The answer is to add exclusions for common user data directories in the AMP policy. This is correct because Cisco AMP for Endpoints performs real-time scanning on every file access, and default policies often scan entire user directories—including safe, non-executable data like documents and media—which drives unnecessary CPU cycles on macOS endpoints. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of tuning endpoint protection to balance security with performance; a common trap is assuming you must disable real-time scanning or adjust intervals, but those compromise security or are irrelevant to real-time protection. The key is that folder exclusions reduce high CPU usage from Cisco AMP on macOS by telling the agent to skip known safe locations, while still scanning executable and system-critical paths. Memory tip: “Exclude the docs, scan the exes”—only exclude directories that contain user data, never system or application folders.
350-701 Endpoint Protection and Detection Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. 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 university IT team manages 1,000 macOS laptops for students using Cisco AMP for Endpoints. They receive reports that some students' laptops are running slowly and fans are spinning constantly. The team checks the AMP console and sees that these endpoints are performing constant file scans on user directories. The team suspects that the AMP scanning is causing high CPU usage. They want to optimize performance without compromising security. The laptops use the default AMP policy with real-time scanning enabled. What should the team do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add exclusions for common user data directories in the AMP policy.
Option D is correct because adding exclusions for known safe folders (like default user document directories) reduces unnecessary scanning. Option A (disable real-time scanning) would leave endpoints vulnerable. Option B (increase scanning interval) is not applicable to real-time scanning. Option C (reduce notification alerts) does not affect CPU usage.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Reduce the number of alert notifications to limit AMP's background activity.
Why it's wrong here
Notifications do not cause CPU load.
✗
Increase the file scanning interval to every 30 seconds instead of real-time.
Why it's wrong here
Real-time scanning cannot be delayed; it scans on access.
✓
Add exclusions for common user data directories in the AMP policy.
Why this is correct
Reduces scanning of trusted files, lowering CPU usage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable real-time scanning and rely on scheduled scans.
Why it's wrong here
Real-time protection is critical for security.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Endpoint Protection and Detection — This question tests Endpoint Protection and Detection — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add exclusions for common user data directories in the AMP policy. — Option D is correct because adding exclusions for known safe folders (like default user document directories) reduces unnecessary scanning. Option A (disable real-time scanning) would leave endpoints vulnerable. Option B (increase scanning interval) is not applicable to real-time scanning. Option C (reduce notification alerts) does not affect CPU usage.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which 350-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.