The answer is a policy override on low confidence, specifically when the AMP policy is configured to allow files based on a confidence level or a custom rule. This occurs because Cisco AMP can be set to permit execution of files that receive a low-confidence verdict from the cloud, effectively overriding a malicious cloud verdict when the file’s reputation is not definitively high. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how AMP policy actions interact with cloud analysis, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume a malicious cloud verdict always blocks the file. A common mistake is to blame a missing patch or a local analysis failure, but the key is that an explicit “Allow on low confidence” rule takes precedence. Memory tip: think “Low confidence, high risk—policy says yes, cloud says no.”
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
AMP for Endpoints connector log:
2025-01-15 10:23:45 [INFO] File scan initiated: C:\Users\jdoe\Documents\invoice.pdf
2025-01-15 10:23:46 [INFO] Sending file to cloud for analysis (SHA-256: abc123...)
2025-01-15 10:23:50 [INFO] Cloud analysis result: disposition = Malicious, score = 95
2025-01-15 10:23:50 [INFO] Action taken: Allow (policy rule: "Allow on low confidence")
Refer to the exhibit. The file invoice.pdf was determined to be malicious by the AMP cloud, yet the endpoint allowed it to execute. What is the most likely reason?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The AMP policy was configured to allow files with a certain confidence level or based on a custom rule.
Option D is correct because the policy rule 'Allow on low confidence' overrides the cloud verdict. Option A is wrong because the patch level is not indicated as an issue. Option B is wrong because the file was analyzed locally, and a verdict was returned. Option C is wrong because the action was explicit, not a fallback
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 endpoint was not up to date with the latest AMP connector patches.
Why it's wrong here
There is no evidence of update issues; the log shows normal operation.
✓
The AMP policy was configured to allow files with a certain confidence level or based on a custom rule.
Why this is correct
The log explicitly states the action was due to a policy rule that allows on low confidence, overriding the malicious determination.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The file was not analyzed locally because local analysis was disabled.
Why it's wrong here
The log shows cloud analysis was performed and resulted in a verdict.
✗
The AMP connector lost connectivity after sending the file and fell back to a local allow policy.
Why it's wrong here
The log shows action taken is 'Allow' with a specific policy rule, not a fallback.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
There is no evidence of update issues; the log shows normal operation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-701 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Endpoint Protection and Detection — This question tests Endpoint Protection and Detection — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The AMP policy was configured to allow files with a certain confidence level or based on a custom rule. — Option D is correct because the policy rule 'Allow on low confidence' overrides the cloud verdict. Option A is wrong because the patch level is not indicated as an issue. Option B is wrong because the file was analyzed locally, and a verdict was returned. Option C is wrong because the action was explicit, not a fallback
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-701 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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