Quick Answer
The correct answer is defense in depth, a security architecture strategy that layers independent defensive mechanisms so that if one layer is breached, subsequent layers continue to protect the asset. This concept works by deploying overlapping controls—such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, endpoint protection, and encryption—so that no single point of failure compromises the entire environment. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, defense in depth is frequently tested as the foundation for Cisco’s SecureX and integrated security fabric, where tools like ASA, Firepower, and Umbrella collaborate to provide resilience. A common trap is confusing defense in depth with a single strong control; remember that the exam emphasizes multiple, independent layers rather than one perfect solution. To recall it easily, think of an onion: each layer you peel back still leaves another layer protecting the core.
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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.
Which security concept involves creating multiple layers of defense so that if one layer is breached, subsequent layers still provide protection?
Zero Trust
Why wrong: A philosophy assuming no trust, not necessarily multiple layers.
Defense in depth
Layered security approach.
Separation of duties
Why wrong: Divides tasks among multiple people.
Least privilege
Why wrong: Limits permissions, not layering.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Defense in depth
Defense in depth is a security architecture strategy that layers independent defensive mechanisms (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection, encryption) so that if one layer is compromised, subsequent layers continue to protect the asset. This concept is fundamental to the 350-701 exam as it underpins Cisco's SecureX and integrated security fabric approach, where multiple controls (like ASA, Firepower, and Umbrella) work together to provide resilience against breaches.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Zero Trust
Why it's wrong here
A philosophy assuming no trust, not necessarily multiple layers.
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Layered security approach.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Divides tasks among multiple people.
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Limits permissions, not layering.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between Defense in depth and Zero Trust by presenting a scenario where multiple security controls are used, and candidates mistakenly choose Zero Trust because they associate 'multiple layers' with 'never trust, always verify,' but Zero Trust is about identity verification and micro-segmentation, not the layered stacking of independent defenses.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, defense in depth relies on the concept of 'defense in multiple places' as defined in NIST SP 800-53, where controls are deployed at the perimeter (e.g., ACLs on routers), network (e.g., Cisco Firepower IPS), host (e.g., Cisco AMP for endpoints), and application layers (e.g., web application firewalls). A real-world scenario is a ransomware attack: even if the perimeter firewall is bypassed via a phishing email, the endpoint detection and response (EDR) agent can still block the malware, and if that fails, encrypted backups (another layer) allow data recovery. Cisco often emphasizes this in the context of integrating products like Cisco ISE for network access control, Firepower for threat prevention, and Stealthwatch for network visibility.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
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Security Concepts — study guide chapter
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Security Concepts practice questions
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Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 study guide
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350-701 practice test guide
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FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Defense in depth — Defense in depth is a security architecture strategy that layers independent defensive mechanisms (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection, encryption) so that if one layer is compromised, subsequent layers continue to protect the asset. This concept is fundamental to the 350-701 exam as it underpins Cisco's SecureX and integrated security fabric approach, where multiple controls (like ASA, Firepower, and Umbrella) work together to provide resilience against breaches.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This 350-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-701 exam.
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