforce security policies in real time. It overcomes the limitations of traditional port-based controls by inspecting traffic at the application layer, identifying applications regardless of encryption, dynamic ports, or tunneling. Administrators can enforce policies for authorized, unauthorized, or high-risk applications while monitoring trends and usage patterns. Integration with logging, reporting, and other Firepower engines—including Snort for threat detection, File Policy for malware inspection, URL Filtering for web control, Security Intelligence for reputation-based blocking, and SSL Decryption for encrypted traffic—ensures a multi-layered security posture. AVC provides visibility, control, and operational flexibility in modern enterprise environments, balancing security, performance, and compliance. By enabling granular enforcement of application usage policies, organizations can reduce security risks, prevent bandwidth abuse, and ensure that critical applications receive priority. AVC is essential for modern networks with complex application environments, remote access, and diverse traffic patterns, providing a comprehensive, adaptive, and proactive approach to application security and performance management.
Question 92
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to inspect file transfers for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats, and supports retrospective analysis to detect threats after initial inspection?
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 file transfers for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats across multiple protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB. This feature uses signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and integration with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) to identify known and unknown threats in real time. It enables administrators to allow, block, or quarantine files based on type, source, protocol, or risk level, providing granular control over file handling and minimizing the risk of endpoint compromise.
One of the unique capabilities of File Policy with Malware Detection is retrospective analysis. AMP continuously evaluates previously inspected files against updated threat intelligence. Files initially deemed safe can be re-analyzed if later discovered to contain malicious code. Alerts are generated for retroactively identified threats, allowing administrators to take immediate action, such as isolating affected endpoints, blocking additional traffic, or performing remediation. Retrospective analysis provides an additional layer of protection against zero-day threats and malware that evades initial detection.
Snort is an intrusion detection and prevention engine that monitors network traffic for exploits, anomalies, and protocol violations. While Snort is critical for network-based threat detection, it does not inspect file content for malware or ransomware and does not support retrospective analysis for previously inspected files. Its primary function is detecting threats based on network behavior and signatures.
URL Filtering enforces web access policies based on categories, domains, or URL reputation. While URL Filtering can block access to malicious websites, it does not perform file-level malware inspection or retrospective threat analysis. Its focus is web traffic management rather than content inspection.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on IP, domain, or URL reputation. Although it can prevent communication with known malicious sources, it does not inspect file content for malware, ransomware, or unknown threats, nor does it provide retrospective analysis.
File Policy with Malware Detection is the correct answer because it provides comprehensive, content-level threat protection and continuous monitoring. By inspecting files in real time and supporting retrospective analysis, administrators can detect threats that were initially missed and respond promptly to emerging malware. Integration with other Firepower engines—such as Snort for network-based detection, AVC for application control, SSL Decryption for encrypted traffic inspection, URL Filtering for web control, and Security Intelligence for reputation-based blocking—ensures a multi-layered security posture. Centralized management through Firepower Management Center allows administrators to define, deploy, and monitor file policies consistently across multiple devices. Logging and reporting provide visibility into policy enforcement, threat detection, and retroactive analysis, supporting compliance, auditing, and operational decision-making. File Policy with Malware Detection is essential for modern enterprise networks to maintain endpoint security, protect sensitive data, and mitigate risks associated with malicious file transfers, advanced persistent threats, and ransomware attacks. By combining real-time inspection with retrospective scanning, organizations can ensure comprehensive protection against both known and emerging threats while maintaining operational efficiency and resilience.
Question 93
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to block traffic from known malicious sources in real time by leveraging threat intelligence feeds, while integrating with other security engines?
A) Security Intelligence
B) Snort
C) File Policy
D) URL Filtering
Answer: A) Security Intelligence
Explanation:
Security Intelligence in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to block traffic from known malicious sources in real time using continuously updated threat intelligence feeds. These feeds, such as those provided by Cisco Talos, include information about malicious IP addresses, domains, and URLs associated with malware distribution, phishing attacks, botnets, or command-and-control servers. By leveraging these intelligence feeds, Security Intelligence ensures that network communication with high-risk entities is blocked proactively, reducing exposure to cyber threats before they reach endpoints or internal resources.
Administrators can integrate Security Intelligence with Access Control Policies to enforce dynamic blocking, logging, or monitoring actions across multiple interfaces, protocols, and devices. Policies can be applied to both inbound and outbound traffic, providing comprehensive protection for the enterprise network. Real-time updates ensure that new threats are blocked automatically without manual intervention, enhancing the security posture. Logging and reporting capabilities provide visibility into blocked connections, policy enforcement, and threat trends, supporting compliance, auditing, and operational monitoring.
Snort is an intrusion detection and prevention engine that identifies exploits and protocol anomalies. While it can block traffic inline, Snort does not use threat intelligence feeds to proactively prevent communication with known malicious sources. Snort focuses on detection of attacks and anomalies rather than reputation-based enforcement.
File Policy inspects files for malware and ransomware transmitted over multiple protocols. While essential for content security, it does not block traffic based on IP, domain, or URL reputation, and it does not provide proactive network-level threat prevention.
URL Filtering enforces web access policies based on categories, domains, or URL reputation. Although URL Filtering can block malicious websites, it primarily targets web traffic and lacks the ability to enforce blocking for non-web protocols or IP-based communications. Security Intelligence provides broader coverage across protocols and endpoints.
Security Intelligence is the correct answer because it proactively blocks traffic from malicious sources using continuously updated threat feeds. Its integration with Access Control Policies and other Firepower engines—including Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, SSL Decryption, and AVC—ensures multi-layered security enforcement. Centralized management through Firepower Management Center provides administrators with detailed insights into blocked traffic, policy effectiveness, and emerging threat trends. By combining real-time blocking with dynamic intelligence updates, Security Intelligence minimizes exposure to malware, phishing, and command-and-control activity, enhancing enterprise security resilience. It provides automated, context-aware protection while complementing other security engines, ensuring consistent enforcement across network devices. This capability is essential for maintaining operational continuity, compliance, and proactive threat mitigation in modern enterprise networks.
Question 94
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to create rules that enforce security policies on network traffic, combining multiple inspection engines such as Snort, File Policy, and URL Filtering?
A) Access Control Policy
B) SSL Decryption Policy
C) Security Intelligence
D) Identity-Based Access Control
Answer: A) Access Control Policy
Explanation:
Access Control Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to enforce security policies on network traffic by combining multiple inspection engines into a single, comprehensive framework. It is the central mechanism for applying layered security across the network, allowing traffic to be inspected, monitored, allowed, or blocked based on a combination of criteria such as source, destination, protocol, application, and user identity. By integrating multiple Firepower engines, administrators can implement a multi-layered defense strategy that provides visibility, control, and threat mitigation for a wide variety of traffic types.
Access Control Policies can leverage Snort for intrusion detection and prevention, File Policy for malware inspection, URL Filtering for web traffic categorization and control, Security Intelligence for blocking known malicious sources, Application Visibility and Control (AVC) for application management, and SSL Decryption for inspecting encrypted traffic. These engines can be applied sequentially within the policy, ensuring that high-risk traffic is subjected to comprehensive scrutiny while trusted traffic flows efficiently. Administrators can also configure exceptions and rules to allow specific traffic, prioritize critical applications, or enforce granular user- or group-specific access, providing operational flexibility without compromising security.
SSL Decryption Policy is a specific feature used to decrypt encrypted traffic temporarily for inspection by other engines. While it is essential for enabling other engines to analyze HTTPS traffic, it does not itself define comprehensive access control rules across multiple inspection engines. SSL Decryption operates as part of an Access Control Policy rather than as a standalone enforcement mechanism.
Security Intelligence blocks or allows traffic based on IP, domain, or URL reputation using threat intelligence feeds. It provides proactive threat prevention for known malicious sources, but does not provide the full policy framework that combines multiple engines, user identity, application awareness, and traffic inspection criteria.
Identity-Based Access Control allows policies to be applied based on user or group identity, time, and location. While it integrates with Access Control Policies, IBAC by itself does not define the full suite of traffic inspection rules that encompass multiple security engines. Its scope is focused on identity-aware enforcement rather than complete network access control.
Access Control Policy is the correct answer because it serves as the overarching framework for defining how traffic is treated across a Firepower deployment. By integrating Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, AVC, and SSL Decryption, administrators can enforce multi-layered, context-aware security policies that address network threats, application misuse, malware, and policy violations simultaneously. Policies can be configured to differentiate between internal and external traffic, prioritize mission-critical applications, or enforce compliance requirements for sensitive data. Logging and reporting provide detailed insights into traffic behavior, policy enforcement, engine performance, and detected threats, supporting operational monitoring, auditing, and strategic decision-making. Access Control Policies enable organizations to implement a proactive and adaptive security posture by combining the strengths of multiple engines, applying context-aware rules, and enforcing consistent policies across distributed network environments. Its flexibility, scalability, and centralized management make Access Control Policy the cornerstone of Firepower security operations, ensuring that traffic inspection, threat prevention, and policy enforcement are applied consistently, efficiently, and comprehensively. By using Access Control Policy as the central enforcement mechanism, organizations can optimize performance, reduce risk exposure, and maintain operational continuity while addressing evolving cyber threats and compliance requirements.
Question 95
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to block access to specific websites based on categories, URL reputation, and user identity, while integrating with other security engines?
A) URL Filtering
B) File Policy
C) Snort
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) URL Filtering
Explanation:
URL Filtering in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to control access to websites based on content categories, URL reputation, and user identity. It is designed to enforce policies that block access to malicious, inappropriate, or non-business-related websites while allowing access to business-critical applications and resources. URL Filtering uses a continuously updated database of categorized websites, reputation scores, and threat intelligence to assess the risk of individual URLs. Administrators can configure policies that differentiate between users, groups, and network segments, allowing for granular enforcement of web access rules. Integration with Active Directory or LDAP enables identity-aware URL filtering, ensuring that user-specific policies are applied consistently across the network.
URL Filtering also works in conjunction with other Firepower engines, such as SSL Decryption to inspect HTTPS traffic, File Policy to scan downloaded files for malware, Snort to detect exploits, AVC to monitor applications, and Security Intelligence to block traffic from known malicious sources. This layered integration allows organizations to enforce comprehensive security policies on web traffic while maintaining visibility and control over user activity. URL Filtering supports logging and reporting, providing detailed insights into policy enforcement, blocked websites, user activity, and threat detection. This data supports compliance, auditing, and operational decision-making.
File Policy inspects files for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats across multiple protocols. While it complements URL Filtering by analyzing downloaded content, File Policy does not categorize or block web access based on URL, content category, or user identity. Its scope is focused on content-level security rather than web access control.
Snort provides network-based intrusion detection and prevention, analyzing traffic for protocol anomalies and exploits. While Snort can detect malicious activity embedded in web traffic, it does not categorize websites, enforce identity-aware web access policies, or block access to websites based on categories or reputation.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic from known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs using threat intelligence feeds. While effective for threat prevention, it does not provide category-based enforcement, user-specific policies, or the detailed URL analysis capabilities offered by URL Filtering. Security Intelligence focuses on reputation-based blocking rather than comprehensive web access management.
URL Filtering is the correct answer because it provides organizations with granular control over web access, integrating identity awareness, category-based enforcement, and reputation-based blocking. By combining these capabilities with other Firepower engines, URL Filtering ensures a multi-layered approach to web security. Administrators can enforce policies that balance security with operational productivity, prevent access to risky websites, and maintain access to necessary business applications. Logging and reporting provide visibility into user activity, enforcement actions, and potential compliance violations, enabling informed decision-making and proactive threat mitigation. URL Filtering is essential in modern networks where web-based threats, phishing, and malware distribution are prevalent, ensuring that organizations maintain security, productivity, and regulatory compliance while leveraging identity-aware and policy-driven web access controls.
Question 96
Which Cisco Firepower feature enables administrators to inspect traffic for malware and advanced threats across multiple protocols, with the ability to re-analyze previously inspected files when new threats are discovered?
A) File Policy with Retrospective Analysis
B) Snort
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) File Policy with Retrospective Analysis
Explanation:
File Policy with Retrospective Analysis in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to inspect network traffic for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats across multiple protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB. This feature combines real-time file inspection with the ability to re-analyze previously inspected files if new threats are discovered. Retrospective analysis ensures that files initially considered safe can be revisited and flagged if later identified as malicious, protecting against zero-day threats, polymorphic malware, and advanced persistent threats. Integration with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) enhances detection by leveraging signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and global threat intelligence feeds.
Administrators can configure File Policy to allow, block, or quarantine files based on type, source, protocol, or risk level. Real-time logging and reporting provide visibility into detected threats, enforcement actions, and policy effectiveness, supporting compliance, auditing, and operational monitoring. File Policy with Retrospective Analysis integrates with other Firepower engines such as Snort for intrusion detection, URL Filtering for web access control, SSL Decryption for inspecting encrypted traffic, AVC for application-level monitoring, and Security Intelligence for blocking known malicious sources. This integration enables a multi-layered security approach that addresses file-based threats comprehensively.
Snort detects network-based exploits, protocol anomalies, and suspicious behavior. While it provides critical intrusion detection capabilities, it does not inspect files for malware, ransomware, or advanced threats and does not support retrospective analysis. Snort focuses on network traffic behavior rather than content-level security.
URL Filtering controls web access based on categories, domains, and URL reputation. Although it can block malicious websites, it does not inspect files for threats across protocols or provide retrospective re-analysis capabilities. Its focus is primarily on web traffic management rather than file security.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic from known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs using reputation data. While it provides proactive threat blocking, it does not perform file-level inspections or retrospective re-analysis of previously transferred files. Its function is network-level reputation enforcement rather than content-based threat detection.
File Policy with Retrospective Analysis is the correct answer because it provides comprehensive, adaptive protection against file-based threats. By inspecting files in real time and continuously re-analyzing previously inspected content, administrators can detect malware that evaded initial inspection and respond quickly to emerging threats. Centralized management through Firepower Management Center ensures consistent policy enforcement, logging, and reporting across multiple devices. The combination of real-time inspection, retrospective analysis, and integration with other Firepower engines enables organizations to maintain a proactive, multi-layered security posture. This feature mitigates risks from ransomware, zero-day malware, and advanced persistent threats while supporting compliance, operational visibility, and resilience against evolving cyber threats. File Policy with Retrospective Analysis is essential for modern enterprise networks, providing comprehensive content-level security that complements network-based, application-aware, and reputation-based defenses.
Question 97
Which Cisco Firepower feature enables administrators to decrypt SSL/TLS traffic, allowing other security engines to inspect encrypted communications for threats and policy violations?
A) SSL Decryption Policy
B) Access Control Policy
C) Security Intelligence
D) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
Answer: A) SSL Decryption Policy
Explanation:
SSL Decryption Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to decrypt SSL/TLS-encrypted traffic, inspect it using multiple security engines, and re-encrypt it to maintain privacy and compliance. With the majority of modern network traffic encrypted, security engines cannot inspect payloads without decryption. SSL Decryption ensures that engines such as Snort for intrusion detection, File Policy for malware inspection, URL Filtering for web access control, and Application Visibility and Control (AVC) for application monitoring can effectively analyze the content of encrypted traffic.
Administrators can configure selective decryption, excluding sensitive traffic such as financial, healthcare, or other regulated communications. This selective approach balances security visibility with compliance requirements, ensuring high-risk traffic is scrutinized while trusted traffic flows without unnecessary processing overhead. Decryption can be applied to inbound, outbound, or internal traffic depending on policy requirements. SSL Decryption integrates with Access Control Policies to enforce layered inspection and policy enforcement consistently across all devices.
Access Control Policy is the overarching framework for defining how traffic is handled and inspected, integrating multiple security engines into a single policy. While critical for multi-layered security, Access Control Policy itself does not perform decryption; it relies on SSL Decryption to provide visibility into encrypted communications. Without SSL Decryption, traffic inspection for HTTPS, SMTPS, or other encrypted protocols would be incomplete.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic from known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs based on threat reputation feeds. While it prevents communication with malicious sources, it does not provide content-level visibility inside encrypted traffic. Therefore, potential threats hidden within encrypted payloads would remain undetected without SSL Decryption.
Application Visibility and Control (AVC) identifies, monitors, and enforces policies for applications. AVC can inspect applications over encrypted channels only when SSL Decryption is applied, as encrypted traffic hides the application payload from detection. Without decryption, AVC can detect limited metadata but cannot fully enforce policies or detect threats hidden in encrypted content.
SSL Decryption Policy is the correct answer because it provides critical visibility into encrypted network traffic while maintaining privacy and compliance through re-encryption. By decrypting traffic, administrators can enforce policies, detect malware, identify unauthorized applications, monitor web traffic, and apply layered security using multiple engines. Logging and reporting provide detailed insights into decrypted traffic, inspection results, and enforcement actions, supporting operational monitoring, auditing, and regulatory compliance. Integration with other Firepower engines ensures that encrypted traffic does not bypass detection, maintaining the enterprise security posture. SSL Decryption allows organizations to proactively mitigate threats hidden in encrypted traffic while balancing performance, privacy, and compliance, making it an essential feature in modern enterprise networks where encryption is pervasive.
Question 98
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to detect known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs and block communication in real time based on continuously updated threat feeds?
A) Security Intelligence
B) Snort
C) URL Filtering
D) File Policy
Answer: A) Security Intelligence
Explanation:
Security Intelligence in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to detect and block traffic from known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs in real time using continuously updated threat intelligence feeds. These feeds, often sourced from Cisco Talos or other threat intelligence providers, include information about botnets, malware distribution points, phishing servers, and command-and-control infrastructure. Security Intelligence enables administrators to proactively prevent communication with malicious sources before threats reach endpoints or internal network segments. Policies can be configured to block, allow, or log traffic based on reputation indicators, providing flexible enforcement tailored to organizational security requirements.
Integration with Access Control Policies ensures that Security Intelligence operates seamlessly with other security engines. Administrators can enforce threat blocking across multiple protocols, interfaces, and network segments, providing comprehensive protection. Real-time updates from threat intelligence feeds ensure emerging threats are blocked without manual intervention. Logging and reporting provide insights into blocked traffic, threat trends, and policy effectiveness, supporting compliance, auditing, and operational monitoring.
Snort provides intrusion detection and prevention using signature-based and behavioral analysis to detect exploits, anomalies, and protocol violations. While Snort can block traffic inline, it does not proactively enforce reputation-based blocking using threat intelligence feeds. Its function is focused on attack detection rather than blocking communication with known malicious sources.
URL Filtering categorizes web traffic and enforces policies based on content categories, domains, or URL reputation. While effective for controlling web access, it is limited to web traffic and cannot block malicious traffic across all protocols or based on IP-level threat feeds.
File Policy inspects files for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats across multiple protocols. While essential for content-level security, it does not block traffic based on IP, domain, or URL reputation and does not provide proactive, real-time threat blocking.
Security Intelligence is the correct answer because it allows organizations to enforce real-time blocking of traffic from known malicious sources using continuously updated threat feeds. This capability ensures proactive threat mitigation and complements other Firepower engines such as Snort for network intrusion detection, File Policy for file-based threats, URL Filtering for web control, AVC for application visibility, and SSL Decryption for encrypted traffic inspection. Centralized management through Firepower Management Center ensures consistent policy enforcement, logging, and reporting across multiple devices. Security Intelligence enhances enterprise security posture by providing automated, dynamic protection against evolving threats, reducing risk exposure, and supporting compliance and operational decision-making. Its real-time, reputation-based enforcement is essential for modern networks that require proactive defense mechanisms capable of addressing both web-based and non-web-based threats while integrating with multi-layered security strategies.
Question 99
Which Cisco Firepower feature enables administrators to inspect files for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats across multiple protocols, with the ability to re-analyze files when new threats are discovered?
A) File Policy with Retrospective Analysis
B) Snort
C) Security Intelligence
D) URL Filtering
Answer: A) File Policy with Retrospective Analysis
Explanation:
File Policy with Retrospective Analysis in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to inspect files transmitted over multiple protocols—including HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB—for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats. Unlike traditional file inspection, Retrospective Analysis enables files that were previously considered safe to be re-analyzed if new threats are discovered after initial inspection. This approach is critical for detecting zero-day malware, polymorphic threats, and advanced persistent threats that may evade initial detection.
Administrators can configure policies to allow, block, or quarantine files based on type, source, risk level, or protocol. Real-time inspection provides immediate protection, while retrospective scanning ensures that previously transmitted files do not introduce undetected threats into the network. Integration with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) enhances detection capabilities using signature-based, behavioral, and heuristic analysis.
Snort is an intrusion detection and prevention engine that monitors network traffic for exploits, anomalies, and suspicious behavior. While it is essential for detecting network-based threats, it does not inspect file contents for malware or provide retrospective analysis, focusing instead on traffic patterns, protocol anomalies, and known attack signatures.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic from known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs using threat intelligence feeds. It provides proactive blocking of malicious sources but does not inspect file content or perform retrospective analysis of previously transferred files.
URL Filtering enforces web access policies based on categories, domains, or URL reputation. Although it helps block malicious websites, it does not analyze files for malware or ransomware, nor does it provide retrospective inspection capabilities.
File Policy with Retrospective Analysis is the correct answer because it provides comprehensive protection for file-based threats while ensuring continuous monitoring for emerging risks. By inspecting files in real time and re-analyzing previously transferred files, administrators can detect malware that evaded initial scanning, respond quickly to new threats, and prevent potential compromise of endpoints and sensitive data. Centralized management through Firepower Management Center allows consistent policy deployment, logging, and reporting across multiple devices. This feature integrates with other Firepower engines such as Snort for network-based detection, SSL Decryption for inspecting encrypted traffic, URL Filtering for web control, AVC for application awareness, and Security Intelligence for reputation-based blocking, forming a multi-layered security strategy. File Policy with Retrospective Analysis ensures proactive threat mitigation, operational efficiency, and compliance, addressing the challenges posed by modern malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats, while maintaining enterprise network resilience and security visibility.
Question 100
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to create security policies based on user identity, group membership, and time, providing fine-grained control over network access?
A) Identity-Based Access Control
B) Access Control Policy
C) URL Filtering
D) SSL Decryption Policy
Answer: A) Identity-Based Access Control
Explanation:
Identity-Based Access Control (IBAC) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to enforce security policies that consider user identity, group membership, and time-based conditions. Unlike traditional IP-based policies, IBAC allows organizations to apply context-aware rules that are specific to users or groups, providing greater flexibility and security in modern enterprise networks where users often connect from multiple devices and locations. By integrating with identity sources such as Active Directory, LDAP, or RADIUS, administrators can map users or groups to specific policies, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access designated resources, applications, or network segments.
Time-based restrictions are a key feature of IBAC, allowing administrators to enforce policies during business hours, maintenance windows, or other predefined time periods. This ensures that users are granted access only when appropriate, reducing the risk of unauthorized activity during off-hours. Group-based permissions enable differentiated access based on roles or responsibilities, such as permitting marketing staff to access collaboration tools while restricting access to sensitive financial systems. IBAC also supports granular enforcement of security policies in combination with other Firepower engines, including Snort for intrusion detection, File Policy for malware inspection, URL Filtering for web control, SSL Decryption for inspecting encrypted traffic, and Application Visibility and Control (AVC) for monitoring application usage. This integration ensures that all traffic associated with a user or group is inspected and controlled according to assigned policies.
Access Control Policy defines how traffic is treated across the network using multiple inspection engines, but does not inherently enforce user-specific or time-based policies. While IBAC can integrate with Access Control Policies, the specific functionality of identity- and group-aware enforcement resides within IBAC.
URL Filtering controls web access based on categories, domains, or URL reputation. It can integrate with identity sources to apply user-specific web access policies, but it does not provide comprehensive network access control across multiple protocols or inspection engines. Its scope is limited to web traffic.
SSL Decryption Policy decrypts encrypted traffic to enable inspection by other engines but does not apply rules based on user identity, group membership, or time. Its function is focused on visibility rather than identity-aware enforcement.
IBAC is the correct answer because it allows organizations to enforce precise, context-aware network access policies that reflect user roles, responsibilities, and operational requirements. By combining user identity, group membership, and time conditions, administrators can create adaptive security policies that balance operational efficiency with security. Logging and reporting provide visibility into policy enforcement, user activity, and potential violations, supporting compliance, auditing, and risk management. Integration with other Firepower engines ensures that identity-based policies are applied consistently across all traffic types, including encrypted traffic, file transfers, web access, and application usage. IBAC enhances enterprise security by ensuring that only authorized users can access specific resources, preventing unauthorized activity, and supporting operational flexibility for remote and mobile work scenarios. Its ability to integrate with multi-layered security policies, provide granular access control, and enforce context-aware restrictions makes IBAC a critical component of modern enterprise network security, enabling organizations to mitigate risk while maintaining productivity, compliance, and resilience against evolving threats.
Question 101
Which Cisco Firepower feature enables administrators to detect and prevent exploits, malware, and anomalous network behavior using signature-based and behavioral detection methods?
A) Snort
B) File Policy
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Snort
Explanation:
Snort in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense is an intrusion detection and prevention system (IDS/IPS) that detects and prevents exploits, malware, and anomalous network behavior using signature-based and behavioral detection techniques. It analyzes network traffic in real time, inspecting packets for known attack patterns as well as deviations from expected network behavior. Signature-based detection relies on predefined patterns of known threats, while behavioral detection identifies anomalies, such as unusual protocols, unexpected packet sizes, and irregular traffic flows, which may indicate zero-day attacks, advanced persistent threats, or lateral movement within the network.
Snort can operate in inline mode to block suspicious traffic or in detection-only mode to generate alerts for further investigation. Administrators can create custom rules to address organization-specific threats, monitor proprietary protocols, or focus on sensitive network segments. Integration with other Firepower engines enhances the effectiveness of Snort; for example, decrypted SSL traffic allows Snort to inspect encrypted payloads, File Policy ensures content-level malware detection, URL Filtering controls access to malicious websites, and Security Intelligence blocks traffic from known bad sources. Snort’s alerts, logging, and reporting provide detailed insights into detected threats, enabling administrators to respond quickly, analyze trends, and support compliance and auditing requirements.
File Policy inspects files for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats but does not provide network-level detection of exploits or anomalous behavior in real time. Its focus is on content-level inspection rather than behavioral analysis of network traffic.
URL Filtering controls web access based on content categories, domains, or URL reputation. While it can block access to malicious websites, it does not detect network exploits, anomalous behavior, or zero-day attacks. Its scope is limited to web traffic enforcement.
Security Intelligence uses reputation-based threat feeds to block traffic from known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs. While it provides proactive blocking, it does not analyze network traffic for anomalies or unknown attack patterns, relying instead on external threat intelligence.
Snort is the correct answer because it provides comprehensive, real-time threat detection at the network layer. Its combination of signature-based and behavioral detection allows organizations to detect known exploits and previously unknown attacks. Integration with other Firepower engines ensures multi-layered protection across network traffic, applications, file transfers, and encrypted communications. Administrators benefit from granular control over traffic, advanced analytics, and centralized policy enforcement through Firepower Management Center. Snort is essential for protecting enterprise networks from evolving cyber threats, providing both proactive prevention and detailed visibility into attack vectors, ensuring operational continuity, regulatory compliance, and effective security management. Its flexibility, adaptability, and integration with multi-layered security policies make it a cornerstone of modern network threat defense strategies.
Question 102
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to categorize and enforce policies on web traffic, block malicious websites, and integrate with identity and application controls?
A) URL Filtering
B) Snort
C) Security Intelligence
D) File Policy
Answer: A) URL Filtering
Explanation:
URL Filtering in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to categorize web traffic, enforce access policies, and block malicious websites based on categories, reputation, and user identity. This feature is essential for managing web usage, preventing phishing attacks, blocking malware distribution points, and enforcing compliance with corporate policies. URL Filtering uses a continuously updated database of web categories and URL reputations to assess risk and determine appropriate actions. Policies can be applied differently based on user identity or group membership, enabling organizations to create granular, role-specific web access rules. Integration with identity sources such as Active Directory or LDAP allows identity-aware enforcement, ensuring that policies are applied consistently for individual users or groups.
URL Filtering integrates with other Firepower engines to provide multi-layered security. SSL Decryption allows inspection of encrypted HTTPS traffic, ensuring threats hidden in secure channels are visible. File Policy scans downloaded content for malware, ransomware, or advanced threats. Snort detects network-based attacks that may be associated with web traffic, while Security Intelligence blocks access to malicious domains or IP addresses based on reputation feeds. By combining these engines, URL Filtering ensures comprehensive inspection and enforcement of security policies for web traffic.
Snort detects exploits and anomalies in network traffic but does not provide web categorization, content-based enforcement, or user-specific web policies. Its focus is on network-level threat detection rather than web access control.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic from known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs, but does not categorize websites or enforce detailed web access policies based on categories or identity. Its enforcement is reputation-based rather than content-aware or identity-aware.
File Policy inspects files for malware and advanced threats, but does not categorize websites or enforce web access policies. Its scope is limited to content-level inspection rather than web usage management.
URL Filtering is the correct answer because it provides organizations with the ability to enforce web access policies based on category, reputation, identity, and application context. It integrates with SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, Security Intelligence, and Application Visibility and Control (AVC) to provide comprehensive security for web traffic. Administrators can block access to high-risk sites, allow trusted business applications, and monitor user activity. Logging and reporting provide insights into enforcement actions, user behavior, and policy compliance. URL Filtering is essential in modern enterprise networks to protect against web-based threats, ensure productivity, maintain regulatory compliance, and integrate web access policies with broader security strategies. By combining identity awareness, reputation scoring, and application-level context, URL Filtering provides granular, adaptive, and proactive web security enforcement while complementing other Firepower security engines.
Question 103
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to apply layered security policies to network traffic, integrating intrusion detection, malware inspection, URL filtering, application control, and SSL decryption into a single policy?
A) Access Control Policy
B) SSL Decryption Policy
C) Security Intelligence
D) Identity-Based Access Control
Answer: A) Access Control Policy
Explanation:
Access Control Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense provides administrators with the ability to apply comprehensive, layered security policies across all network traffic. It acts as the central mechanism for traffic enforcement, integrating multiple security engines, including Snort for intrusion detection and prevention, File Policy for malware and ransomware inspection, URL Filtering for web content categorization and control, Application Visibility and Control (AVC) for application monitoring and management, Security Intelligence for blocking known malicious sources, and SSL Decryption for inspecting encrypted traffic. By combining these engines into a single, centralized policy framework, administrators can ensure that traffic is inspected, monitored, allowed, or blocked based on multiple criteria such as source, destination, protocol, application, or user identity.
Access Control Policy allows granular enforcement of rules, including exceptions for trusted traffic, prioritization of critical applications, and differentiation of access based on internal, external, or remote user scenarios. Integration with IBAC ensures that identity-based restrictions, time-based policies, and group-specific access controls can be applied seamlessly within the policy. Logging and reporting provide visibility into traffic behavior, engine actions, policy enforcement, and detected threats, supporting operational monitoring, auditing, and regulatory compliance.
SSL Decryption Policy specifically decrypts encrypted traffic to allow inspection by other engines. While critical for visibility into HTTPS or SMTPS traffic, it does not create a holistic policy that integrates all inspection engines. SSL Decryption functions as a component within an Access Control Policy rather than providing overall traffic enforcement.
Security Intelligence blocks communication with known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs using threat intelligence feeds. While valuable for proactive threat mitigation, Security Intelligence is reputation-based and does not integrate multiple security engines into a single enforcement framework or provide contextual traffic inspection for applications, files, or web content.
Identity-Based Access Control allows policies to be applied based on user identity, group membership, and time, enabling fine-grained, context-aware enforcement. Although IBAC integrates with Access Control Policy for identity-aware decisions, it does not, by itself, enforce multi-engine inspection for traffic, malware, web content, and encrypted communications.
Access Control Policy is the correct answer because it provides a comprehensive, multi-layered enforcement mechanism that integrates all security engines within Firepower. It allows administrators to inspect, monitor, block, or allow traffic based on multiple contextual factors, ensuring that threats are detected and mitigated at different levels of the network. By integrating intrusion detection, malware inspection, URL filtering, application control, SSL decryption, and reputation-based blocking, Access Control Policy ensures that modern enterprise networks are protected against advanced persistent threats, ransomware, phishing, and application misuse. The centralized framework simplifies policy management, enhances visibility, and enables consistent enforcement across distributed network devices. Administrators can adapt policies based on evolving threats, business requirements, and regulatory mandates, maintaining a proactive and resilient security posture. Access Control Policy ensures that traffic is subjected to comprehensive analysis and enforcement, balancing security, performance, and compliance while leveraging the full capabilities of Firepower’s integrated security engines. By providing a single framework for layered enforcement, organizations can maintain operational continuity, reduce risk exposure, and implement adaptive, context-aware security strategies across all network segments.
Question 104
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to inspect files transmitted over HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB protocols for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats, while enabling continuous retrospective analysis of previously inspected files?
A) File Policy with Retrospective Analysis
B) Snort
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) File Policy with Retrospective Analysis
Explanation:
File Policy with Retrospective Analysis in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to inspect files transmitted over multiple protocols—including HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB—for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats. It combines real-time content inspection with the ability to re-analyze files that were previously inspected if new threats or malware signatures are discovered. This retrospective analysis ensures that files initially considered safe are continuously evaluated against updated threat intelligence and behavioral patterns, enabling proactive mitigation of zero-day threats, polymorphic malware, and advanced persistent threats.
Administrators can configure File Policy to allow, block, or quarantine files based on attributes such as file type, protocol, source, or risk level. Integration with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) enhances detection using signature-based, behavioral, and heuristic analysis. The policy also integrates seamlessly with other Firepower engines: SSL Decryption enables inspection of encrypted file transfers, Snort provides network-level detection for malicious behavior associated with file traffic, URL Filtering blocks access to websites distributing malware, Security Intelligence prevents communication with known malicious sources, and AVC identifies applications that transmit files, allowing application-aware enforcement.
Snort focuses on network-based detection of exploits, anomalies, and attack patterns but does not inspect file content or provide retrospective analysis of previously transferred files. While critical for detecting network-level threats, it lacks content inspection capabilities.
URL Filtering categorizes websites and enforces web access policies, but does not analyze files for malware, ransomware, or advanced threats, nor does it support retrospective re-inspection of previously transmitted files. Its primary scope is web traffic management.
Security Intelligence blocks traffic from known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs using threat intelligence feeds. It does not inspect files for malware or allow for retrospective analysis, making it unsuitable for content-level detection and re-evaluation of threats.
File Policy with Retrospective Analysis is the correct answer because it provides comprehensive content-level threat protection across multiple protocols and enables continuous reevaluation of files to detect emerging threats. This feature ensures that malicious files are identified and mitigated even if they initially evade detection. Centralized management via Firepower Management Center allows consistent deployment of policies, logging, and reporting, providing visibility into enforcement actions, threat trends, and retroactive detections. The integration of real-time inspection and retrospective analysis with other Firepower engines forms a multi-layered defense, ensuring that both known and unknown threats are addressed. By providing proactive file security and continuous threat intelligence updates, File Policy with Retrospective Analysis enhances operational security, mitigates risk exposure, supports regulatory compliance, and strengthens overall enterprise network resilience. Organizations benefit from adaptive, automated, and comprehensive protection that balances performance with security, protecting sensitive data and maintaining network integrity against evolving cyber threats.
Question 105
Which Cisco Firepower feature enables administrators to identify and manage applications in real time, applying controls such as block, allow, or prioritize, even when applications use dynamic ports or encryption?
A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
B) File Policy
C) Snort
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
Explanation:
Application Visibility and Control (AVC) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense provides administrators with real-time identification and management of applications on the network. Modern enterprise networks frequently use applications that bypass traditional port- or protocol-based controls by employing dynamic ports, tunneling, or encryption. AVC uses deep packet inspection, behavioral analysis, and application signatures to accurately identify both known and unknown applications, regardless of how they communicate across the network.
AVC allows administrators to apply granular controls, including blocking unauthorized applications, allowing critical business applications, or prioritizing network traffic based on organizational needs. This capability ensures that mission-critical applications receive adequate bandwidth and unauthorized or high-risk applications are restricted, mitigating security risks and enhancing network performance. Integration with other Firepower engines ensures comprehensive enforcement: SSL Decryption allows inspection of encrypted application traffic, File Policy inspects files transferred by applications, Snort detects network-based threats associated with application usage, URL Filtering manages web-based applications, and Security Intelligence blocks communication with malicious endpoints.
File Policy focuses on inspecting files for malware and advanced threats, but does not provide application-level identification or real-time traffic control. URL Filtering categorizes websites and manages web traffic, but cannot manage non-web applications or apply dynamic port controls. Snort provides network-based detection for exploits and anomalies, but does not enforce application-specific control or prioritize application traffic. Security Intelligence blocks communication with known malicious sources but does not provide detailed application visibility or real-time management.
AVC is the correct answer because it provides comprehensive application-level visibility and enforcement, enabling administrators to control applications in real time regardless of how they communicate. This includes encrypted channels, dynamic ports, or tunneling. By integrating with other Firepower engines, AVC ensures multi-layered security and consistent enforcement across the enterprise network. Logging, reporting, and monitoring provide insights into application usage, policy enforcement, and potential security violations. AVC enhances operational efficiency, optimizes bandwidth, enforces compliance, and reduces risk associated with unauthorized or high-risk applications. Its ability to combine real-time visibility, adaptive enforcement, and integration with multi-layered security policies makes AVC a critical feature for modern enterprise networks, supporting both security and performance objectives while maintaining operational resilience against evolving application-based threats.