The answer is network segmentation using VLANs or VRF, encryption for data in transit, and policy-based access controls. These three elements are essential components of a secure network architecture according to Cisco's SAFE model because they directly enforce the model’s core principles of containment, confidentiality, and trust. Network segmentation using VLANs or VRF isolates traffic to limit lateral movement, while encryption—mandated via protocols like IPsec, TLS, or MACsec—protects data in transit from eavesdropping and tampering. Policy-based access controls, such as 802.1X or TrustSec, ensure only authorized users and devices can communicate. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your grasp of SAFE’s architectural pillars rather than memorizing a list of products; a common trap is confusing “encryption for data at rest” with “data in transit,” which SAFE explicitly addresses for network traffic. Remember the mnemonic “SEC” for Segmentation, Encryption, and Controls to recall the three essentials.
350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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 elements are essential components of a secure network architecture according to Cisco's SAFE model? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Encryption for data in transit
Encryption for data in transit is a core component of Cisco's SAFE model because it ensures confidentiality and integrity of traffic traversing the network. SAFE mandates encryption protocols such as IPsec, TLS, or MACsec to protect against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. This aligns with the model's principle of maintaining trustworthiness across all communication paths.
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.
✓
Encryption for data in transit
Why this is correct
Protects confidentiality of data traversing the network.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A single firewall at the internet edge
Why it's wrong here
Not sufficient; defense in depth requires multiple layers.
✓
Authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA)
Why this is correct
Provides identity-based access control.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Network segmentation using VLANs or VRF
Why this is correct
Limits lateral movement and isolates traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Large broadcast domains to simplify management
Why it's wrong here
Increases attack surface and reduces security.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a single firewall is sufficient for edge security, but the SAFE model explicitly requires a layered security stack (firewall, IPS, and web/email security) at the internet edge to achieve defense-in-depth.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, SAFE uses a modular approach where each network domain (e.g., campus, data center, WAN) has specific security controls. For example, in the campus domain, VLANs are combined with private VLANs and VRF-lite to enforce micro-segmentation, while AAA (using RADIUS/TACACS+) provides granular access control. In real-world deployments, failing to encrypt data in transit can lead to credential theft via packet sniffing, even if other controls are in place.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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.
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Encryption for data in transit — Encryption for data in transit is a core component of Cisco's SAFE model because it ensures confidentiality and integrity of traffic traversing the network. SAFE mandates encryption protocols such as IPsec, TLS, or MACsec to protect against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. This aligns with the model's principle of maintaining trustworthiness across all communication paths.
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.
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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