The answer is the TrustSec SGACL implicit deny, which drops traffic even when a permit entry exists for the source-destination SGT pair. This occurs because TrustSec SGACLs function like standard access lists: they process entries sequentially and, if no explicit permit matches the specific source SGT 2 to destination SGT 5 traffic flow, the default implicit deny at the end of the list drops the packet. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding that a single permit line does not guarantee passage—the SGACL must contain an explicit permit for the exact SGT pair being evaluated, or the implicit deny will apply. A common trap is assuming any permit entry for the same SGTs is sufficient, but the order and completeness of the list matter. Memory tip: "One permit is not enough—SGACL denies by default unless your pair is explicitly blessed."
350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of secure network access, visibility and enforcement. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 organization is implementing TrustSec to enforce micro-segmentation. The Security Group Tag (SGT) is assigned to a user via ISE after authentication. However, traffic from this user to a server with SGT 5 is being dropped. The administrator checks the SGACL configuration on the switch and finds the following: 'permit ip source 2 destination 5'. What is the most likely reason for the traffic being dropped?
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 SGACL defaults to deny if no explicit permit is found for the source-destination SGT pair
The SGACL on the switch explicitly permits traffic from source SGT 2 to destination SGT 5. However, TrustSec SGACLs operate with an implicit deny at the end of the access list. Since the administrator only configured a single permit entry and no explicit permit for the specific source-destination SGT pair being tested, the traffic is dropped by the implicit deny. Option D correctly identifies this default behavior.
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 PAC on the switch has expired
Why it's wrong here
PAC is used for 802.1X authentication, not TrustSec SGACL enforcement.
✗
SXP is not configured between ISE and the switch
Why it's wrong here
SXP propagates SGTs, but the SGACL is configured correctly; the drop is due to implicit deny.
✗
The CTRL protocol is not enabled on the switch
Why it's wrong here
CTRL is used for Cisco TrustSec control plane, but the SGACL is already present.
✓
The SGACL defaults to deny if no explicit permit is found for the source-destination SGT pair
Why this is correct
TrustSec applies an implicit deny; the permit rule exists but perhaps the order or condition is not matched.
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the implicit deny behavior of SGACLs, where candidates mistakenly assume that a single permit entry allows all traffic between the specified SGTs, overlooking that the SGACL must explicitly match the source-destination pair and that any unmatched traffic is denied by default.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco TrustSec, SGACLs are evaluated similarly to traditional ACLs but based on SGTs. The switch maintains a per-interface SGACL matrix; when a packet arrives with a source SGT, the switch looks up the destination SGT and applies the corresponding SGACL entry. If no entry matches, the implicit deny rule drops the packet. This behavior is defined in the Cisco TrustSec Security Architecture and is consistent across IOS, IOS-XE, and NX-OS platforms. A common real-world scenario is when an administrator adds a permit statement but forgets to include an explicit deny or additional permits for other SGT pairs, causing unexpected drops.
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.
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The SGACL defaults to deny if no explicit permit is found for the source-destination SGT pair — The SGACL on the switch explicitly permits traffic from source SGT 2 to destination SGT 5. However, TrustSec SGACLs operate with an implicit deny at the end of the access list. Since the administrator only configured a single permit entry and no explicit permit for the specific source-destination SGT pair being tested, the traffic is dropped by the implicit deny. Option D correctly identifies this default behavior.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.