The answer is continuous monitoring of cloud infrastructure against compliance frameworks and detecting and remediating cloud resource misconfigurations. CSPM tools are purpose-built to assess the configuration state of cloud resources—such as identifying publicly accessible S3 buckets—rather than inspecting network traffic or managing user identities, which are functions of other security controls. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of how CSPM fits into a defense-in-depth cloud security strategy, often appearing alongside questions about CASB or CWPP. A common trap is confusing CSPM with identity management or network-based monitoring; remember that CSPM is all about configuration drift and compliance posture. Memory tip: think “CSPM = Configuration State Posture Monitoring” to keep its focus on resource settings and compliance frameworks like CIS or PCI DSS.
350-701 Cloud Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of cloud security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company is implementing a cloud security posture management (CSPM) solution. Which TWO of the following are primary functions of CSPM?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Detection and remediation of cloud resource misconfigurations (e.g., open S3 buckets).
CSPM is designed to detect and remediate cloud resource misconfigurations, such as publicly accessible S3 buckets, which are a leading cause of data breaches. It continuously assesses cloud infrastructure against security best practices and compliance frameworks like CIS and PCI DSS. Unlike network-based tools, CSPM focuses on the configuration state of cloud resources rather than inspecting traffic or managing identities.
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.
✗
Real-time inspection of network traffic for malicious patterns.
Why it's wrong here
Traffic inspection is done by NGFW or IDS/IPS, not CSPM.
✗
Vulnerability scanning of virtual machine operating systems.
Why it's wrong here
OS vulnerability scanning is typically done by a separate tool.
✗
Managing user identities and access permissions.
Why it's wrong here
Identity management is handled by IAM, not CSPM.
✓
Detection and remediation of cloud resource misconfigurations (e.g., open S3 buckets).
Why this is correct
CSPM detects misconfigurations such as publicly accessible storage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Continuous monitoring of cloud infrastructure against compliance frameworks (e.g., CIS, PCI DSS).
Why this is correct
CSPM monitors configurations for compliance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" 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 distinction between CSPM (configuration and compliance monitoring) and CWPP (workload protection, including vulnerability scanning and runtime security), leading candidates to incorrectly select vulnerability scanning as a CSPM function.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CSPM tools use APIs to query cloud provider control planes (e.g., AWS Config, Azure Policy, GCP Cloud Asset Inventory) to assess resource configurations against policy-as-code rules. For example, a CSPM can detect an S3 bucket with a bucket policy that grants 'Effect: Allow' and 'Principal: *' on 's3:GetObject', flagging it as a misconfiguration. In a real-world scenario, CSPM can automatically apply remediation actions like modifying the bucket ACL or triggering a Lambda function to enforce encryption.
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.
Cloud Security — This question tests Cloud Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Detection and remediation of cloud resource misconfigurations (e.g., open S3 buckets). — CSPM is designed to detect and remediate cloud resource misconfigurations, such as publicly accessible S3 buckets, which are a leading cause of data breaches. It continuously assesses cloud infrastructure against security best practices and compliance frameworks like CIS and PCI DSS. Unlike network-based tools, CSPM focuses on the configuration state of cloud resources rather than inspecting traffic or managing identities.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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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