The answer is API-based mode, which is the correct choice because it connects directly to the SaaS application’s native APIs—such as REST or Graph APIs—to scan data at rest and in transit, enabling the CASB to enforce data loss prevention (DLP) policies and block sensitive data uploads at the point of storage without needing traffic redirection or proxy configuration. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of CASB deployment modes, specifically contrasting API-based mode with forward proxy or reverse proxy modes; a common trap is assuming proxy modes are required for blocking uploads, but API-based mode is superior for inspecting data already inside the application. Remember the key distinction: API mode works with the application’s own APIs to catch data at rest, while proxy modes only see data in transit. A helpful memory tip is “API for at-rest inspection, proxy for in-transit redirection.”
350-701 Cloud Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of cloud security. 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.
A security engineer is configuring a cloud access security broker (CASB) to protect a SaaS application used by employees. The primary concern is to prevent sensitive data from being uploaded to the application. Which deployment mode should the engineer choose?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
API-based mode, which connects directly to the SaaS application's APIs to scan and block sensitive data.
Option B is correct because API-based mode connects directly to the SaaS application's APIs, allowing the CASB to scan data at rest and in transit using the application's native APIs (e.g., REST or Graph APIs). This mode can block uploads by enforcing data loss prevention (DLP) policies directly within the SaaS application, without requiring traffic redirection or proxy configuration. It is the most effective deployment mode for preventing sensitive data from being uploaded, as it can inspect and block data at the point of storage.
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.
✗
Forward proxy mode, which intercepts user traffic and inspects it before it reaches the SaaS application.
Why it's wrong here
Forward proxy is effective but requires client configuration and may not catch all API calls.
✓
API-based mode, which connects directly to the SaaS application's APIs to scan and block sensitive data.
Why this is correct
API mode allows data inspection at rest and can block uploads via API calls.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reverse proxy mode, which sits in front of the SaaS application and inspects incoming traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Reverse proxy is typically used to protect on-premises applications from external users.
✗
Web application firewall (WAF) mode, which filters HTTP traffic to the application.
Why it's wrong here
WAF protects against web exploits, not data loss prevention.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that forward proxy mode is the best for all data protection scenarios, but the trap here is that API-based mode is specifically designed for deep integration with SaaS applications to prevent data uploads, while forward proxy mode is limited to inline traffic inspection and cannot block data already submitted via API calls.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
API-based mode leverages the SaaS provider's native APIs (e.g., Microsoft Graph API for Office 365, Salesforce REST API) to perform out-of-band scanning of data at rest, allowing the CASB to apply DLP policies retroactively and in real-time. Under the hood, the CASB authenticates via OAuth 2.0 and uses webhook callbacks to receive events (e.g., file uploads), then issues API calls to quarantine or block the data. A real-world scenario is when an employee uploads a file containing credit card numbers to a SharePoint site; the CASB's API-based mode can immediately move the file to a quarantine folder or block the upload entirely, whereas proxy modes would miss the data if the traffic is encrypted end-to-end.
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.
Cloud Security — This question tests Cloud Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: API-based mode, which connects directly to the SaaS application's APIs to scan and block sensitive data. — Option B is correct because API-based mode connects directly to the SaaS application's APIs, allowing the CASB to scan data at rest and in transit using the application's native APIs (e.g., REST or Graph APIs). This mode can block uploads by enforcing data loss prevention (DLP) policies directly within the SaaS application, without requiring traffic redirection or proxy configuration. It is the most effective deployment mode for preventing sensitive data from being uploaded, as it can inspect and block data at the point of storage.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is moving its data to AWS and wants to use Cisco Cloudlock for cloud access security broker (CASB) capabilities. Which deployment mode is required for Cloudlock to inspect traffic for shadow IT discovery?
easy
A.Proxy-based (forward proxy)
✓ B.API-based
C.Log collection
D.Reverse proxy
Why B: For shadow IT discovery, Cloudlock uses an API-based deployment mode to connect directly to cloud service providers (e.g., AWS, Office 365) via their APIs. This allows Cloudlock to pull metadata, user activity logs, and application usage data without requiring traffic redirection, enabling identification of unsanctioned cloud applications. Proxy-based modes are not used for shadow IT discovery because they require traffic to be routed through the proxy, which is not feasible for cloud-to-cloud traffic.
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Question Discussion
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