- A
EDR
Why wrong: EDR provides detection and response but not strict application control like whitelisting.
- B
Host-based IPS
Why wrong: HIPS monitors for malicious behavior but does not block unapproved applications by default.
- C
Antivirus software
Why wrong: Antivirus detects known malware but does not control application execution.
- D
Application whitelisting
Application whitelisting ensures only approved applications can run.
Question 360 of 988
350-701 Endpoint Security and Identity Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint security and identity. 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.
An organization wants to deploy endpoint hardening by allowing only approved applications to run. Which technology should be implemented to achieve this?
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
✓
Application whitelisting
Application whitelisting is the correct technology because it enforces endpoint hardening by explicitly allowing only approved applications to execute, blocking all others by default. This is a fundamental principle of least privilege and is often implemented using tools like Windows AppLocker or Cisco AMP's application control, which maintain a hash-based or path-based allow list.
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.
- ✗
EDR
Why it's wrong here
EDR provides detection and response but not strict application control like whitelisting.
- ✗
Host-based IPS
Why it's wrong here
HIPS monitors for malicious behavior but does not block unapproved applications by default.
- ✗
Antivirus software
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus detects known malware but does not control application execution.
- ✓
Application whitelisting
Why this is correct
Application whitelisting ensures only approved applications can run.
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 misconception that endpoint hardening is achieved by detection-based tools like EDR or antivirus, when the question specifically asks for a preventive control that blocks unapproved applications from running at all.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Application whitelisting works by creating a policy that defines allowed executables based on attributes such as file hash, digital signature, publisher, or path. For example, Windows AppLocker uses rule collections for executables, scripts, Windows Installer files, and packaged apps, and it can enforce rules via Group Policy. In a real-world scenario, a financial institution might whitelist only signed Microsoft Office binaries and custom line-of-business applications, blocking all other executables to prevent ransomware from running even if it bypasses antivirus.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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.
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Endpoint Security and Identity — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-701 question test?
Endpoint Security and Identity — This question tests Endpoint Security and Identity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Application whitelisting — Application whitelisting is the correct technology because it enforces endpoint hardening by explicitly allowing only approved applications to execute, blocking all others by default. This is a fundamental principle of least privilege and is often implemented using tools like Windows AppLocker or Cisco AMP's application control, which maintain a hash-based or path-based allow list.
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.
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: Jul 4, 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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