350-601 Security Practice Question
A company uses Cisco TrustSec in its data center to enforce segmentation. Servers in VLAN 10 (Finance) should only communicate with servers in VLAN 20 (ERP) via an application gateway. Which TrustSec component is used to assign a Security Group Tag (SGT) to traffic from the Finance servers?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the authentication mechanism (802.1X) and the policy server (ISE) that actually assigns the SGT, leading candidates to mistakenly select 802.1X as the component that assigns the tag.
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
✓
Identity Services Engine (ISE) as the authentication and policy server
In Cisco TrustSec, the Identity Services Engine (ISE) acts as the authentication and policy server that assigns Security Group Tags (SGTs) to endpoints or traffic based on identity and policy. ISE uses 802.1X, MAB, or web authentication to identify the Finance servers and then dynamically assigns the appropriate SGT, which is then used for segmentation enforcement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Identity Services Engine (ISE) as the authentication and policy server
Why this is correct
ISE assigns SGTs based on user or device identity.
- ✗
MACsec encryption on the links
Why it's wrong here
MACsec provides link-layer encryption, not SGT assignment.
- ✗
802.1X port-based authentication
Why it's wrong here
802.1X authenticates the device, but SGT is assigned by ISE after authentication.
- ✗
VLAN ACL (VACL) on the switch
Why it's wrong here
VACLs filter based on Layer 2, not assign SGTs.
Visual reference
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.
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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.