The correct answer is that the AMP policy uses Local Analysis, and the local analysis determined the file was safe. This discrepancy occurs because Cisco AMP for Endpoints employs a layered defense: the cloud-based Threat Grid assigns a reputation score, but when Local Analysis is enabled, the endpoint’s local engine can override that cloud verdict. In this scenario, the local analysis deemed the file benign, so the AMP connector allowed it despite the high Threat Grid score of 90. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this tests your understanding of AMP’s verdict hierarchy and the concept of an AMP Local Analysis override, a common trap where candidates assume the cloud score is always authoritative. Remember that local analysis acts as a local override—think of it as the endpoint’s final say, not the cloud’s. A useful memory tip: “Local says no to the cloud’s high score.”
350-701 Endpoint Protection and Detection Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. 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 uses Cisco Threat Response (CTR) to investigate a potential breach. The analyst sees an observable (SHA256) with a score of 90 in the threat grid. However, the AMP connector on the endpoint shows 'Allow' for that file. What could cause this discrepancy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The AMP policy uses 'Local Analysis' and the local analysis determined the file was safe.
Option C is correct because Cisco AMP for Endpoints uses a layered approach: cloud-based file reputation (Threat Grid) provides a score, but if the policy has Local Analysis enabled, the endpoint's local engine can override the cloud verdict. In this scenario, the local analysis determined the file was safe, so the file was allowed despite the high cloud score of 90. This explains the discrepancy between the Threat Grid score and the AMP connector's 'Allow' action.
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 'File Blocking' setting is set to 'Off' for the policy, ignoring cloud scores.
Why it's wrong here
File blocking is controlled via file reputation rules, not a separate toggle.
✗
The AMP policy has file reputation disabled, so all files are allowed.
Why it's wrong here
If file reputation is disabled, there would be no scoring, but CTR still shows a score.
✓
The AMP policy uses 'Local Analysis' and the local analysis determined the file was safe.
Why this is correct
Local analysis can override cloud reputation if configured and the file passes local heuristics.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The file was blocked but the AMP console shows 'Allow' due to delayed event ingestion.
Why it's wrong here
The console reflects the action taken; if blocked, it would show 'Block'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the concept that AMP's Local Analysis can override cloud-based reputation scores, leading to a file being allowed despite a high malicious score in Threat Grid, which candidates mistakenly attribute to misconfigured file blocking or reputation settings.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
If file reputation is disabled, there would be no scoring, but CTR still shows a score.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Cisco AMP's Local Analysis uses a lightweight machine learning model and behavioral analysis on the endpoint to evaluate files that are not definitively known by the cloud. This is particularly useful in offline or low-bandwidth environments, but it can lead to discrepancies when the cloud (Threat Grid) has a high-confidence malicious verdict while the local engine, lacking full context, deems the file benign. In real-world scenarios, this often occurs with zero-day malware that evades local heuristics or with legitimate software that triggers false positives in the cloud.
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.
Endpoint Protection and Detection — This question tests Endpoint Protection and Detection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The AMP policy uses 'Local Analysis' and the local analysis determined the file was safe. — Option C is correct because Cisco AMP for Endpoints uses a layered approach: cloud-based file reputation (Threat Grid) provides a score, but if the policy has Local Analysis enabled, the endpoint's local engine can override the cloud verdict. In this scenario, the local analysis determined the file was safe, so the file was allowed despite the high cloud score of 90. This explains the discrepancy between the Threat Grid score and the AMP connector's 'Allow' action.
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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