The correct answer is that the cloud reputation was unknown, but local analysis detected malicious behavior, triggering quarantine. This occurs because Cisco Secure Endpoint operates with a multi-layered detection engine: when a file’s cloud reputation returns an unknown verdict, the connector immediately shifts to quarantine based on local analysis after unknown cloud verdict, using static analysis and behavioral monitoring to assess the file locally. In this case, the file ‘invoice.pdf.exe’ was flagged by that local analysis as malicious, prompting the quarantine action. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the endpoint’s fallback logic and the distinction between cloud-dependent and local detection modes. A common trap is assuming quarantine always requires a known malicious cloud verdict; instead, remember that unknown cloud results trigger deeper local inspection. Memory tip: “Unknown cloud? Local crowd.” — when the cloud is unsure, the local engine takes the floor.
350-701 Endpoint Protection and Detection Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint protection and detection. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An analyst reviews the log from a Cisco Secure Endpoint connector. The file 'invoice.pdf.exe' was quarantined. What best describes the detection process that occurred?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The cloud reputation was unknown, but local analysis detected malicious behavior, triggering quarantine.
Option B is correct because the log shows the file 'invoice.pdf.exe' was quarantined based on local analysis after the cloud reputation returned an unknown verdict. Cisco Secure Endpoint uses a multi-layered approach: if the cloud reputation is unknown, the connector performs local analysis (e.g., static analysis, behavioral monitoring) to detect malicious behavior. In this case, the local analysis flagged the file as malicious, triggering the quarantine action.
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.
✗
The file was blocked at execution time by Exploit Prevention.
Why it's wrong here
The file was quarantined upon scan, not at execution.
✓
The cloud reputation was unknown, but local analysis detected malicious behavior, triggering quarantine.
Why this is correct
Log shows cloud result UNKNOWN, then local analysis verdict Malicious.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The cloud reputation determined the file was malicious and instructed the connector to quarantine.
Why it's wrong here
Cloud result was UNKNOWN, not malicious.
✗
The file was executed and then reverted by the retrospective engine.
Why it's wrong here
No execution occurred; file was quarantined on scan.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between cloud reputation, local analysis, and retrospective analysis — the trap here is assuming that quarantine always requires a malicious cloud verdict, when in fact local analysis can independently trigger quarantine when the cloud verdict is unknown.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco Secure Endpoint (formerly AMP for Endpoints) uses a three-tier detection model: cloud reputation (TETRA), local analysis (static and dynamic), and retrospective analysis. When the cloud returns an unknown verdict, the connector runs the file in a sandbox-like environment or performs static analysis to detect malicious behavior, such as spawning child processes or modifying registry keys. The quarantine action is triggered by the local analysis engine, which uses signatures and heuristics to identify malicious activity without relying on cloud connectivity.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: The cloud reputation was unknown, but local analysis detected malicious behavior, triggering quarantine. — Option B is correct because the log shows the file 'invoice.pdf.exe' was quarantined based on local analysis after the cloud reputation returned an unknown verdict. Cisco Secure Endpoint uses a multi-layered approach: if the cloud reputation is unknown, the connector performs local analysis (e.g., static analysis, behavioral monitoring) to detect malicious behavior. In this case, the local analysis flagged the file as malicious, triggering the quarantine action.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An incident responder is analyzing an endpoint that was compromised despite AMP for Endpoints being deployed. The AMP logs show the malware file had a disposition of 'Unknown' shortly before compromise, but later changed to 'Malicious' after cloud analysis. What is the most likely reason the file was not blocked initially?
hard
A.The cloud analysis result was delayed due to high traffic.
B.The local analysis engine was disabled, so the file was not analyzed locally.
✓ C.The AMP policy was configured to 'Allow' or 'Detect' for files with disposition 'Unknown'.
D.The endpoint did not have connectivity to the AMP cloud at the time of execution.
Why C: Option B is correct because if the policy action for 'Unknown' is set to 'Audit' or 'Allow', the file runs while cloud analysis completes. Option A is wrong because local analysis is used for known files, not unknowns. Option C is wrong because the file would have been blocked eventually if policy required it. Option D is wrong because connectivity issues would prevent cloud analysis altogether.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
Question Discussion
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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.
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