Quick Answer
The answer is the URL filtering policy. Even when an access control rule explicitly allows traffic from the Sales VLAN to any destination, the Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) applies URL filtering as a separate, pre-filter inspection layer. If the URL filtering policy is configured to block a category—such as "Uncategorized URLs" or "Social Networking"—it will drop the HTTP/HTTPS traffic before it ever reaches the allow rule, effectively overriding the permit action. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this is a classic trick: candidates see an "allow any" rule and assume traffic flows, but the question tests your understanding that URL filtering operates independently and can block based on destination category or reputation. A common trap is forgetting that URL filtering is evaluated before the access control policy for web traffic. Memory tip: "Filter first, allow later—URL rules are the gatekeeper that can override the key."
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of secure network access, visibility and enforcement. 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.
A network administrator is troubleshooting an issue where users in the Sales VLAN cannot access the internet through the Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) device. The FTD is configured with a security policy that allows traffic from the Sales subnet to any destination. However, the traffic is being blocked. Which feature should the administrator check first to resolve the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Identity policy
Why wrong: Identity policies are for user-based access control, not the primary cause.
SSL decryption policy
Why wrong: SSL decryption is for inspection of encrypted traffic, not blocking.
Intrusion prevention policy
Why wrong: IPS inspects but does not block by default unless configured.
URL filtering policy
URL filtering can block traffic even if the security policy allows it.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
URL filtering policy
The correct answer is D, URL filtering policy. Even though the security policy allows traffic from the Sales subnet to any destination, a URL filtering policy can block internet access by categorizing or matching the destination URLs. If the policy is set to block all URLs or a specific category (e.g., 'Uncategorized URLs'), traffic will be dropped before it reaches the internet, regardless of the allow rule in the access control policy.
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.
Identity policy
Why it's wrong here
Identity policies are for user-based access control, not the primary cause.
SSL decryption policy
Why it's wrong here
SSL decryption is for inspection of encrypted traffic, not blocking.
Intrusion prevention policy
Why it's wrong here
IPS inspects but does not block by default unless configured.
URL filtering policy
Why this is correct
URL filtering can block traffic even if the security policy allows it.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates assume an 'Allow' rule in the access control policy guarantees traffic flow, but Cisco tests the understanding that subordinate policies (like URL filtering) can override the parent rule's action, causing traffic to be blocked despite a seemingly permissive policy.
Detailed technical explanation
In Cisco FTD, URL filtering is implemented via the DNS and HTTP inspection engines, where the device performs a lookup against a cloud-based or local URL category database. When a URL is categorized as 'Blocked' (e.g., 'Social Networking' or 'Uncategorized'), the FTD drops the HTTP request before any further inspection, even if the access control rule is set to 'Allow'. This is because URL filtering operates as a pre-filter or within the access control policy's rule actions, and a 'Block' action in the URL category overrides the 'Allow' action of the parent rule.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
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FAQ
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: URL filtering policy — The correct answer is D, URL filtering policy. Even though the security policy allows traffic from the Sales subnet to any destination, a URL filtering policy can block internet access by categorizing or matching the destination URLs. If the policy is set to block all URLs or a specific category (e.g., 'Uncategorized URLs'), traffic will be dropped before it reaches the internet, regardless of the allow rule in the access control policy.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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