The answer is that the IP ACLs on the switches are overriding the SGACL. In Cisco TrustSec, the evaluation order on a switch interface processes traditional IP ACLs before SGACLs in the forwarding path, meaning the IP ACL can permit or deny traffic independently of the SGT-based policy. Even though the SGACL correctly restricts Engineering (SGT=10) to Finance (SGT=20) traffic to TCP 443, any IP ACL that permits other ports will allow that traffic to bypass the SGACL entirely. This scenario tests your understanding of Cisco TrustSec SGACL and IP ACL precedence, a common trap on the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam where candidates assume SGACLs always take priority. The key exam insight is that SGACLs are applied after SGT classification but after any interface IP ACL, so a permissive IP ACL can nullify SGACL enforcement. Remember the memory tip: "IP first, then SGT" — think of the IP ACL as the bouncer at the door, and the SGACL as the security guard inside the room.
350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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 large enterprise uses Cisco TrustSec to enforce segmentation between departments. The network consists of Cisco Catalyst switches running IOS XE with IP ACLs and Security Group Tags (SGTs). The security policy requires that traffic from the Engineering group (SGT=10) to the Finance group (SGT=20) be allowed only to TCP port 443. The administrator configures a Security Group Access Control List (SGACL) on Cisco ISE with a permit statement for TCP 443 and a deny for all other traffic, and pushes it to the switches. After deployment, they notice that Engineering users can access Finance servers not only on TCP 443 but also on other ports. The administrator verifies that the SGACL is correctly configured on ISE and that the switches are receiving the SGTs. Additionally, the switches have IP ACLs on the interfaces. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
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 IP ACLs on the switches are overriding the SGACL.
The most likely cause is that IP ACLs on the switch interfaces are overriding the SGACL. In Cisco TrustSec, SGACLs are applied after SGT classification and are evaluated in the forwarding path, but if a traditional IP ACL is configured on the same interface, it is processed first and can permit or deny traffic independently of the SGACL. Since the IP ACLs are present and not configured to match the required policy, they allow traffic on ports other than TCP 443, bypassing the SGACL enforcement.
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 SGT classification is not occurring on the access switches.
Why it's wrong here
The administrator verified that SGTs are being received.
✗
The SGACL is applied only on the inbound direction of the interface.
Why it's wrong here
SGACL enforcement is independent of IP ACL direction; it uses SGT information.
✗
The switches are not running Cisco TrustSec-compatible software.
Why it's wrong here
IOS XE supports TrustSec.
✓
The IP ACLs on the switches are overriding the SGACL.
Why this is correct
IP ACLs are evaluated before SGACLs and can permit traffic that SGACLs would deny.
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the interaction between traditional ACLs and SGACLs, where candidates assume SGACLs always take precedence, but in reality, IP ACLs are evaluated first and can override the SGACL policy.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco TrustSec, SGACLs are enforced at the egress switch based on the source and destination SGTs, using a hardware lookup in the TCAM. However, when an IP ACL is applied to an interface, it is evaluated before the SGACL in the ingress or egress path, depending on the direction. This means that a permit any IP ACL can allow traffic that the SGACL would deny, effectively overriding the security policy. A common real-world scenario is when legacy ACLs are left in place during TrustSec migration, causing segmentation failures.
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.
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: The IP ACLs on the switches are overriding the SGACL. — The most likely cause is that IP ACLs on the switch interfaces are overriding the SGACL. In Cisco TrustSec, SGACLs are applied after SGT classification and are evaluated in the forwarding path, but if a traditional IP ACL is configured on the same interface, it is processed first and can permit or deny traffic independently of the SGACL. Since the IP ACLs are present and not configured to match the required policy, they allow traffic on ports other than TCP 443, bypassing the SGACL enforcement.
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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