The correct answer is to check the Cisco Umbrella dashboard for the domain, identify the internal IP, and block the domain via policy. This is correct because Cisco Umbrella operates at the DNS layer, acting as a recursive DNS resolver that can log, analyze, and block queries to malicious domains before a connection is ever established. By reviewing the dashboard’s activity search or security overview, the administrator can pinpoint the specific internal IP generating the excessive queries, then apply a policy to block the domain globally across the organization. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DNS-layer security as a control plane for blocking malicious DNS traffic, often appearing in questions that contrast it with firewall-based or proxy-based blocking. A common trap is assuming the firewall alone can block the traffic, but Umbrella’s policy is the correct tool for DNS-level enforcement. Memory tip: DNS first, policy next—think “Look up, lock down.”
350-701 Network Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network 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 security administrator is reviewing firewall logs and notices that an internal user is generating excessive outbound DNS queries to a known malicious domain. The company uses Cisco Umbrella for DNS-layer security. How should the administrator investigate and block this traffic?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the Cisco Umbrella dashboard for the domain, identify the internal IP, and block the domain via policy.
Option A is correct because Cisco Umbrella is a DNS-layer security solution that can log and block DNS queries to malicious domains. The administrator should first check the Umbrella dashboard to identify the internal IP generating the excessive queries, then create a policy to block the domain, which will prevent all subsequent DNS resolutions to that domain without affecting other 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.
✓
Check the Cisco Umbrella dashboard for the domain, identify the internal IP, and block the domain via policy.
Why this is correct
Umbrella provides visibility and enforcement at the DNS layer, stopping malicious queries before connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Create a firewall ACL to block the IP address of the DNS server from the internal user.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking the DNS server would disrupt all DNS, not just the malicious domain.
✗
Disable the user's network access temporarily and inform the IT department.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling access is heavy-handed and does not address the root cause.
✗
Enable full packet capture on the internal network and wait for the next occurrence.
Why it's wrong here
Reactive and does not immediately block the threat.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the candidate's understanding that DNS-layer security (like Umbrella) is the appropriate tool for blocking malicious domains at the DNS level, rather than using traditional firewall ACLs or reactive measures that do not leverage the solution's policy-based blocking capabilities.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco Umbrella operates by intercepting DNS queries at the recursive resolver level, using threat intelligence feeds to identify malicious domains. When a policy blocks a domain, Umbrella returns a sinkhole IP (e.g., 146.112.61.104) for the blocked domain, preventing the client from reaching the actual malicious server. The dashboard provides detailed logs showing the source IP, query timestamp, and domain, enabling precise identification of the offending internal host.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the Cisco Umbrella dashboard for the domain, identify the internal IP, and block the domain via policy. — Option A is correct because Cisco Umbrella is a DNS-layer security solution that can log and block DNS queries to malicious domains. The administrator should first check the Umbrella dashboard to identify the internal IP generating the excessive queries, then create a policy to block the domain, which will prevent all subsequent DNS resolutions to that domain without affecting other 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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