The answer is that the endpoint was offline when the file was first written to disk, causing the cloud lookup to be skipped. This is correct because Cisco Secure Endpoint’s File Reputation feature, when set to “Use cloud lookup,” performs a SHA-256 hash check against the AMP cloud only at the precise moment the file is written to disk. If the endpoint is disconnected from the internet during that critical write event, the connector cannot query the cloud, so the malicious file is never evaluated and remains undetected—even if the endpoint comes back online later. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the “missed detection” pitfall where an offline endpoint bypasses cloud reputation checks, a common trap that leads candidates to mistakenly blame connectivity or policy settings. Remember the memory tip: “Write time, not runtime—if offline at write, the cloud lookup is out of sight.”
350-701 Endpoint Protection and Detection Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. 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 troubleshooting an issue where a known malicious file (SHA-256: 3a7c...f9e) is not being detected by Cisco Secure Endpoint on a Windows 10 endpoint. The file was downloaded from the internet. The policy has the 'File Reputation' setting set to 'Use cloud lookup', and the 'Exploit Prevention' module is enabled. The endpoint is connected to the internet and can reach the AMP cloud. What is the most likely reason for the missed detection?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The endpoint was offline when the file was first written to disk, so the cloud lookup was skipped.
Option A is correct because Cisco Secure Endpoint's 'File Reputation' with 'Use cloud lookup' requires the endpoint to be online at the moment the file is written to disk. If the endpoint was offline during that critical window, the connector cannot perform the SHA-256 cloud lookup against the AMP cloud, and the file is not evaluated for maliciousness. The file remains undetected until a subsequent scan or event triggers a new lookup, which may not happen automatically.
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.
✓
The endpoint was offline when the file was first written to disk, so the cloud lookup was skipped.
Why this is correct
If the endpoint was offline during file download, the initial cloud lookup is skipped, and the file is allowed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Windows Defender Real-time Protection is interfering with the AMP connector.
Why it's wrong here
AMP works alongside Windows Defender without interference.
✗
The Exploit Prevention module is blocking the cloud lookup process.
Why it's wrong here
Exploit Prevention does not block cloud lookups.
✗
The AMP cloud license has expired for the organization.
Why it's wrong here
If license expired, all cloud lookups would fail, not just this one.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the nuance that 'Use cloud lookup' requires real-time connectivity at the exact moment of file creation, not just general internet access, and candidates mistakenly assume that a later online state will retroactively detect the file.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'File Reputation' feature uses a local cache and cloud-based SHA-256 hash lookups via HTTPS (port 443) to the AMP cloud. When a file is first written to disk, the connector computes the hash and sends it for reputation analysis. If the endpoint is offline, the lookup is deferred, but the file may be allowed to execute without a verdict. This behavior is controlled by the 'Fallback' settings in the policy, which can be configured to 'Allow', 'Block', or 'Continue with local analysis' when the cloud is unreachable.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-701 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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.
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: The endpoint was offline when the file was first written to disk, so the cloud lookup was skipped. — Option A is correct because Cisco Secure Endpoint's 'File Reputation' with 'Use cloud lookup' requires the endpoint to be online at the moment the file is written to disk. If the endpoint was offline during that critical window, the connector cannot perform the SHA-256 cloud lookup against the AMP cloud, and the file is not evaluated for maliciousness. The file remains undetected until a subsequent scan or event triggers a new lookup, which may not happen automatically.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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