- A
Use the default malware protection policy, which automatically blocks untrusted executables in Downloads.
Why wrong: Default policy blocks known malware but not all untrusted executables by path.
- B
Create an Application Control rule to block all executables in the Downloads folder and add an exception for the trusted publisher.
Application Control allows blocking by path and creating exceptions based on publisher certificate.
- C
Configure an Exclusion for the Downloads folder and then use a Custom Detection for untrusted executables.
Why wrong: Exclusions prevent scanning, not execution; they do not block execution.
- D
Enable Simple Custom Detections with the SHA-256 hashes of all known executables.
Why wrong: Simple Custom Detections block files based on hash, not path or publisher.
Quick Answer
The answer is to create an Application Control rule that blocks all executables in the Downloads folder and then add an exception for the trusted publisher. This is correct because Cisco AMP for Endpoints evaluates Application Control rules by first applying the block action based on the file path, then checking the publisher certificate against the exception list—only executables signed by the trusted publisher are allowed to bypass the block. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Application Control rules combine path-based blocking with publisher-based exceptions, a common trick where candidates mistakenly try to use a whitelist rule instead of a block rule with an exception. A helpful memory tip is "Block the folder, bless the publisher"—the rule blocks the location first, then the certificate exception grants passage.
350-701 Endpoint Protection and Detection Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 deploying Cisco AMP for Endpoints to protect against malware. The company wants to block all executables from running in the Downloads folder except those signed by a specific trusted publisher. Which policy configuration should the engineer use?
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
Create an Application Control rule to block all executables in the Downloads folder and add an exception for the trusted publisher.
Option B is correct because Cisco AMP for Endpoints uses Application Control rules to allow or block executables based on file path and publisher certificate. By creating a rule that blocks all executables in the Downloads folder and adding an exception for executables signed by the trusted publisher, the engineer achieves the exact requirement—only trusted signed executables can run from that folder.
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.
- ✗
Use the default malware protection policy, which automatically blocks untrusted executables in Downloads.
Why it's wrong here
Default policy blocks known malware but not all untrusted executables by path.
- ✓
Create an Application Control rule to block all executables in the Downloads folder and add an exception for the trusted publisher.
Why this is correct
Application Control allows blocking by path and creating exceptions based on publisher certificate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure an Exclusion for the Downloads folder and then use a Custom Detection for untrusted executables.
Why it's wrong here
Exclusions prevent scanning, not execution; they do not block execution.
- ✗
Enable Simple Custom Detections with the SHA-256 hashes of all known executables.
Why it's wrong here
Simple Custom Detections block files based on hash, not path or publisher.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse malware protection policies (which rely on reputation and analytics) with Application Control rules (which enforce explicit allow/block based on path and publisher), leading them to select the default malware protection option despite it not supporting folder-specific blocking based on publisher trust.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Application Control in AMP for Endpoints leverages Windows AppLocker-like mechanisms or Cisco's own file classification engine to enforce rules based on file path, publisher certificate, or hash. The exception for a trusted publisher uses the digital signature chain—if the executable is signed by a certificate that chains to a trusted root, it is allowed; otherwise, it is blocked. In a real-world scenario, this is critical for environments where users frequently download software from the internet, as it prevents execution of unsigned or maliciously signed binaries while allowing legitimate applications like Adobe Reader or Zoom.
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 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
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.
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Endpoint Protection and Detection — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-701 question test?
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: Create an Application Control rule to block all executables in the Downloads folder and add an exception for the trusted publisher. — Option B is correct because Cisco AMP for Endpoints uses Application Control rules to allow or block executables based on file path and publisher certificate. By creating a rule that blocks all executables in the Downloads folder and adding an exception for executables signed by the trusted publisher, the engineer achieves the exact requirement—only trusted signed executables can run from that folder.
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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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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