The answer is that the endpoint’s AMP connector has local analysis disabled, which prevents hash matching. When AMP for Endpoints fails to detect a known malicious file that other endpoints have already flagged, the root cause is almost always that local analysis—the engine responsible for comparing file hashes against a local cache or signature database—is turned off. Without local analysis, the endpoint relies solely on cloud-based lookups; if connectivity is intermittent or delayed, detection fails entirely. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of AMP’s dual detection model: cloud lookup and local analysis. A common trap is assuming a network issue or outdated signatures, but the key clue is that the file hash is known and other endpoints succeeded. Memory tip: “No local, no hash—cloud alone is too rash.”
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.
An engineer is troubleshooting why AMP for Endpoints is not detecting a specific malicious file. The file hash is available and other endpoints detected it. What is the most likely cause for the detection failure on this endpoint?
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's AMP connector has local analysis disabled, preventing hash matching.
When AMP for Endpoints fails to detect a file that is known to be malicious (based on its hash) and other endpoints have already detected it, the most likely cause is that local analysis (also known as local scanning or local hash matching) is disabled on the failing endpoint. AMP for Endpoints uses a combination of cloud-based lookups and local analysis. If local analysis is disabled, the endpoint cannot perform hash-based detection against its local cache or signature database, and it must rely entirely on cloud connectivity. If the cloud lookup is delayed or the endpoint is offline, detection fails. Option B directly addresses this scenario.
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 AMP connector is not configured with a proxy when needed.
Why it's wrong here
Proxy misconfiguration affects cloud connectivity, but the file might have been detected by other endpoints with similar connectivity.
✓
The endpoint's AMP connector has local analysis disabled, preventing hash matching.
Why this is correct
Local analysis allows matching known bad hashes without cloud lookup; if disabled, detection may rely solely on cloud.
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.
✗
The AMP signature database on that endpoint is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
Signature updates are automatic; if other endpoints detect, the database is likely current.
✗
The AMP policy is set to 'Block' instead of 'Detect'.
Why it's wrong here
Policy mode affects actions, not the ability to detect; detection still occurs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that AMP for Endpoints relies on a traditional signature database (like a .dat file) that can become outdated, when in fact the primary detection mechanism is cloud-based with a local cache that is not a full signature database.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Proxy misconfiguration affects cloud connectivity, but the file might have been detected by other endpoints with similar connectivity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, AMP for Endpoints uses a local analysis engine that maintains a small, frequently updated cache of file hashes and dispositions. When a file is executed, the connector first checks this local cache. If local analysis is disabled, the connector skips this step and sends the hash to the cloud for analysis, which introduces latency and dependency on network connectivity. In a real-world scenario, an endpoint that is temporarily disconnected from the network or has high latency to the AMP cloud will fail to detect a known malicious file if local analysis is disabled, even though other endpoints with local analysis enabled would detect it instantly.
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.
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's AMP connector has local analysis disabled, preventing hash matching. — When AMP for Endpoints fails to detect a file that is known to be malicious (based on its hash) and other endpoints have already detected it, the most likely cause is that local analysis (also known as local scanning or local hash matching) is disabled on the failing endpoint. AMP for Endpoints uses a combination of cloud-based lookups and local analysis. If local analysis is disabled, the endpoint cannot perform hash-based detection against its local cache or signature database, and it must rely entirely on cloud connectivity. If the cloud lookup is delayed or the endpoint is offline, detection fails. Option B directly addresses this scenario.
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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