The answer is to add the file’s SHA-256 hash to the AMP custom allow list to override the reputation. This is correct because Cisco AMP’s file reputation engine assigns a risk score based on static analysis and global threat intelligence; when a legitimate file receives a false positive score of 10, the most precise way to bypass the block without weakening security is to create a custom allow list entry using the file’s unique SHA-256 hash. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of AMP policy configuration and the distinction between reputation-based blocking and hash-based allow listing—a common trap is to mistakenly whitelist the entire domain or disable AMP scanning, which would expose the network to other threats. Remember that AMP’s custom allow list works at the hash level, not the domain or URL level, so you can permit a specific known-good file while still scanning all other downloads from that vendor. Memory tip: “Hash the hash” to bypass the false positive.
350-701 Content Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 WSA with integrated Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) to inspect web traffic. The security policy dictates that all downloaded files should be scanned by AMP. Recently, a user downloaded a PDF file from a trusted vendor site, but the download was blocked by the WSA. The administrator checks the WSA logs and sees that the file was blocked due to AMP's 'File Reputation' score of 10 (high risk). However, the vendor confirms the file is legitimate. The administrator notes that the file is digitally signed by the vendor. What is the most appropriate next step to allow the file while maintaining security?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add the file's SHA-256 hash to the AMP custom allow list to override the reputation.
Option C is correct because Cisco AMP allows administrators to create custom allow lists using file hashes (SHA-256) to override the file reputation score. Since the file is digitally signed and confirmed legitimate, adding its SHA-256 hash to the AMP custom allow list will permit the download while still scanning other files from that domain, preserving security. This approach directly addresses the false positive without broadly reducing security controls.
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.
✗
Add the vendor's domain to the WSA's global URL whitelist.
Why it's wrong here
Bypasses all security policies for that domain.
✗
Lower the AMP file reputation threshold from 10 to 7 to allow files with lower risk scores.
Why it's wrong here
Would allow other malicious files.
✓
Add the file's SHA-256 hash to the AMP custom allow list to override the reputation.
Why this is correct
Permits only this specific file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable AMP scanning for the vendor's domain in the WSA policy.
Why it's wrong here
Removes scanning for all files from that domain.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think whitelisting the domain or disabling AMP for that domain is sufficient, but Cisco tests the understanding that AMP's custom allow list is the precise mechanism to handle false positives without compromising security for other files from the same source.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco AMP uses a combination of file reputation (based on prevalence, threat intelligence, and static analysis) and file analysis (sandboxing) to determine risk. The file reputation score ranges from 1 (low risk) to 10 (high risk), and a score of 10 typically indicates a known malicious file or a file with very low prevalence. The custom allow list overrides this score by matching the file's SHA-256 hash, which is a cryptographic fingerprint that uniquely identifies the file, ensuring only that specific file is allowed while other files from the same source remain subject to scanning.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
Content Security — This question tests Content Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add the file's SHA-256 hash to the AMP custom allow list to override the reputation. — Option C is correct because Cisco AMP allows administrators to create custom allow lists using file hashes (SHA-256) to override the file reputation score. Since the file is digitally signed and confirmed legitimate, adding its SHA-256 hash to the AMP custom allow list will permit the download while still scanning other files from that domain, preserving security. This approach directly addresses the false positive without broadly reducing security controls.
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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