The answer is to define Security Group Tags (SGTs) and configure 802.1X or MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) on the switch ports. SGTs are the fundamental building blocks of Cisco TrustSec, used to classify traffic and enforce role-based access control; they can be defined locally on the switch using the 'cts role-based sgt' command or dynamically assigned via a RADIUS server such as Cisco ISE during authentication. Without SGTs, the switch cannot perform the source-based or destination-based policy enforcement that TrustSec relies on. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of TrustSec configuration prerequisites, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify the two required steps—a common trap is to overlook MAB as a valid alternative to 802.1X for legacy devices. Memory tip: think "Tag and Authenticate"—SGTs provide the identity, while 802.1X or MAB provides the secure admission.
350-701 Network Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 engineer is configuring Cisco TrustSec on a network. Which TWO actions are required to enable TrustSec on a Cisco switch?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Define Security Group Tags (SGTs) on the switch using the 'cts role-based sgt' command or via RADIUS.
B is correct because Security Group Tags (SGTs) are the fundamental building blocks of Cisco TrustSec, used to classify traffic and enforce role-based access control. SGTs can be defined locally on the switch using the 'cts role-based sgt' command or dynamically assigned via a RADIUS server (such as Cisco ISE) during authentication. Without SGTs, the switch cannot perform the source-based or destination-based policy enforcement that TrustSec relies on.
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.
✗
Enable MACsec encryption on all trunk links.
Why it's wrong here
MACsec is for link-layer encryption, not required for TrustSec.
✓
Define Security Group Tags (SGTs) on the switch using the 'cts role-based sgt' command or via RADIUS.
Why this is correct
SGTs must be defined to tag traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Deploy Cisco ISE as the only policy server.
Why it's wrong here
Cisco ISE is common but not required; local SGT assignment is possible.
✗
Apply IP access-lists on interfaces to filter traffic based on source IP.
Why it's wrong here
TrustSec uses SGTs and SGACLs, not traditional IP ACLs.
✓
Configure 802.1X or MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) on the switch ports.
Why this is correct
802.1X/MAB is used to authenticate endpoints and assign an SGT.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that MACsec encryption is a prerequisite for TrustSec, when in fact it is an optional enhancement; the real requirement is the definition and assignment of SGTs, along with port-based authentication (802.1X or MAB) to dynamically bind SGTs to endpoints.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TrustSec operates by assigning an SGT (a 16-bit value) to each endpoint or user, typically during 802.1X or MAB authentication. The switch then uses the SGT to make forwarding and policy decisions via SGACLs, which are downloaded from a policy server like ISE. A subtle but important behavior is that SGTs can be propagated across switches using the SGT Exchange Protocol (SXP) or inline tagging in the Ethernet frame (Cisco proprietary), and MACsec can optionally encrypt this metadata to prevent tampering.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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: Define Security Group Tags (SGTs) on the switch using the 'cts role-based sgt' command or via RADIUS. — B is correct because Security Group Tags (SGTs) are the fundamental building blocks of Cisco TrustSec, used to classify traffic and enforce role-based access control. SGTs can be defined locally on the switch using the 'cts role-based sgt' command or dynamically assigned via a RADIUS server (such as Cisco ISE) during authentication. Without SGTs, the switch cannot perform the source-based or destination-based policy enforcement that TrustSec relies on.
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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