The answer is that the Cisco ISE profiler service provides attributes used in authorization policy conditions, along with using both active and passive probes and operating without requiring an agent. This is correct because the profiler passively collects endpoint data—such as MAC OUI and DHCP fingerprints—and actively probes devices to build an identity profile, which then feeds attributes like device type or operating system into authorization policies for dynamic access control. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish the profiler from other ISE services, with a common trap being confusion with the posture service, which requires an agent and checks for compliance, not identity. Remember the memory tip: “Profiler profiles, posture polices”—profiling is agentless and feeds policy conditions, while posture enforces health rules.
350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of secure network access, visibility and enforcement. 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.
Which THREE are characteristics of Cisco ISE profiler service?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It can determine the endpoint operating system based on MAC OUI and DHCP fingerprints
Options B, D, and E are correct. B: Profiling uses both active and passive probes. C: Profiling does not require an agent; it is agentless. A: Profiler does not perform posture assessments; that's posture service. D: Profiling can be based on MAC OUI and DHCP fingerprints. E: Profiler can feed attributes to authorization policies.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
It can determine the endpoint operating system based on MAC OUI and DHCP fingerprints
Why this is correct
Profiling uses these attributes to identify OS.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
It uses a combination of active and passive probes to identify endpoint attributes
It can provide attributes used in authorization policy conditions
Why this is correct
Profiling results can be used in policy conditions, e.g., 'EndpointOS equals Windows'.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
It performs posture compliance checking on endpoints
Why it's wrong here
Posture is a separate service in ISE.
✗
It requires the installation of an ISE agent on all endpoints
Why it's wrong here
The profiler is agentless.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-701 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It can determine the endpoint operating system based on MAC OUI and DHCP fingerprints — Options B, D, and E are correct. B: Profiling uses both active and passive probes. C: Profiling does not require an agent; it is agentless. A: Profiler does not perform posture assessments; that's posture service. D: Profiling can be based on MAC OUI and DHCP fingerprints. E: Profiler can feed attributes to authorization policies.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-701 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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