Quick Answer
The answer is a DLP policy with an encryption action. This is correct because Cisco ESA’s Data Loss Prevention feature uses content filters to scan outbound emails for sensitive data patterns, such as credit card numbers validated by the Luhn algorithm and known issuer prefixes, and can automatically apply encryption to the message upon detecting a match, ensuring the data is protected in transit. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how DLP integrates with ESA to enforce compliance policies, often appearing as a distracter where candidates mistakenly choose a simple content filter or a message footer action instead of the specific DLP-driven encryption. A common trap is confusing a basic content filter rule with the more sophisticated DLP policy engine, which is required for pattern-based detection like credit card numbers. Memory tip: think “DLP = Detect, Lock, Protect” — the DLP policy detects the pattern, locks the email with encryption, and protects the sensitive data.
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content security. 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.
An organization uses Cisco ESA and wants to implement a policy that automatically encrypts emails containing credit card numbers before delivery. What feature should be used?
Anti-spam engine
Why wrong: Anti-spam detects spam, not sensitive data.
Anti-virus engine
Why wrong: Anti-virus detects malware.
Email authentication (SPF, DKIM)
Why wrong: Email authentication verifies sender domain, not content.
DLP policy with encryption action
DLP can trigger encryption based on policy.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DLP policy with encryption action
D is correct because Cisco ESA includes a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) feature that can scan email content for sensitive data patterns, such as credit card numbers (matching Luhn algorithm and known issuer prefixes). When a match is found, the DLP policy can trigger an encryption action, automatically encrypting the email before delivery to protect the sensitive information in transit.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Anti-spam engine
Why it's wrong here
Anti-spam detects spam, not sensitive data.
Anti-virus engine
Why it's wrong here
Anti-virus detects malware.
Email authentication (SPF, DKIM)
Why it's wrong here
Email authentication verifies sender domain, not content.
DLP policy with encryption action
Why this is correct
DLP can trigger encryption based on policy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse DLP with anti-spam or anti-virus engines, assuming any security feature can handle content-based encryption, but only DLP policies have the specific content inspection and policy-driven encryption action capability in Cisco ESA.
Detailed technical explanation
Cisco ESA's DLP engine uses predefined or custom dictionaries (e.g., 'Credit Card Number' dictionary) that leverage the Luhn algorithm and regex patterns to detect credit card numbers. When a DLP policy violation is triggered, the ESA can apply an 'encrypt' action that uses TLS-based encryption or integrates with a third-party encryption gateway (e.g., Cisco Registered Envelope Service) to secure the email. A subtle behavior is that DLP scanning can be applied to both inbound and outbound messages, but encryption actions are typically configured for outbound emails to prevent data leakage.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Content Security — study guide chapter
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Content Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-701 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 study guide
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350-701 practice test guide
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FAQ
Content Security — This question tests Content Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DLP policy with encryption action — D is correct because Cisco ESA includes a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) feature that can scan email content for sensitive data patterns, such as credit card numbers (matching Luhn algorithm and known issuer prefixes). When a match is found, the DLP policy can trigger an encryption action, automatically encrypting the email before delivery to protect the sensitive information in transit.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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