The answer is Cisco TrustSec uses CTS auth-proxy as one of its defining characteristics. This is correct because TrustSec fundamentally shifts access control from IP-based rules to identity-based policies using Security Group Tags (SGTs), which are assigned during the authentication process—exactly what the CTS auth-proxy facilitates. The auth-proxy component handles the initial user or device authentication and dynamically assigns the appropriate SGT, which is then carried in Ethernet frames via inline tagging or Cisco Meta Data for consistent policy enforcement across the network. On the Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding that TrustSec is not about static IP ACLs but about dynamic, identity-driven segmentation; a common trap is confusing SGT assignment with manual IP-based tagging. Remember the mnemonic “A-P-S” for Auth-proxy, Policy enforcement via SGTs, and Scalable identity—three pillars that define TrustSec characteristics.
350-601 Security Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which THREE are characteristics of Cisco TrustSec? (Select exactly 3)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Uses SGTs to enforce policy
Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to enforce access control policies based on user, device, or workload identity rather than IP addresses. SGTs are assigned during authentication and carried in Ethernet frames (via Cisco Meta Data or inline tagging) to allow scalable, identity-based policy enforcement throughout the network.
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.
✓
Uses SGTs to enforce policy
Why this is correct
SGTs are central to TrustSec for classifying and enforcing access policies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Requires Cisco ISE
Why it's wrong here
ISE is a common policy server but not a requirement; other RADIUS/TACACS+ servers can be used.
✓
Operates at Layer 2
Why this is correct
TrustSec tags are added at Layer 2, and policies are enforced based on these tags.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Uses CTS auth-proxy
Why this is correct
CTS auth-proxy is used to authenticate and assign SGTs to endpoints.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Requires MACsec encryption
Why it's wrong here
MACsec is a separate feature; TrustSec can work without it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that TrustSec requires ISE or MACsec, but the core characteristics are SGT-based policy enforcement, Layer 2 operation, and the CTS auth-proxy mechanism for legacy device support.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TrustSec operates at Layer 2 by embedding SGTs into Ethernet frames using the Cisco Meta Data (CMD) header or inline tagging (IEEE 802.1AE-2018 extensions). This allows policy enforcement at wire speed without IP reclassification, making it ideal for environments like data center leaf-spine fabrics where IP mobility is common. The SGT is propagated via the SGT Exchange Protocol (SXP) when inline tagging is not supported.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-601 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: Uses SGTs to enforce policy — Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to enforce access control policies based on user, device, or workload identity rather than IP addresses. SGTs are assigned during authentication and carried in Ethernet frames (via Cisco Meta Data or inline tagging) to allow scalable, identity-based policy enforcement throughout the network.
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.
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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