The correct first step is to verify that the endpoints can communicate with the AMP cloud by checking the connector’s connectivity status. This is because an 'Out-of-Date' status typically indicates a broken communication path between the AMP for Endpoints connector and the cloud, preventing policy updates and definition downloads. Even if the endpoint has general Internet access, a firewall, proxy, or DNS misconfiguration can block the specific AMP cloud URLs, so checking the connector GUI for a green “Connected” status directly confirms or rules out this root cause. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of AMP endpoint connectivity troubleshooting and the importance of verifying cloud reachability before making configuration changes—a common trap is jumping to restart services or reinstall the connector, which wastes time. Remember the memory tip: “Connect before correct”—always confirm the cloud link first when facing an out-of-date status.
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 financial company uses Cisco AMP for Endpoints to protect 500 Windows workstations. The security administrator notices that several endpoints in the accounting department are showing 'Out-of-Date' status for over a week. The administrator checks the AMP console and sees that the group policy for accounting has been modified to disable certain scanning features. The endpoints have Internet connectivity but are not updating their policy or receiving new definitions. The administrator suspects a misconfiguration. What should the administrator do first to resolve this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Verify that the endpoints can communicate with the AMP cloud by checking the connector's connectivity status.
Option A is correct because the most common cause of 'Out-of-Date' endpoints is a communication issue. Checking the AMP connector's connection status (e.g., via the connector GUI) can reveal if the endpoint can reach the cloud. Option B (restart services) might temporarily fix but not identify root cause. Option C (reinstall connector) is drastic and should be last resort. Option D (increase polling interval) does not help if there is a connectivity obstacle.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Restart the AMP services on a few affected endpoints to force a policy update.
Why it's wrong here
Temporary fix; does not address root cause.
✓
Verify that the endpoints can communicate with the AMP cloud by checking the connector's connectivity status.
Why this is correct
This identifies if the issue is network-related.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Increase the policy polling interval from 60 minutes to 30 minutes.
Why it's wrong here
More frequent polls do not help if connectivity fails.
✗
Reinstall the AMP connector on all affected endpoints.
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary; the issue is likely not the connector software.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-701 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Endpoint Protection and Detection — This question tests Endpoint Protection and Detection — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Verify that the endpoints can communicate with the AMP cloud by checking the connector's connectivity status. — Option A is correct because the most common cause of 'Out-of-Date' endpoints is a communication issue. Checking the AMP connector's connection status (e.g., via the connector GUI) can reveal if the endpoint can reach the cloud. Option B (restart services) might temporarily fix but not identify root cause. Option C (reinstall connector) is drastic and should be last resort. Option D (increase polling interval) does not help if there is a connectivity obstacle.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-701 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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