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350-701 Practice Question: Wants to deploy endpoint hardening by allowing…

An organization wants to deploy endpoint hardening by allowing only approved applications to run. Which technology should be implemented to achieve this?

⚠ Common exam trap

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.

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.

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.

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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