hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
350-701 Practice Question: A security architect is designing a zero-trust…
A security architect is designing a zero-trust architecture for a remote workforce using Cisco SD-WAN. The company requires that all traffic between branch sites and the data center is encrypted and authenticated, and that no device can access resources unless it has a valid certificate. Which technology should be used to enforce device identity?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse IPsec VPN's encryption and authentication of the tunnel with device identity enforcement, but IPsec authenticates the peer (router or firewall), not the individual device, which is a critical distinction in zero-trust architectures.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cisco TrustSec
Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) and device identity based on certificates to enforce access control in a zero-trust architecture. It integrates with SD-WAN to ensure that only devices with valid certificates can communicate, meeting the requirement for encrypted and authenticated traffic between branch sites and the data center.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
802.1X with EAP-TLS
Why it's wrong here
While 802.1X authenticates devices, TrustSec builds on it to tag and enforce policies across the network.
- ✗
Network Access Control (NAC)
Why it's wrong here
NAC is a broad concept; TrustSec is the Cisco-specific implementation for identity-based policy enforcement.
- ✓
Cisco TrustSec
Why this is correct
TrustSec uses SGTs to enforce access based on device identity and is a key component of zero trust.
- ✗
IPsec VPN
Why it's wrong here
IPsec encrypts traffic but does not enforce device identity or posture checks.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.