The correct answer is block, because AMP custom detection precedence ensures that a custom detection rule targeting an exact SHA256 hash overrides any file reputation or threat score analysis. When a file matches a custom detection rule with an explicit action, such as block, that action is applied immediately regardless of the threat grid score—even a score of 90 is ignored. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of AMP’s policy evaluation order: custom detections are checked first, then file reputations, and finally dynamic analysis. A common trap is assuming a high threat score automatically triggers a block, but custom rules always take priority. Memory tip: “Custom comes first—hash hits, hash halts.”
350-701 Endpoint Protection and Detection Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A file with SHA256 hash 'a1b2c3d4e5f6...' is detected on an endpoint. The threat grid returns a score of 90 for this file. What action is taken by AMP?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Block (because the custom detection rule has action 'block').
Option C is correct. The custom detection rule for that exact SHA256 overrides the file reputation rules, so the action is 'block'. Options A and B are incorrect because custom detections take precedence. Option D is incorrect because the file is matched by the custom detection.
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.
✗
Allow (because threat score 90 is not specifically matched in reputation).
Why it's wrong here
The custom detection rule matches the SHA256 exactly, overriding reputation.
✓
Block (because the custom detection rule has action 'block').
Why this is correct
Custom detections are applied first; the file matches and is blocked.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Quarantine (because score 90 falls between 80 and 100).
Why it's wrong here
Custom detection takes priority over file reputation.
✗
No action (because the file is in the whitelist).
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit shows a custom detection, not a whitelist.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The exhibit shows a custom detection, not a whitelist.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 350-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: Block (because the custom detection rule has action 'block'). — Option C is correct. The custom detection rule for that exact SHA256 overrides the file reputation rules, so the action is 'block'. Options A and B are incorrect because custom detections take precedence. Option D is incorrect because the file is matched by the custom detection.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which 350-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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