- A
Disable "Block Unknown" and rely solely on Stealthwatch for threat detection
Why wrong: Disabling 'Block Unknown' removes protection against unrecognized malware, and Stealthwatch alone cannot block endpoint execution.
- B
Create an AMP exclusion for software installation directories and enable "File Reputation" with "Cloud Lookups"
Exclusions reduce false positives for trusted paths, while file reputation with cloud lookups maintains detection for unknown files, balancing security and overhead.
- C
Change AMP policy to "Medium Security" and enable "Application Blocking with Allow List"
Why wrong: Lowering security level reduces detection across all file types, potentially missing malware. Application blocking with allow list is good but not sufficient alone.
- D
Disable AMP and use only ISE for endpoint posture checks
Why wrong: ISE provides posture compliance but not real-time malware blocking; removing AMP leaves endpoints unprotected against file-based threats.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create an AMP exclusion for software installation directories and enable File Reputation with Cloud Lookups. This approach directly addresses the operational overhead of false positives by whitelisting known installation paths, while File Reputation with cloud lookups ensures that unknown files are still analyzed against global threat intelligence, preserving security posture. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of balancing endpoint security controls with business continuity—a common trap is choosing to lower the security level broadly, which weakens defenses, or relying solely on network detection like Stealthwatch, which misses file-level threats. Remember the key principle: exclude the process, not the protection. A useful memory tip is “Exclude the path, check the cloud”—meaning you whitelist trusted directories but keep cloud reputation active to catch malicious unknowns.
350-701 Endpoint Protection and Detection Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 company with 5000 endpoints uses Cisco Secure Endpoint (AMP) and Cisco ISE. Users report that legitimate software installations are being quarantined, causing delays. The security team receives many alerts for file executions. The AMP policy is set to "High Security" with "Block Unknown" enabled. Network traffic is monitored by Cisco Stealthwatch. The team wants to reduce operational overhead while maintaining security. What should they do?
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 AMP exclusion for software installation directories and enable "File Reputation" with "Cloud Lookups"
Option C is correct. Creating an AMP exclusion for software installation directories reduces false positives by preventing scanning of known legitimate installations. Enabling File Reputation with Cloud Lookups maintains detection by checking unknown files against cloud intelligence, thus not sacrificing security. Option A is too broad; lowering the security level might miss threats. Option B removes endpoint protection, relying solely on network detection which is insufficient. Option D removes endpoint protection entirely, increasing risk.
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.
- ✗
Disable "Block Unknown" and rely solely on Stealthwatch for threat detection
Why it's wrong here
Disabling 'Block Unknown' removes protection against unrecognized malware, and Stealthwatch alone cannot block endpoint execution.
- ✓
Create an AMP exclusion for software installation directories and enable "File Reputation" with "Cloud Lookups"
Why this is correct
Exclusions reduce false positives for trusted paths, while file reputation with cloud lookups maintains detection for unknown files, balancing security and overhead.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Change AMP policy to "Medium Security" and enable "Application Blocking with Allow List"
Why it's wrong here
Lowering security level reduces detection across all file types, potentially missing malware. Application blocking with allow list is good but not sufficient alone.
- ✗
Disable AMP and use only ISE for endpoint posture checks
Why it's wrong here
ISE provides posture compliance but not real-time malware blocking; removing AMP leaves endpoints unprotected against file-based threats.
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.
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.
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Endpoint Protection and Detection — study guide chapter
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Endpoint Protection and Detection practice questions
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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 AMP exclusion for software installation directories and enable "File Reputation" with "Cloud Lookups" — Option C is correct. Creating an AMP exclusion for software installation directories reduces false positives by preventing scanning of known legitimate installations. Enabling File Reputation with Cloud Lookups maintains detection by checking unknown files against cloud intelligence, thus not sacrificing security. Option A is too broad; lowering the security level might miss threats. Option B removes endpoint protection, relying solely on network detection which is insufficient. Option D removes endpoint protection entirely, increasing risk.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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