Quick Answer
The answer is SSL/TLS decryption and inspection, as this TETRA feature is specifically designed to uncover command-and-control traffic hidden within encrypted HTTPS sessions. By intercepting and decrypting the SSL/TLS tunnel at the endpoint, Cisco Secure Endpoint’s Telemetry and Threat Response Analytics engine can analyze the payload for malicious patterns like beaconing intervals or C2 protocol artifacts that would otherwise remain invisible. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of how endpoint-based decryption differs from network-based solutions—a common trap is assuming that network firewalls alone can inspect encrypted C2 traffic. Remember that TETRA operates at the agent level, giving it access to the decrypted data before it leaves the host. A useful memory tip: “TETRA decrypts to detect C2—if it’s encrypted, TETRA’s the endpoint sleuth.”
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 analyst is investigating a compromised endpoint that is part of a botnet. The endpoint is running Cisco Secure Endpoint with TETRA. The analyst notices that the endpoint is communicating with a command-and-control (C2) server over HTTPS. Which TETRA feature would be most effective in detecting this traffic?
URL filtering against known malicious URL databases
Why wrong: URL filtering is not part of TETRA.
SSL/TLS decryption and inspection
TETRA can decrypt SSL traffic if configured, allowing inspection of C2 communication.
File reputation and cloud lookup
Why wrong: File reputation does not analyze network traffic.
Protocol analysis with deep packet inspection
Why wrong: DPI cannot inspect encrypted payload without decryption.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SSL/TLS decryption and inspection
TETRA (Telemetry and Threat Response Analytics) on Cisco Secure Endpoint can detect C2 traffic over HTTPS by performing SSL/TLS decryption and inspection. This allows the agent to examine encrypted payloads for malicious patterns, such as beaconing or command-and-control protocol artifacts, which would otherwise be hidden in the encrypted tunnel.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
URL filtering against known malicious URL databases
Why it's wrong here
URL filtering is not part of TETRA.
SSL/TLS decryption and inspection
Why this is correct
TETRA can decrypt SSL traffic if configured, allowing inspection of C2 communication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
File reputation and cloud lookup
Why it's wrong here
File reputation does not analyze network traffic.
Protocol analysis with deep packet inspection
Why it's wrong here
DPI cannot inspect encrypted payload without decryption.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often choose deep packet inspection (DPI) without realizing that DPI cannot inspect encrypted HTTPS traffic without SSL/TLS decryption, making it ineffective for detecting C2 communication over HTTPS.
Detailed technical explanation
TETRA uses a local SSL/TLS proxy on the endpoint to intercept and decrypt outbound HTTPS traffic by presenting a certificate signed by a trusted root CA. The decrypted traffic is then inspected for C2 indicators such as irregular beacon intervals, non-standard HTTP headers, or embedded command strings. In a real-world scenario, this allows detection of malware that uses HTTPS to blend in with legitimate web traffic, even if the C2 server IP or domain is not on any blocklist.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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Endpoint Protection and Detection — study guide chapter
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Endpoint Protection and Detection practice questions
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FAQ
Endpoint Protection and Detection — This question tests Endpoint Protection and Detection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SSL/TLS decryption and inspection — TETRA (Telemetry and Threat Response Analytics) on Cisco Secure Endpoint can detect C2 traffic over HTTPS by performing SSL/TLS decryption and inspection. This allows the agent to examine encrypted payloads for malicious patterns, such as beaconing or command-and-control protocol artifacts, which would otherwise be hidden in the encrypted tunnel.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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