The answer is that the Cisco AMP for Endpoints connector is configured to operate in offline mode. This is the root cause because offline mode severs the connector’s ability to communicate with Cisco’s cloud-based threat intelligence and reputation servers, which are essential for performing file reputation lookups and retrieving the latest malware signatures. Without this cloud connectivity, even a known malware sample will go undetected, as the connector relies on real-time cloud lookups rather than a local signature database. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of AMP’s hybrid detection model—a common trap is assuming the connector can detect threats locally when offline. Remember: AMP is cloud-dependent for reputation; offline equals blind. A useful memory tip is “No cloud, no crowd”—without cloud access, the connector cannot tap into the collective threat intelligence needed to catch known malware.
350-701 Endpoint Protection and Detection Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 troubleshooting an issue where Cisco AMP for Endpoints is not detecting a known malware sample on a Windows endpoint. The endpoint is running Windows 10 with the latest AMP connector installed and is connected to the corporate network. The malware sample was downloaded from a trusted source for testing. Which configuration is most likely causing the lack of detection?
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.
The connector is configured to operate in offline mode.
In offline mode, the connector cannot perform cloud lookups for file hashes, so known malware may not be detected.
B
The file reputation scanning is disabled.
Why wrong: File reputation scanning is typically enabled by default; disabling it would affect detection, but the sample is known malware, so cloud lookup is more critical.
C
Custom detections are not configured for the malware.
Why wrong: Custom detections are for proprietary or unknown threats; known malware should be detected via cloud intelligence.
D
Real-time scanning is disabled for the download directory.
Why wrong: Real-time scanning would still detect the malware if cloud lookups were available; offline mode bypasses that.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The connector is configured to operate in offline mode.
When Cisco AMP for Endpoints is in offline mode, the connector cannot communicate with the cloud-based threat intelligence and reputation servers. This prevents it from performing file reputation lookups and retrieving the latest malware signatures, so even known malware samples will not be detected. The connector relies on cloud lookups for real-time detection of new or known threats, and offline mode disables this critical function.
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 connector is configured to operate in offline mode.
Why this is correct
In offline mode, the connector cannot perform cloud lookups for file hashes, so known malware may not be detected.
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.
✗
The file reputation scanning is disabled.
Why it's wrong here
File reputation scanning is typically enabled by default; disabling it would affect detection, but the sample is known malware, so cloud lookup is more critical.
✗
Custom detections are not configured for the malware.
Why it's wrong here
Custom detections are for proprietary or unknown threats; known malware should be detected via cloud intelligence.
✗
Real-time scanning is disabled for the download directory.
Why it's wrong here
Real-time scanning would still detect the malware if cloud lookups were available; offline mode bypasses that.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that disabling real-time scanning or file reputation scanning is the primary cause of missed detections, when in fact the connector's inability to communicate with the cloud (offline mode) is the most direct and common reason for failing to detect known malware.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco AMP for Endpoints uses a hybrid approach: a local cache of recent reputation queries and a cloud-based backend (ThreatGrid and Talos) for unknown or suspicious files. In offline mode, the connector falls back to only local signatures (e.g., SHA-256 hashes from previous detections), which are insufficient for new or modified samples. This is a common issue in air-gapped environments where the connector cannot reach the AMP cloud (api.amp.cisco.com over HTTPS).
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.
Endpoint Protection and Detection — This question tests Endpoint Protection and Detection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The connector is configured to operate in offline mode. — When Cisco AMP for Endpoints is in offline mode, the connector cannot communicate with the cloud-based threat intelligence and reputation servers. This prevents it from performing file reputation lookups and retrieving the latest malware signatures, so even known malware samples will not be detected. The connector relies on cloud lookups for real-time detection of new or known threats, and offline mode disables this critical function.
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.
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Question Discussion
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