The answer is to change the upstream DNS server in the VA configuration to point to the internal DNS servers. This is correct because the Cisco Umbrella virtual appliance acts as a forwarding proxy; it receives DNS queries from clients, forwards them to its configured upstream DNS server, and applies content filtering policies. When the upstream DNS is misconfigured to a public resolver like 208.67.222.222, the VA cannot resolve internal Active Directory domain names, such as .local or private FQDNs, causing websites to fail loading for domain-joined computers. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DNS architecture within a secure web gateway deployment—a common trap is assuming the VA blocks traffic when it is actually a resolution failure. Remember that the VA must see both internal and external zones to function correctly. Memory tip: "Upstream must be internal for internal names to be found."
350-701 Cloud Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of cloud 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 has deployed Cisco Umbrella with a virtual appliance (VA) for content filtering. Users report that some websites are not loading properly, and the helpdesk suspects that the VA is blocking legitimate traffic. The network administrator checks the VA dashboard and sees that the VA is passing traffic normally. However, the administrator notices that the VA's upstream DNS server is set to a public resolver (208.67.222.222) instead of the company's internal DNS servers. This causes internal hostnames to resolve incorrectly. The company uses Active Directory with domain-joined computers. What should the administrator do to resolve the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the upstream DNS server in the VA configuration to point to the internal DNS servers.
The virtual appliance (VA) acts as a forwarding proxy; it receives DNS queries from clients, forwards them to its configured upstream DNS server, and applies content filtering policies. When the upstream DNS is set to a public resolver like 208.67.222.222 (OpenDNS), the VA cannot resolve internal Active Directory domain names (e.g., .local or internal FQDNs) because the public resolver has no knowledge of the private DNS zone. Changing the upstream DNS server to the company's internal DNS servers allows the VA to resolve both internal and external names correctly, while still applying Umbrella's content filtering policies to external traffic.
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.
✗
Add a conditional forwarder in the internal DNS for all .local domains.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: The issue is incorrect upstream DNS, not missing forwarders.
✗
Configure the clients to use Umbrella's DNS directly instead of the VA.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This bypasses local domain resolution.
✗
Disable Umbrella content filtering for internal domain names.
Change the upstream DNS server in the VA configuration to point to the internal DNS servers.
Why this is correct
Correct: This enables proper resolution of internal names.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that content filtering policies are the root cause of resolution failures, when in fact the underlying DNS forwarding chain is misconfigured, leading candidates to incorrectly focus on filtering rules or client-side changes rather than the upstream DNS server setting.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Cisco Umbrella VA operates as a DNS forwarder that intercepts all DNS traffic from clients, applies security policies (e.g., blocklists, content categories), and then forwards the query to the configured upstream DNS server. If the upstream is a public resolver, the VA will receive NXDOMAIN or incorrect responses for internal DNS records (e.g., SRV records for Active Directory, A records for internal servers). By pointing the VA to internal DNS servers, the VA can resolve internal names via the corporate DNS hierarchy, and the VA will still forward external queries to Umbrella's cloud for policy enforcement, maintaining security while fixing resolution.
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 350-701 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.
Cloud Security — This question tests Cloud Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the upstream DNS server in the VA configuration to point to the internal DNS servers. — The virtual appliance (VA) acts as a forwarding proxy; it receives DNS queries from clients, forwards them to its configured upstream DNS server, and applies content filtering policies. When the upstream DNS is set to a public resolver like 208.67.222.222 (OpenDNS), the VA cannot resolve internal Active Directory domain names (e.g., .local or internal FQDNs) because the public resolver has no knowledge of the private DNS zone. Changing the upstream DNS server to the company's internal DNS servers allows the VA to resolve both internal and external names correctly, while still applying Umbrella's content filtering policies to external traffic.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 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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