The answer is to implement a firewall rule that blocks all outbound HTTP and HTTPS traffic except traffic originating from the WSA. This configuration directly prevents users from bypassing the proxy HTTPS firewall rule by forcing all web traffic through the explicit proxy, as any direct outbound attempt on port 443 or 80 will be dropped at the firewall. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how explicit proxy mode relies on network enforcement rather than client-side configuration alone; a common trap is assuming SSL decryption or user authentication alone can stop bypasses, but neither redirects traffic. Remember the key principle: explicit proxy requires a firewall choke point to enforce proxy usage, or you must switch to transparent proxy with WCCP. A useful memory tip is "block the direct, force the proxy"—if the firewall doesn't block non-proxy traffic, users can always circumvent the WSA by pointing their browser elsewhere.
350-701 Content Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content 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.
During a security audit, it is discovered that some users are bypassing the proxy by using HTTPS tunnels over port 443. The WSA is configured with an explicit proxy mode. What additional configuration is needed to prevent such bypass?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a firewall rule to block outbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic except from the WSA
When using explicit proxy, clients must be configured to use the proxy. To prevent bypass, configure the firewall to block outbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic from non-proxy sources, or use transparent proxy with WCCP. Option A is wrong because enabling SSL decryption alone does not force traffic through proxy. Option B is wrong because authenticating users does not prevent bypass. Option D is wrong because creating a deny URL category for tunnels is ineffective.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Implement a firewall rule to block outbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic except from the WSA
Why this is correct
This forces all web traffic through the proxy, preventing bypass.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Enable SSL decryption on the WSA
Why it's wrong here
SSL decryption only inspects decrypted traffic, does not force proxy use.
✗
Configure identity-based authentication for all users
Why it's wrong here
Authentication ensures users are identified, but still allows bypass if traffic goes directly.
✗
Create a custom URL category for tunneling websites and block them
Why it's wrong here
Tunneling can use any website, so blocking categories is ineffective.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-701 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Content Security — This question tests Content Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a firewall rule to block outbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic except from the WSA — When using explicit proxy, clients must be configured to use the proxy. To prevent bypass, configure the firewall to block outbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic from non-proxy sources, or use transparent proxy with WCCP. Option A is wrong because enabling SSL decryption alone does not force traffic through proxy. Option B is wrong because authenticating users does not prevent bypass. Option D is wrong because creating a deny URL category for tunnels is ineffective.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-701 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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