The answer is that the ISE session is not forced to reauthenticate after quarantine release. When pxGrid quarantine actions are applied, Cisco ISE overrides the existing session authorization, but simply clearing the threat from Firepower does not automatically revert the endpoint’s access. Without a reauthentication—typically triggered by a Change of Authorization (CoA) from ISE to the network access device—the NAD continues to enforce the quarantine authorization profile, leaving the endpoint blocked. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of pxGrid’s session lifecycle and the critical role of CoA in dynamic policy enforcement. A common trap is assuming that threat clearance alone restores access, but ISE requires an explicit reauthentication event to re-evaluate the session. Remember: quarantine locks the door, but only reauthentication unlocks it.
350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of secure network access, visibility and enforcement. 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 large enterprise uses Cisco ISE with pxGrid to share context with Firepower for threat containment. When a Firepower detects an infected endpoint, it triggers a pxGrid quarantine action that changes the endpoint's authorization profile. The engineer observes that the quarantine is applied, but after the Firepower clears the threat, the endpoint does not regain its original access. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The ISE session is not forced to reauthenticate after quarantine release
pxGrid quarantine actions typically override the existing session and require a cleanup. If the endpoint is not configured to reauthenticate after quarantine release, it remains in a quarantine state. Option D is correct because the session on the NAD might not be updated unless a CoA is sent. Option A: Firepower clearance sends a message but might not trigger re-auth. Option B: ISE policy might be correct. Option C: NAD might not support CoA but it did accept quarantine. So answer is D.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Firepower failed to send the clearance message to ISE
Why it's wrong here
If clearance message wasn't sent, ISE would not know to release; but the issue is after clearance.
✓
The ISE session is not forced to reauthenticate after quarantine release
Why this is correct
After quarantine release, ISE must send a CoA to reauthenticate the endpoint; otherwise the NAD maintains the original quarantine session.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The network access device does not support CoA
Why it's wrong here
If CoA was used for quarantine, it likely supports CoA; otherwise quarantine wouldn't work.
✗
ISE authorization policy is not ordered correctly
Why it's wrong here
Policy order might affect but the quarantine should be explicitly removed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-701 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The ISE session is not forced to reauthenticate after quarantine release — pxGrid quarantine actions typically override the existing session and require a cleanup. If the endpoint is not configured to reauthenticate after quarantine release, it remains in a quarantine state. Option D is correct because the session on the NAD might not be updated unless a CoA is sent. Option A: Firepower clearance sends a message but might not trigger re-auth. Option B: ISE policy might be correct. Option C: NAD might not support CoA but it did accept quarantine. So answer is D.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-701 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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