The answer is to create a custom URL filtering policy that allows the specific URLs. This is correct because Cisco WSA processes traffic through a layered filtering model where URL filtering policies sit above reputation and category-based filters, allowing administrators to define explicit allow or block actions for individual URLs or groups without disabling the broader security engine. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of policy precedence and the distinction between custom URL filtering and global category settings—a common trap is assuming you must disable the blocking category entirely, which would expose the network to malware. Remember the memory tip: “Custom overrides, categories remain”—a custom allow policy creates an exception for specific sites while the WSA continues to enforce malware blocking through its reputation and category filters, preserving security for all other traffic.
350-701 Content Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content 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.
A company is deploying Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) to enforce acceptable use policies. Users report that some legitimate websites are being blocked incorrectly. The security team wants to allow these sites while still blocking known malware sites. Which action should the administrator take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a custom URL filtering policy to allow the specific URLs.
Option A is correct because the Cisco WSA uses URL filtering policies to control access based on URL categories and individual URLs. By creating a custom URL filtering policy that allows the specific URLs, the administrator can whitelist legitimate sites while the WSA continues to block known malware sites through its reputation-based and category-based filtering. This approach maintains security enforcement without disabling broader protections.
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.
✓
Create a custom URL filtering policy to allow the specific URLs.
Why this is correct
Custom URL filtering policies can whitelist specific URLs while keeping other blocking rules intact.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable HTTPS decryption to bypass filtering for encrypted sites.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling decryption would not fix incorrect blocking and reduces visibility.
✗
Enable Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to allow the sites.
Why it's wrong here
DLP is for data loss prevention, not URL filtering exceptions.
✗
Increase the HTTPS decryption depth to inspect more content.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing decryption depth does not affect URL filtering exceptions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between URL filtering policies (which control access based on URL categories) and other security features like DLP or HTTPS decryption, leading candidates to confuse content inspection with access control.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Cisco WSA URL filtering relies on the Cisco Talos intelligence feed and local URL category databases. When a false positive occurs, the administrator can add the URL to a custom URL category with an 'allow' action, which takes precedence over broader block rules. This is similar to creating an exception list in a firewall policy; the WSA processes policies in a top-down order, so custom allow rules must be placed before broader deny rules to take effect.
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.
Content Security — This question tests Content Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a custom URL filtering policy to allow the specific URLs. — Option A is correct because the Cisco WSA uses URL filtering policies to control access based on URL categories and individual URLs. By creating a custom URL filtering policy that allows the specific URLs, the administrator can whitelist legitimate sites while the WSA continues to block known malware sites through its reputation-based and category-based filtering. This approach maintains security enforcement without disabling broader protections.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A security engineer is configuring Cisco WSA to block access to a new social media site that is not in any predefined URL category. Which action should the engineer take to ensure the site is blocked for all users?
easy
A.Disable the URL filtering engine and use only web reputation.
B.Add the URL to the existing Social Networking category.
✓ C.Create a custom URL category with the site and apply a block action in the access policy.
D.Enable Dynamic Content Analysis to detect and block the site.
Why C: Option C is correct because Cisco WSA allows administrators to create custom URL categories for sites not covered by predefined categories. By adding the URL to a custom category and applying a block action in the access policy, the engineer ensures the site is blocked for all users, as access policies evaluate custom categories before predefined ones.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-701 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 350-701 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.