Cisco 300-710 Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (300-710 SNCF) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 9 Q121-135
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Question 121
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to create policies that inspect network traffic for exploits, anomalies, and protocol violations using signature-based and behavioral detection?
A) Snort
B) File Policy
C) URL Filtering
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) Snort
Explanation:
Snort in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense is the engine responsible for intrusion detection and prevention, providing the ability to inspect network traffic for exploits, anomalies, and protocol violations. It uses both signature-based detection and behavioral analysis to identify malicious activity, enabling proactive mitigation of attacks before they impact enterprise systems. Signature-based detection relies on predefined patterns of known attacks, while behavioral analysis examines traffic for deviations from normal activity, identifying zero-day exploits or sophisticated threat patterns.
Administrators can deploy Snort in inline mode to block malicious traffic in real time or in passive mode to generate alerts without affecting traffic flow. Policies can be customized for specific interfaces, protocols, or types of traffic, ensuring that enforcement is context-aware and aligned with business requirements. Snort also provides extensive logging and reporting capabilities, allowing security teams to analyze attack trends, monitor enforcement effectiveness, and support auditing and regulatory compliance.
File Policy inspects files for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats transmitted over protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB. While critical for content-level protection, File Policy does not provide network-level detection of exploits or protocol violations. URL Filtering categorizes web traffic and enforces access policies, but cannot detect exploits or anomalous behavior at the network level. Security Intelligence blocks known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs using reputation-based threat intelligence, but does not inspect traffic for protocol-level violations or anomalies.
Snort is the correct answer because it provides deep network-level visibility into threats, detecting exploits, protocol anomalies, and attack signatures. By integrating with Access Control Policies, administrators can combine Snort detection with other engines such as File Policy, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, SSL Decryption, and Application Visibility and Control (AVC) to create a multi-layered defense strategy. Snort is essential for identifying both known and unknown threats, providing real-time enforcement, and enabling retrospective analysis of suspicious behavior. It supports fine-grained control over traffic inspection, ensuring that malicious activity is blocked or flagged before it can compromise critical systems. Logging, alerting, and reporting capabilities provide operational intelligence, enabling security teams to respond to incidents effectively and maintain compliance. Snort enhances the overall security posture by detecting sophisticated network attacks, preventing data exfiltration, and identifying anomalous patterns that may indicate advanced persistent threats. It operates alongside other Firepower engines to provide comprehensive, layered protection, ensuring that both content-level and network-level threats are mitigated while maintaining visibility, operational efficiency, and adaptive security. Through its signature-based and behavioral detection capabilities, Snort is critical for modern enterprise networks, where attacks are increasingly targeted, sophisticated, and capable of bypassing traditional security measures.
Question 122
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to enforce web access policies by categorizing URLs, applying identity-based rules, and blocking malicious sites, while integrating with other security engines for multi-layered protection?
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 enforce web access policies by categorizing URLs, applying identity-based rules, and blocking access to malicious sites. URL Filtering is critical for defending against phishing attacks, malware distribution, ransomware, and unauthorized web access in modern enterprise networks. It relies on continuously updated databases and reputation services to categorize websites, assess their risk level, and determine enforcement actions based on organizational policy. Identity-based rules integrate with directory services such as Active Directory or LDAP, allowing policies to be applied to specific users or groups. Time-based policies further refine access control, enabling different restrictions during business hours, off-hours, or maintenance windows.
URL Filtering integrates seamlessly with other Firepower engines for multi-layered protection. SSL Decryption allows the inspection of HTTPS traffic to detect hidden threats, File Policy inspects files downloaded from websites, Snort identifies network-level exploits associated with web traffic, and Security Intelligence blocks communication with known malicious endpoints. Logging and reporting provide visibility into web traffic usage, enforcement actions, user behavior, and potential compliance violations. Administrators can generate actionable reports to support auditing, compliance, and operational monitoring.
File Policy inspects files for malware but does not categorize websites or enforce web access policies. Snort detects network anomalies or exploits, but cannot apply identity-aware, category-based web policies. Security Intelligence blocks known malicious endpoints but does not provide content-based or user-specific web access control.
URL Filtering is the correct answer because it enables organizations to enforce granular web access policies while integrating with SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, and Security Intelligence for multi-layered protection. It allows administrators to block high-risk sites, permit legitimate business traffic, and monitor user behavior for compliance and operational security. URL Filtering ensures that web-based threats are mitigated, access policies are consistently enforced, and traffic visibility is maintained. This feature supports proactive threat prevention, adaptive enforcement, and operational intelligence, ensuring that web access is secure, productive, and compliant with organizational policies. By categorizing web traffic, applying identity-based rules, and integrating with other security engines, URL Filtering provides context-aware, adaptive, and comprehensive web security. It balances security, productivity, and compliance, allowing organizations to maintain safe and efficient web usage while defending against evolving cyber threats. URL Filtering complements multi-layered Firepower policies, providing enforcement and visibility at both the application and content levels, and is essential for securing enterprise networks in modern web-centric environments.
Question 123
Which Cisco Firepower feature enables administrators to inspect encrypted traffic, allowing engines such as File Policy, Snort, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence to detect threats, enforce policies, and maintain privacy through re-encryption?
A) SSL Decryption Policy
B) Access Control Policy
C) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
D) File Policy
Answer: A) SSL Decryption Policy
Explanation:
SSL Decryption Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables administrators to inspect encrypted traffic, providing visibility for engines such as File Policy, Snort, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence to detect threats, enforce policies, and maintain operational security. SSL/TLS encryption protects the confidentiality and integrity of network communications, but it also creates blind spots for security inspection. Without SSL Decryption, critical threats hidden inside encrypted channels, such as malware, ransomware, malicious URLs, or application abuse, could bypass traditional detection mechanisms. SSL Decryption addresses this challenge by decrypting traffic, enabling deep inspection, and then optionally re-encrypting it to maintain privacy and data integrity.
Administrators can implement selective decryption policies to exclude sensitive traffic, such as financial, healthcare, or regulated communications, balancing security visibility with privacy compliance. SSL Decryption can be applied to inbound, outbound, or internal traffic, depending on network architecture and policy requirements. Logging and reporting provide detailed insights into decrypted sessions, inspection results, and policy enforcement actions, supporting auditing, operational monitoring, and compliance tracking.
Access Control Policy is the overarching framework for applying multi-engine security policies, including SSL Decryption. However, it does not perform decryption itself; instead, it leverages SSL Decryption to provide visibility into encrypted communications. File Policy inspects files for malware, but encrypted traffic must be decrypted for effective analysis. Snort detects exploits and anomalies, but cannot inspect encrypted payloads without decryption. URL Filtering enforces web policies but requires decrypted traffic to categorize HTTPS websites accurately. Application Visibility and Control identifies applications, but encrypted application traffic requires SSL Decryption to be visible.
SSL Decryption Policy is the correct answer because it provides visibility into encrypted communications, enabling proactive detection of threats hidden within SSL/TLS traffic. It integrates with multiple Firepower engines, supporting multi-layered enforcement and adaptive security policies. By decrypting and re-encrypting traffic, SSL Decryption balances operational visibility, threat mitigation, and privacy requirements. Administrators can enforce consistent policies across encrypted and unencrypted traffic, maintain compliance with regulatory standards, and gain insights into threats that would otherwise remain hidden. SSL Decryption enhances network security by exposing encrypted threats, enabling comprehensive inspection, supporting policy enforcement, and integrating with logging and reporting mechanisms. It complements Access Control Policies, File Policy, Snort, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, and AVC, creating a holistic, multi-layered defense strategy. SSL Decryption is critical for modern enterprise networks, where encrypted traffic represents a majority of communications, ensuring that security enforcement remains effective without compromising privacy, operational continuity, or compliance. It allows organizations to detect malware, ransomware, malicious applications, and exploit attempts within encrypted channels, maintaining a robust and adaptive security posture across all traffic types.
Question 124
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to combine multiple inspection engines, such as Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, SSL Decryption, and AVC into a single policy framework to enforce traffic control and security?
A) Access Control Policy
B) SSL Decryption Policy
C) Security Intelligence
D) File Policy
Answer: A) Access Control Policy
Explanation:
Access Control Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense provides administrators with a centralized framework for enforcing multi-layered security policies across the network. It integrates multiple inspection engines, allowing traffic to be analyzed, monitored, and controlled based on a combination of criteria, including source and destination IP addresses, applications, file content, web categories, user identity, and encrypted traffic. Engines incorporated into Access Control Policies include Snort for intrusion detection and prevention, File Policy for malware and ransomware inspection, URL Filtering for web categorization and control, Security Intelligence for reputation-based blocking, SSL Decryption for inspecting encrypted traffic, and Application Visibility and Control (AVC) for real-time application monitoring.
Administrators can define granular rules that permit, block, or prioritize traffic based on business-critical requirements. Policies can differentiate between internal and external traffic, remote users, or specific departments, ensuring context-aware enforcement. Logging and reporting provide detailed visibility into policy enforcement, detected threats, and engine performance, supporting auditing, compliance, and operational decision-making.
SSL Decryption Policy is a component within an Access Control Policy that decrypts encrypted traffic to enable inspection by other engines. While critical for visibility, SSL Decryption alone does not provide a unified framework for multi-engine policy enforcement. Security Intelligence blocks communication with known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs, but does not integrate multiple engines or provide holistic traffic enforcement. File Policy inspects files for malware but does not combine network, application, and web-level inspection into a centralized enforcement framework.
Access Control Policy is the correct answer because it allows organizations to enforce a multi-layered, adaptive, and context-aware security strategy. By combining multiple engines into a single framework, administrators can ensure comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, web-based threats, exploits, and unauthorized applications. Inline enforcement allows real-time blocking of malicious traffic, while monitoring mode provides visibility without affecting operations. Integration with SSL Decryption ensures encrypted traffic is analyzed, while logging and reporting provide actionable intelligence and operational insight. Access Control Policy supports dynamic enforcement, enabling organizations to prioritize business-critical applications while mitigating risk from unauthorized or malicious traffic. It provides a centralized, consistent mechanism for applying security policies across distributed devices, enhancing operational efficiency and resilience. By integrating multiple inspection engines, Access Control Policy ensures that both content-level and network-level threats are detected, mitigated, and logged, providing comprehensive situational awareness and proactive threat management. Administrators can tailor policies to organizational needs, enforce compliance, and optimize performance while maintaining robust security. Access Control Policy is foundational to the Firepower security architecture, enabling organizations to implement adaptive, multi-layered defense strategies that address evolving cyber threats while maintaining operational continuity and regulatory compliance.
Question 125
Which Cisco Firepower feature inspects files transmitted over multiple protocols for malware and advanced threats, and can re-analyze previously scanned files if new threat intelligence becomes available?
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 inspects files transmitted over protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats. Unlike traditional file inspection, Retrospective Analysis enables previously scanned files to be re-evaluated whenever new threat intelligence or malware signatures are available. This ensures that files initially considered safe are continuously assessed against evolving threat data, allowing detection of zero-day attacks, polymorphic malware, and advanced persistent threats that may have bypassed initial inspection.
Administrators can configure policies to allow, block, or quarantine files based on file type, protocol, source, or risk assessment. Integration with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) enhances detection by using signature-based, behavioral, and heuristic methods. File Policy with Retrospective Analysis integrates with other Firepower engines to provide comprehensive, multi-layered protection. SSL Decryption allows inspection of encrypted file transfers, Snort detects network-based anomalies or exploits, URL Filtering blocks access to malicious sites, Security Intelligence prevents communication with known malicious endpoints, and AVC monitors applications transferring files. Centralized management via Firepower Management Center allows consistent policy deployment, logging, and reporting.
Snort detects network-based attacks but does not inspect file contents or perform retrospective evaluation. URL Filtering categorizes web traffic but cannot analyze files or re-analyze them based on new intelligence. Security Intelligence blocks known malicious endpoints but does not perform content-level inspection of files or re-analysis.
File Policy with Retrospective Analysis is the correct answer because it provides adaptive, content-level threat detection, ensuring that both new and previously transferred files are continuously evaluated. This enhances enterprise security by mitigating malware, ransomware, and advanced threats, while supporting auditing, operational monitoring, and compliance. Integration with other Firepower engines allows organizations to deploy multi-layered defenses, protecting endpoints, network infrastructure, and sensitive data. Logging and reporting provide visibility into policy enforcement, retroactive detections, and threat trends, enabling informed decision-making. Retrospective Analysis ensures that evolving threats are identified and mitigated even after files have entered the network, strengthening resilience and operational continuity. Administrators can maintain proactive threat mitigation and operational insight, ensuring that security policies remain effective in dynamic threat landscapes. File Policy with Retrospective Analysis complements Access Control Policies, SSL Decryption, Snort, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, and AVC, forming a holistic, multi-layered defense strategy. Its ability to re-analyze files makes it indispensable for defending against sophisticated malware campaigns, advanced persistent threats, and zero-day exploits. By continuously assessing file content and integrating with other engines, File Policy with Retrospective Analysis ensures comprehensive protection, operational visibility, and adaptive security enforcement across the network.
Question 126
Which Cisco Firepower feature categorizes web traffic, applies user or group-based access policies, and blocks malicious websites while integrating with SSL Decryption and other inspection engines for layered protection?
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 categorize web traffic, enforce web access policies, and block malicious websites based on content categories, reputation, or user and group identity. This feature is crucial for defending against phishing attacks, malware distribution, ransomware, and unauthorized web activity. URL Filtering relies on continuously updated databases and reputation services to assess the risk level of URLs, ensuring that malicious sites are blocked while legitimate business-related sites remain accessible. Identity-based rules integrate with directory services like Active Directory or LDAP, allowing policies to be applied to specific users, groups, or organizational units. Time-based policies allow administrators to enforce different web access levels during business hours, off-hours, or maintenance periods.
URL Filtering integrates with other Firepower engines for multi-layered security. SSL Decryption provides visibility into HTTPS traffic, allowing threats hidden in encrypted communications to be inspected. File Policy scans downloaded content for malware or ransomware. Snort detects network-level anomalies and exploits associated with web traffic. Security Intelligence blocks communication with known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs. Logging and reporting provide operational visibility into policy enforcement, web usage trends, and potential compliance violations, supporting auditing, operational monitoring, and strategic decision-making.
File Policy inspects files but does not categorize websites or enforce identity-aware web access policies. Snort detects network anomalies but cannot apply content-based or user-specific web rules. Security Intelligence blocks known malicious sources but does not provide web content categorization or identity-based enforcement.
URL Filtering is the correct answer because it allows organizations to enforce granular, identity-aware web access policies while integrating with SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, and Security Intelligence for multi-layered protection. It ensures that malicious sites are blocked, business-critical web access is permitted, and user activity is monitored for compliance and operational insight. URL Filtering supports adaptive enforcement, proactive threat mitigation, and operational visibility, ensuring that web traffic is secure, compliant, and productive. By combining content categorization, identity awareness, and engine integration, URL Filtering provides comprehensive, context-aware web security. It enables organizations to balance security, productivity, and compliance, protecting against phishing, malware, ransomware, and unauthorized web activity while maintaining visibility, enforcement consistency, and multi-layered protection across the network.
Question 127
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to detect and prevent network-based exploits, protocol anomalies, and attacks using both 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 the engine responsible for intrusion detection and prevention, providing deep network-level analysis to detect exploits, anomalies, and protocol violations. It combines signature-based detection with behavioral analysis to identify malicious activity proactively. Signature-based detection relies on predefined patterns of known attacks, enabling rapid identification of threats that match existing signatures. Behavioral analysis examines traffic patterns, protocol compliance, and anomalies to detect zero-day exploits, sophisticated attacks, or unusual behavior that may indicate an advanced persistent threat.
Administrators can configure Snort in inline mode to block malicious traffic or in passive monitoring mode to generate alerts for review and analysis. Policies can be applied to specific interfaces, protocols, or network segments, providing context-aware enforcement. Logging and reporting offer detailed insights into detected attacks, enforcement actions, and traffic trends, supporting operational monitoring, incident response, and regulatory compliance. Snort also integrates with other Firepower engines to create a multi-layered defense strategy, enhancing overall network security posture.
File Policy inspects files for malware, ransomware, and advanced threats but does not provide network-level detection of exploits or protocol anomalies. URL Filtering categorizes web traffic and enforces web-specific access policies, but cannot detect network-based attacks or anomalous traffic patterns. Security Intelligence blocks traffic from known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs based on reputation, but it does not inspect network traffic for exploits or behavioral anomalies.
Snort is the correct answer because it provides comprehensive network-level protection against both known and unknown threats. By integrating with Access Control Policies, administrators can combine Snort’s detection capabilities with File Policy, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, SSL Decryption, and Application Visibility and Control (AVC) to enforce multi-layered, adaptive security policies. Snort ensures that traffic is analyzed in real time, threats are blocked or flagged promptly, and detailed logs provide actionable intelligence for operational monitoring, auditing, and compliance. Its dual approach of signature and behavioral detection allows organizations to respond proactively to advanced threats, including zero-day attacks, malware communication, exploits targeting vulnerabilities, and protocol abuse. Snort supports dynamic policy enforcement, threat intelligence integration, and centralized management through Firepower Management Center. By providing deep visibility into network traffic, detecting anomalies, and preventing exploits, Snort enhances overall enterprise security, ensuring operational resilience, compliance, and adaptive protection across distributed networks. It is essential for modern enterprise networks where sophisticated attacks can bypass traditional security controls, and its integration with other Firepower engines ensures comprehensive, multi-layered defense.
Question 128
Which Cisco Firepower feature inspects files transmitted over HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB protocols, and can re-analyze previously scanned files when new threat intelligence is available?
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 provides content-level inspection of files transmitted over protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and SMB. It detects malware, ransomware, and advanced threats, ensuring that files entering the network are evaluated for malicious content. What sets this feature apart is the ability to re-analyze previously scanned files whenever new threat intelligence or malware signatures are released. This ensures that files initially considered safe are continuously assessed, allowing detection of zero-day attacks, polymorphic malware, and threats that were not identified during the first inspection.
Administrators can configure policies to allow, block, or quarantine files based on type, protocol, source, or risk level. Integration with Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) enhances detection through signature-based, behavioral, and heuristic methods. File Policy with Retrospective Analysis works in conjunction with other Firepower engines to provide comprehensive protection. SSL Decryption ensures visibility into encrypted file transfers. Snort detects network-based anomalies or exploits associated with file traffic. URL Filtering blocks access to malicious web sources. Security Intelligence prevents communication with known malicious endpoints. Application Visibility and Control (AVC) monitors application traffic related to files. Centralized management via Firepower Management Center provides consistent deployment, logging, and reporting, supporting operational monitoring and compliance.
Snort provides network-level threat detection but does not inspect file contents or perform retrospective evaluation. URL Filtering categorizes web traffic but cannot analyze files or re-inspect them based on new threat intelligence. Security Intelligence blocks known malicious endpoints but does not provide content-level inspection or retrospective file analysis.
File Policy with Retrospective Analysis is the correct answer because it ensures continuous, adaptive, and comprehensive protection against file-based threats. By enabling re-analysis of files when new intelligence is available, it mitigates risks from evolving malware and ransomware campaigns. Integration with other Firepower engines ensures that threats are addressed across multiple layers of inspection, including network, file, application, web, and encrypted traffic. Logging and reporting provide operational insights into enforcement, threat trends, and retroactive detections. Administrators can respond proactively to emerging threats, ensuring operational continuity and data integrity. This feature supports multi-layered security, adaptive enforcement, compliance, and proactive threat mitigation. It strengthens enterprise resilience against sophisticated attacks, zero-day malware, and polymorphic threats. File Policy with Retrospective Analysis complements Access Control Policies, SSL Decryption, Snort, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, and AVC, providing a holistic security solution for modern enterprise networks.
Question 129
Which Cisco Firepower feature categorizes web traffic, enforces identity-based access policies, blocks malicious websites, and integrates with other engines such as SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, and Security Intelligence?
A) URL Filtering
B) File Policy
C) Snort
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) URL Filtering
Explanation:
URL Filtering in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to categorize web traffic and enforce web access policies based on URL reputation, content category, and user or group identity. This feature is critical for mitigating phishing, malware distribution, ransomware, and unauthorized web access. URL Filtering uses continuously updated databases and reputation services to assess risk levels for URLs, ensuring that malicious sites are blocked while business-critical sites remain accessible. Integration with identity sources such as Active Directory or LDAP enables the creation of identity-aware policies, allowing administrators to enforce rules for specific users, groups, or organizational units. Time-based policies can further refine access control, permitting different levels of access during business hours or off-hours.
URL Filtering integrates with other Firepower engines for multi-layered protection. SSL Decryption enables inspection of HTTPS traffic, allowing threats hidden in encrypted communication to be detected. File Policy inspects downloaded content for malware or ransomware. Snort detects network-level exploits or anomalies related to web traffic. Security Intelligence blocks communication with known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs. Logging and reporting provide operational visibility, enforcement tracking, and insight into potential compliance violations.
File Policy inspects files but does not enforce web content or identity-based policies. Snort detects network anomalies but cannot categorize websites or enforce identity-specific rules. Security Intelligence blocks malicious sources but does not provide content-aware or user-specific web enforcement.
URL Filtering is the correct answer because it enables organizations to enforce granular, context-aware web access policies while integrating with SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, and Security Intelligence for comprehensive, multi-layered protection. It ensures malicious websites are blocked, business-critical web access is permitted, and user behavior is monitored to maintain compliance and operational visibility. URL Filtering supports proactive threat mitigation, adaptive enforcement, and operational intelligence, providing a balanced approach to security, compliance, and productivity. By combining content categorization, identity awareness, and engine integration, URL Filtering ensures context-aware, adaptive, and comprehensive web security across encrypted and unencrypted traffic. It enables enterprises to maintain operational efficiency while mitigating web-based threats and enforcing consistent policies across distributed networks. Logging, reporting, and auditing support operational monitoring, regulatory compliance, and threat intelligence analysis. URL Filtering complements other Firepower engines to provide a unified, adaptive, and multi-layered defense strategy against web-based threats and unauthorized access, securing enterprise networks in modern web-centric environments.
Question 130
Which Cisco Firepower feature provides the ability to decrypt SSL/TLS traffic for inspection, allowing other engines such as File Policy, Snort, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence to detect threats, while re-encrypting traffic to maintain privacy?
A) SSL Decryption Policy
B) Access Control Policy
C) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
D) File Policy
Answer: A) SSL Decryption Policy
Explanation:
SSL Decryption Policy in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense enables organizations to inspect encrypted traffic while maintaining privacy through re-encryption. With the majority of modern enterprise traffic encrypted using SSL/TLS, security engines such as File Policy, Snort, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, and Application Visibility and Control cannot effectively inspect the content without first decrypting it. SSL Decryption provides visibility into encrypted payloads, allowing these engines to detect malware, ransomware, exploits, unauthorized applications, malicious URLs, and other threats that might otherwise remain hidden.
Administrators can configure selective decryption, excluding sensitive traffic such as financial, healthcare, or regulated communications to comply with privacy requirements and legal regulations. Decrypted traffic can then be re-encrypted before delivery to maintain confidentiality and data integrity. SSL Decryption can be applied to inbound, outbound, and internal traffic depending on network topology and policy requirements. Detailed logging and reporting provide operational visibility, enabling auditing, policy verification, and monitoring of security events.
Access Control Policy is a broader framework that enforces security rules across multiple engines, including SSL Decryption, but does not itself perform decryption. File Policy inspects files for malware and advanced threats, but requires visibility into decrypted traffic to function effectively. Snort detects network exploits and anomalies, but cannot inspect encrypted payloads without decryption. Application Visibility and Control identifies applications, but encrypted application traffic must be decrypted to be visible.
SSL Decryption Policy is the correct answer because it provides a critical mechanism to inspect encrypted communications, enabling a multi-layered security approach. It allows organizations to proactively detect threats hidden in encrypted traffic, enforce web and application policies, and integrate with other engines for comprehensive security coverage. Administrators can implement granular decryption policies based on protocol, source, destination, or user identity, ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining privacy. SSL Decryption enhances enterprise security by addressing blind spots created by encrypted traffic, ensuring that malicious activity does not bypass defenses. It integrates with Access Control Policies, enabling coordinated enforcement across Firepower engines, including File Policy, Snort, URL Filtering, Security Intelligence, and AVC. This integration ensures that encrypted traffic is consistently inspected for malware, exploits, web-based threats, and application anomalies. SSL Decryption Policy supports adaptive security by allowing organizations to balance visibility, threat detection, privacy, and regulatory compliance. Logging and reporting provide actionable intelligence, supporting operational decision-making, auditing, and compliance verification. By decrypting and re-encrypting traffic, SSL Decryption enables real-time inspection without compromising data confidentiality, ensuring a robust, multi-layered defense posture against modern cyber threats. It is essential in environments where encrypted traffic dominates, allowing organizations to maintain security visibility, enforce policies, and mitigate risks associated with hidden threats, all while supporting operational continuity, user privacy, and regulatory compliance.
Question 131
Which Cisco Firepower feature allows administrators to monitor and control applications in real time, including the ability to block, allow, or prioritize traffic even when applications use dynamic ports or encryption?
A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
B) Snort
C) File Policy
D) URL Filtering
Answer: A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
Explanation:
Application Visibility and Control (AVC) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense provides real-time monitoring and control of applications on the network. Modern enterprise applications often use dynamic ports, encrypted channels, or tunneling methods, which bypass traditional port-based or protocol-based security controls. AVC identifies applications accurately using deep packet inspection, behavioral analysis, and application signatures, allowing administrators to enforce policies regardless of how applications communicate.
AVC enables administrators to block unauthorized or high-risk applications, allow critical business applications, or prioritize specific traffic to ensure optimal network performance. Integration with SSL Decryption ensures visibility into encrypted application traffic, while File Policy scans transmitted files for malware or ransomware. Snort detects network-based exploits and anomalies associated with application traffic, URL Filtering controls web-based applications, and Security Intelligence blocks communication with known malicious endpoints. Logging and reporting provide insights into application usage, enforcement actions, and potential policy violations, supporting auditing, compliance, and operational decision-making.
Snort detects network-based threats and anomalies but does not provide granular application identification or traffic prioritization. File Policy inspects files for malware but cannot control or monitor application-level traffic. URL Filtering categorizes web traffic but does not provide visibility or control for non-web applications or encrypted communications.
AVC is the correct answer because it allows organizations to implement application-aware security policies, enforcing control over all types of application traffic, including encrypted and dynamically ported applications. Integration with other Firepower engines ensures a multi-layered defense, combining application visibility with threat detection, file inspection, web categorization, and reputation-based blocking. AVC supports adaptive enforcement, ensuring that critical business applications are prioritized while unauthorized or risky applications are blocked. By providing real-time monitoring and granular control, AVC enhances security, performance, and compliance, ensuring that applications operate safely within the network. It allows administrators to enforce context-aware policies, optimize bandwidth allocation, detect misuse, and prevent threats associated with unauthorized applications. Logging and reporting provide operational visibility, supporting analysis of application behavior, user activity, and policy compliance. AVC complements other Firepower engines such as SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence to deliver a unified, adaptive, and multi-layered security posture. It is essential for modern networks where dynamic and encrypted applications are prevalent, ensuring that organizations maintain control, mitigate risks, and enhance operational efficiency while protecting enterprise assets and data.
Question 132
Which Cisco Firepower feature categorizes web traffic, enforces policies based on URL reputation, content, and user or group identity, and blocks malicious websites while integrating with SSL Decryption and other engines for multi-layered protection?
A) URL Filtering
B) File Policy
C) Snort
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) URL Filtering
Explanation:
URL Filtering in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to categorize web traffic, enforce web access policies, and block malicious websites based on URL reputation, content categories, and user or group identity. It protects enterprise networks against phishing attacks, malware distribution, ransomware, and unauthorized web access. URL Filtering relies on continuously updated databases and reputation services to assess the risk of URLs, ensuring that high-risk sites are blocked while legitimate business sites remain accessible. Identity-aware policies integrate with directory services such as Active Directory or LDAP, allowing administrators to apply rules to specific users, groups, or organizational units. Time-based policies provide flexibility to enforce different levels of access during business hours, off-hours, or maintenance periods.
URL Filtering integrates with other Firepower engines to deliver multi-layered protection. SSL Decryption allows inspection of HTTPS traffic, revealing threats hidden in encrypted communications. File Policy inspects downloaded files for malware, ransomware, or other advanced threats. Snort detects network-level anomalies and exploits related to web traffic. Security Intelligence blocks known malicious IPs, domains, or URLs. Logging and reporting provide operational visibility, policy enforcement tracking, and insights into potential compliance violations. Administrators can generate reports for auditing, operational monitoring, and strategic planning.
File Policy inspects files but does not enforce identity-based web access or categorize web content. Snort detects network anomalies but cannot implement content-aware, user-specific policies. Security Intelligence blocks known malicious endpoints but does not provide URL categorization or identity-based enforcement.
URL Filtering is the correct answer because it allows organizations to enforce granular web access policies, combining content categorization, identity awareness, and integration with multiple Firepower engines. It ensures that web threats are mitigated, business-critical web access is permitted, and user behavior is monitored for compliance and operational insight. URL Filtering supports adaptive enforcement, proactive threat mitigation, and operational intelligence, providing context-aware and comprehensive web security. Integration with SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, and Security Intelligence enables layered inspection and control of web traffic, encrypted or unencrypted. URL Filtering balances security, compliance, and productivity, ensuring safe and efficient web usage while protecting against evolving threats. Logging and reporting provide actionable intelligence for decision-making, auditing, and compliance, enhancing enterprise security and operational efficiency. URL Filtering complements other Firepower engines, forming a unified, adaptive, and multi-layered web security strategy essential for modern networks where web threats are pervasive, and user activity must be controlled and monitored.
Question 133
Which Cisco Firepower feature blocks traffic from known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs by using continuously updated threat intelligence feeds?
A) Security Intelligence
B) Snort
C) File Policy
D) URL Filtering
Answer: A) Security Intelligence
Explanation:
Security Intelligence in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense is designed to proactively block traffic from known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs using continuously updated threat intelligence feeds. These feeds often come from Cisco Talos and other trusted sources and include information on phishing sites, botnets, malware command-and-control servers, and other high-risk endpoints. By leveraging real-time threat intelligence, Security Intelligence allows administrators to prevent communication with malicious entities before threats can enter the network or affect internal resources.
Administrators can configure Security Intelligence in either inline mode to automatically block traffic or in monitoring mode to generate alerts. Rules can be applied globally or to specific interfaces, network segments, or traffic types, providing granular control over enforcement. Logging and reporting provide detailed visibility into blocked traffic, attempted connections, and trends in malicious activity, supporting operational monitoring, compliance, and auditing. Security Intelligence also integrates with Access Control Policies, enabling coordinated enforcement alongside other Firepower engines such as Snort, File Policy, URL Filtering, SSL Decryption, and Application Visibility and Control (AVC).
Snort detects network-based exploits, anomalies, and protocol violations through signature-based and behavioral analysis. While it can block malicious activity, it does not proactively use reputation-based threat intelligence to prevent communication with known malicious sources. File Policy inspects files for malware or advanced threats, but does not block communication with endpoints based on reputation. URL Filtering categorizes websites and blocks malicious domains, but is limited to web-based HTTP/HTTPS traffic and does not provide network-wide blocking for all protocols.
Security Intelligence is the correct answer because it proactively blocks traffic from known malicious sources across multiple protocols and network segments. Its integration with Access Control Policies ensures that these rules are enforced alongside other engines, providing a multi-layered defense. Security Intelligence enhances the organization’s security posture by mitigating risks from known high-risk sources, complementing Snort for exploit detection, File Policy for malware inspection, URL Filtering for web control, SSL Decryption for visibility into encrypted traffic, and AVC for application-aware enforcement. Real-time updates from threat intelligence feeds ensure emerging threats are blocked automatically, reducing the likelihood of successful attacks, data breaches, or malware propagation. Security Intelligence provides centralized management, reporting, and auditing capabilities, enabling administrators to track enforcement, analyze trends, and respond to new threats efficiently. By preventing communication with high-risk IPs, domains, and URLs, Security Intelligence reduces exposure to phishing, ransomware, botnets, and other malicious activity while integrating seamlessly with other Firepower security engines for a unified, adaptive, and multi-layered defense strategy.
Question 134
Which Cisco Firepower feature identifies and controls applications in real time, including encrypted and tunneled applications, allowing administrators to block, allow, or prioritize traffic based on application usage?
A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
B) Snort
C) File Policy
D) URL Filtering
Answer: A) Application Visibility and Control (AVC)
Explanation:
Application Visibility and Control (AVC) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense provides the ability to identify, monitor, and control applications in real time, even when applications use encryption, dynamic ports, or tunneling techniques. Modern applications often bypass traditional port- and protocol-based security measures, making deep visibility essential for enforcing security and network performance policies. AVC uses deep packet inspection, behavioral analysis, and application signatures to accurately identify both known and unknown applications, regardless of how they communicate.
Administrators can create rules to block high-risk or unauthorized applications, allow critical business applications, or prioritize specific traffic to ensure network performance. Integration with SSL Decryption enables inspection of encrypted application traffic, File Policy scans transmitted files for malware or ransomware, Snort detects network-level exploits and anomalies, URL Filtering enforces web-based application access, and Security Intelligence blocks communication with known malicious endpoints. Logging and reporting provide detailed insight into application usage, enforcement actions, and potential violations of organizational policy, supporting auditing and compliance.
Snort is limited to network-level detection and does not provide application-specific identification, enforcement, or prioritization. File Policy inspects files for malware but cannot manage application behavior or traffic. URL Filtering categorizes web traffic but cannot provide visibility or control for non-web or encrypted applications.
AVC is the correct answer because it enables application-aware network control, ensuring that both encrypted and tunneled traffic is monitored, controlled, and prioritized effectively. By integrating with SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, URL Filtering, and Security Intelligence, AVC supports a multi-layered security approach, providing comprehensive protection while maintaining operational efficiency. It ensures unauthorized applications are blocked, business-critical applications are prioritized, and network bandwidth is allocated according to organizational requirements. AVC enhances operational visibility, compliance, and adaptive security by allowing administrators to detect application misuse, enforce policies in real time, and optimize traffic flow. By combining real-time monitoring with integrated enforcement, AVC strengthens network security, mitigates risks associated with unauthorized or malicious applications, and ensures that enterprise resources are used efficiently and securely. Logging and reporting further enable organizations to track application activity, assess enforcement outcomes, and maintain regulatory compliance, supporting informed decision-making and proactive threat mitigation. AVC is essential for modern networks where dynamic and encrypted applications are pervasive, providing a holistic solution for application-level security, visibility, and control within the Firepower platform.
Question 135
Which Cisco Firepower feature inspects web traffic, enforces policies based on URL category and reputation, and integrates with user identity to block malicious websites while supporting SSL Decryption and other inspection engines?
A) URL Filtering
B) File Policy
C) Snort
D) Security Intelligence
Answer: A) URL Filtering
Explanation:
URL Filtering in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense allows administrators to inspect web traffic, categorize websites, enforce URL-based policies, and block access to malicious websites. It integrates with user or group identity, enabling administrators to create identity-aware policies that apply to specific users, groups, or organizational units. This ensures that access to web content is both secure and compliant with organizational standards. URL Filtering relies on continuously updated databases and reputation services to determine the risk associated with each URL. Malicious or high-risk websites are blocked automatically, while legitimate business websites remain accessible. Time-based policies allow flexible enforcement during working hours, off-hours, or maintenance periods.
URL Filtering integrates with other Firepower engines for multi-layered security enforcement. SSL Decryption allows inspection of HTTPS traffic, revealing threats hidden within encrypted communications. File Policy inspects downloaded content for malware, ransomware, or advanced threats. Snort detects network-level exploits or anomalies related to web traffic. Security Intelligence blocks known malicious IP addresses, domains, or URLs. Logging and reporting provide operational visibility, policy enforcement insights, and compliance tracking. Administrators can generate detailed reports to support operational monitoring, auditing, and strategic planning.
File Policy inspects files but cannot enforce URL-based access or user-specific web policies. Snort detects network anomalies but cannot apply web categorization or identity-based rules. Security Intelligence blocks malicious endpoints but does not categorize web content or enforce user-aware policies.
URL Filtering is the correct answer because it provides granular, context-aware enforcement for web traffic, integrating identity-based policies with URL reputation and category-based rules. It ensures malicious sites are blocked, business-critical web access is permitted, and user behavior is monitored for compliance and operational visibility. By integrating with SSL Decryption, File Policy, Snort, and Security Intelligence, URL Filtering delivers multi-layered protection, ensuring that threats are detected across encrypted and unencrypted traffic. It enables organizations to maintain security, productivity, and compliance simultaneously, providing adaptive enforcement and operational insight. Logging and reporting capabilities support auditing, incident response, and trend analysis, while integration with other Firepower engines enhances protection against malware, ransomware, exploits, and unauthorized web activity. URL Filtering is essential for modern enterprise networks, providing identity-aware, content-aware, and context-aware web security, ensuring safe and efficient internet usage, and forming a critical component of multi-layered Firepower defense strategies.