The answer is to create a URL filtering policy with the action 'Block' for the category 'Executable Files'. This is the most effective approach because Cisco WSA includes a predefined URL filtering category specifically designed to match file extensions such as .exe, .dll, and .msi, allowing the appliance to inspect the URL path at the application layer and block downloads without disrupting other web traffic. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of WSA’s granular content control versus broader methods like application visibility or proxy policies—a common trap is choosing a blanket block on all HTTP downloads or relying on signature-based detection, which is less efficient. Remember the memory tip: "EXE = Explicit Category," meaning the explicit 'Executable Files' category is the direct, policy-based path to block executables, not a workaround.
350-701 Content Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content security. 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.
An administrator wants to block the download of executable files (.exe) via HTTP using Cisco WSA. Which approach is most effective?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a URL filtering policy with action 'Block' for the category 'Executable Files'
Option C is correct because Cisco WSA's URL filtering policies include a predefined content category called 'Executable Files' that specifically targets file extensions like .exe, .dll, and .msi. By setting the action to 'Block' for this category, the administrator can prevent HTTP downloads of executable files without affecting other traffic. This is the most direct and effective method as it operates at the application layer, inspecting the URL path for file extensions.
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.
✗
Enable Anti-Malware scanning for executables
Why it's wrong here
Anti-Malware scans but does not block by file type alone; it only blocks if malware is detected.
✗
Configure a Web Reputation policy to block low-reputation sites
Why it's wrong here
Web Reputation blocks based on site reputation, not file type.
✓
Create a URL filtering policy with action 'Block' for the category 'Executable Files'
Why this is correct
WSA's URL filtering can block based on MIME type of file downloads.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a PAC file to bypass the proxy for executable downloads
Why it's wrong here
PAC files reroute traffic, not block content.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between content filtering (blocking by file type) and security scanning (detecting threats), leading candidates to mistakenly choose Anti-Malware scanning when the goal is to block all executable downloads regardless of maliciousness.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Cisco WSA's URL filtering uses a combination of web reputation, category databases, and custom URL patterns to classify traffic. The 'Executable Files' category matches URLs containing file extensions such as .exe, .com, .scr, and .pif, and the 'Block' action returns an HTTP 403 Forbidden response to the client, preventing the TCP connection from completing. In a real-world scenario, this policy is often combined with application visibility controls to also block executables delivered via HTTPS by decrypting the traffic with a decryption policy.
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.
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: Create a URL filtering policy with action 'Block' for the category 'Executable Files' — Option C is correct because Cisco WSA's URL filtering policies include a predefined content category called 'Executable Files' that specifically targets file extensions like .exe, .dll, and .msi. By setting the action to 'Block' for this category, the administrator can prevent HTTP downloads of executable files without affecting other traffic. This is the most direct and effective method as it operates at the application layer, inspecting the URL path for file extensions.
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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