The answer is to enable file type control and file reputation filtering in the access policy. These two actions allow the Cisco WSA to block file types like .exe and .scr based on the file’s characteristics or its reputation score, overriding the trust level of the source website. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of how WSA access policies layer security controls—file type control enforces a hard block on specific extensions, while file reputation filtering uses Talos intelligence to catch unknown or low-reputation executables. A common trap is confusing URL filtering (which only categorizes websites) with file-level controls, or thinking DLP applies here. Remember the memory tip: “Type and Reputation, not URL destination”—if you need to block a file regardless of where it comes from, you must use the policy settings that inspect the file itself, not the website category.
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.
A security engineer is configuring Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) to block downloads of potentially malicious file types such as .exe and .scr. The engineer wants to ensure that these files are blocked even if they are hosted on trusted websites. Which TWO actions should the engineer take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create an access policy that enables file reputation filtering.
Option B (file reputation filtering) and Option D (file type control) are correct because they allow the WSA to block specific file types based on reputation or file type, regardless of the source URL. Option A is incorrect because URL categories are for categorizing websites, not file types. Option C (DLP) is designed for data loss prevention, not file type blocking. Option E (HTTPS proxy) enables inspection of encrypted traffic but does not itself block file types.
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.
✓
Create an access policy that enables file reputation filtering.
Why this is correct
File reputation filtering uses the Cisco Talos reputation to block known malicious files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Create a custom URL category for the file types.
Why it's wrong here
URL categories are used to categorize websites by content, not file types.
✓
Enable the file type control feature in the access policy.
Why this is correct
File type control allows blocking of specific file extensions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure HTTPS proxy to decrypt traffic for file inspection.
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS proxy enables inspection but does not directly block file types; it must be combined with other controls.
✗
Enable Data Loss Prevention (DLP) on the access policy.
Why it's wrong here
DLP is for detecting and preventing data leaks, not for blocking file types.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 practitioner preparing for the 350-701 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 an access policy that enables file reputation filtering. — Option B (file reputation filtering) and Option D (file type control) are correct because they allow the WSA to block specific file types based on reputation or file type, regardless of the source URL. Option A is incorrect because URL categories are for categorizing websites, not file types. Option C (DLP) is designed for data loss prevention, not file type blocking. Option E (HTTPS proxy) enables inspection of encrypted traffic but does not itself block file types.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which 350-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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