The correct answer is that the endpoint posture assessment is failing. After a Cisco ISE upgrade, posture assessment rules or agent versions may change, causing previously compliant endpoints to now fail posture checks. When posture fails, ISE applies a different authorization profile—such as a quarantine or remediation policy—rather than the expected access profile, which explains why logs show the endpoint in the wrong authorization profile. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the ISE authentication and authorization flow, where posture evaluation occurs after 802.1X authentication and can override the initial authorization result. A common trap is to blame the upgrade for breaking authentication itself, but the real issue is the post-authentication posture change. Memory tip: think “posture first, profile second”—if posture fails, the profile shifts.
350-601 Security Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
Option C is correct because 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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Posture assessment in Cisco ISE uses the Cisco AnyConnect Network Access Manager or a posture agent to evaluate endpoint compliance (e.g., antivirus status, OS patches) after 802.1X authentication. If the assessment fails, ISE can apply a dACL or VLAN change via a change of authorization (CoA), which is why the endpoint appears in the wrong profile—this is a common issue after ISE upgrades that modify posture policies or agent requirements.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The endpoint posture assessment is failing — Option C is correct because 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.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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