Quick Answer
The answer is an identity-based policy. This is correct because Cisco WSA uses identity-based policies to apply different web access rules depending on who the user is, typically authenticated through Active Directory or LDAP, allowing you to block the Social Networking category for everyone except the HR department by exempting their specific AD group. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this tests your understanding of granular access control versus global policies; a common trap is choosing a global URL filtering policy, which would affect all users without exceptions. Remember the memory tip: "Identity equals exemption" — if you need to block website categories for specific users while allowing others, identity-based policy is the only feature that can differentiate by group.
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 uses Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) to filter web traffic. The security team wants to block access to a specific category of websites (e.g., 'Social Networking') for all users except the HR department. Which WSA feature should be used to achieve this policy?
Routing policy
Why wrong: Routing policies direct traffic, not filter by category.
Decryption policy
Why wrong: Decryption policies control SSL decryption, not category blocking.
Identity-based policy
Identity-based policies can apply different rules to different user groups based on authentication.
Global access policy
Why wrong: Global access policies apply to all users uniformly, not per group.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Identity-based policy
Identity-based policies in Cisco WSA allow you to apply different access rules based on the user or group identity, typically authenticated via Active Directory or LDAP. By creating an identity-based policy that exempts the HR department (e.g., via an AD group) and blocks the 'Social Networking' category for all other users, you achieve the required granular control without affecting the entire organization.
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.
Routing policy
Why it's wrong here
Routing policies direct traffic, not filter by category.
Decryption policy
Why it's wrong here
Decryption policies control SSL decryption, not category blocking.
Identity-based policy
Why this is correct
Identity-based policies can apply different rules to different user groups based on authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Global access policy
Why it's wrong here
Global access policies apply to all users uniformly, not per group.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between identity-based policies and global access policies, trapping candidates who think a global policy can be applied with exceptions, when in fact identity-based policies are required for user-specific exemptions.
Detailed technical explanation
Cisco WSA uses identity-based policies in conjunction with authentication realms (e.g., Kerberos, NTLM, or LDAP) to map users to specific policy groups. The policy evaluation order is critical: identity policies are evaluated before access policies, and the first matching identity determines which access policy set applies. In a real-world deployment, you would configure an identity policy that matches the HR AD group and then create an access policy that blocks 'Social Networking' for all other identities, ensuring the HR group is either allowed or placed in a separate policy with different rules.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Content Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Content Security — This question tests Content Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Identity-based policy — Identity-based policies in Cisco WSA allow you to apply different access rules based on the user or group identity, typically authenticated via Active Directory or LDAP. By creating an identity-based policy that exempts the HR department (e.g., via an AD group) and blocks the 'Social Networking' category for all other users, you achieve the required granular control without affecting the entire organization.
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
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