The answer is to examine the WSA access logs for TCP connection time and server response time. This is correct because slow web browsing through a Cisco WSA is often caused by latency in the TCP handshake or upstream server delays, and the access logs provide granular metrics to pinpoint whether the bottleneck is on the client-to-proxy leg, the proxy-to-server leg, or within the server itself. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your ability to isolate performance issues using diagnostic tools rather than guessing at configuration changes; a common trap is immediately blaming the WSA’s security policies or DNS settings without first checking these log-based timing values. Remember the memory tip: “TCP and Server Time” — if both are high, the problem is upstream; if only TCP time is high, check the client network.
350-701 Content Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content security. 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.
Which THREE steps should the administrator take to troubleshoot slow web browsing when using Cisco WSA? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the WSA's network interface statistics for errors or drops
Option A is correct because checking the WSA's network interface statistics for errors or drops helps identify physical-layer issues (e.g., duplex mismatches, CRC errors) that can cause packet loss and retransmissions, directly slowing web browsing. This is a fundamental first step in isolating whether the problem is at the network layer rather than within the proxy itself.
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.
✓
Check the WSA's network interface statistics for errors or drops
Why this is correct
Network issues can cause slow connectivity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Verify the HTTPS decryption policies to ensure they are not causing excessive CPU load
Why this is correct
Decryption can be CPU-intensive and slow down browsing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Examine the WSA access logs for TCP connection time and server response time
Why this is correct
The logs provide per-request latency breakdown.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Restart the proxy services to clear any temporary issues
Why it's wrong here
This may hide the problem, not diagnose it.
✗
Configure the WSA to use a public DNS server like 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
Changing DNS server may affect resolution but is not a primary troubleshooting step.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that restarting services (Option D) is a valid troubleshooting step for performance issues, but in the 350-701 exam, the focus is on diagnostic analysis using logs and statistics rather than disruptive actions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The WSA access logs (Option C) provide granular metrics such as TCP connection time (time to establish the TCP handshake) and server response time (time to receive the first byte from the origin server), which are critical for distinguishing between client-side, network, and server-side latency. HTTPS decryption policies (Option B) can cause excessive CPU load if they require full SSL/TLS inspection for all traffic, especially with weak ciphers or large certificate chains, leading to proxy processing delays that manifest as slow browsing.
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 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 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: Check the WSA's network interface statistics for errors or drops — Option A is correct because checking the WSA's network interface statistics for errors or drops helps identify physical-layer issues (e.g., duplex mismatches, CRC errors) that can cause packet loss and retransmissions, directly slowing web browsing. This is a fundamental first step in isolating whether the problem is at the network layer rather than within the proxy itself.
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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