350-601 Security Practice Question
A company uses Cisco ISE for 802.1X authentication on data center edge switches. After a recent upgrade, some endpoints that previously authenticated successfully now fail. The ISE logs show the endpoint is in the wrong authorization profile. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse authentication success with authorization success, overlooking that posture assessment is a separate step that can override the initial authorization profile, especially after an upgrade that changes posture requirements.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The endpoint posture assessment is failing
A failing posture assessment can cause ISE to apply a different authorization profile (e.g., a quarantine or remediation profile) instead of the expected one, even though the endpoint previously authenticated successfully. Posture checks occur after 802.1X authentication and can change the authorization result based on endpoint compliance, which aligns with the symptom of the endpoint being in the wrong profile after an upgrade.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The switch port is in multi-authentication mode
Why it's wrong here
Multi-auth mode allows multiple devices, but doesn't change profile assignment.
- ✗
The switch has incorrect RADIUS shared secret
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect shared secret would cause authentication failure, not a profile mismatch.
- ✓
The endpoint posture assessment is failing
Why this is correct
Posture assessment can change the authorization result, assigning a restricted profile if requirements aren't met.
- ✗
The ISE policy is using a different identity source
Why it's wrong here
A change in identity source would affect authentication, not just authorization profile.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.