The correct answer is to configure an ISAKMP policy (IKE phase 1) with a pre-shared key or certificate. Without this policy, IPsec fails because IKE Phase 1 cannot establish the secure control channel needed to negotiate the IPsec security associations (SAs) referenced by the crypto map. The crypto map may define a transform-set and an access list, but it relies on a pre-existing ISAKMP policy to specify authentication, encryption, and hash parameters—without it, the IKE negotiation never begins. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this is a classic trap: candidates often focus on Phase 2 details like transform-sets or ACLs, forgetting that Phase 1 is the mandatory foundation. The exam tests your understanding that IPsec requires both phases, and a missing ISAKMP policy is a common misconfiguration in lab scenarios. Memory tip: think of IKE Phase 1 as the "handshake" before the "handoff"—no handshake, no secure tunnel.
350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
ipsec proposal MY_PROPOSAL
esp encryption aes-256
esp integrity sha256
!
crypto map MY_MAP 10 ipsec-isakmp
set peer 203.0.113.1
set transform-set MY_SET
match address 100
!
access-list 100 permit ip 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 10.2.2.0 0.0.0.255
```
Refer to the exhibit. The crypto map is applied to an interface. Which additional configuration is necessary for IPsec to function correctly?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an ISAKMP policy (IKE phase 1) with pre-shared key or certificate
IPsec requires both IKE Phase 1 (ISAKMP) and Phase 2 to be configured. The crypto map references a transform-set and an access list, but without an ISAKMP policy defining authentication (pre-shared key or certificate) and encryption/hash parameters, IKE cannot establish a secure control channel. Option D is correct because the ISAKMP policy is mandatory for IKE Phase 1 negotiation before IPsec SAs can be created.
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.
✗
Define an extended access list for interesting traffic
Create a tunnel interface and apply the crypto map to it
Why it's wrong here
Crypto maps can be applied to physical interfaces; a tunnel interface is not required.
✗
Create a transform-set with the same parameters as the proposal
Why it's wrong here
A transform-set is referenced (MY_SET) but not defined; however, the more fundamental missing piece is IKE policy.
✓
Configure an ISAKMP policy (IKE phase 1) with pre-shared key or certificate
Why this is correct
IKE phase 1 must be configured to establish a secure channel before IPsec can work.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a crypto map alone is sufficient for IPsec, hiding the fact that IKE Phase 1 (ISAKMP policy) is a prerequisite that must be configured separately, leading candidates to overlook it when other options like transform-sets or access lists are already present.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ISAKMP (IKE Phase 1) establishes a secure authenticated channel using UDP port 500, negotiating encryption (e.g., AES), hash (e.g., SHA), Diffie-Hellman group, and authentication method (pre-shared key or certificate). Without this policy, the router cannot authenticate the peer or derive the keying material needed for IPsec Phase 2, causing the crypto map to remain inactive. In real-world deployments, misconfigured or missing ISAKMP policies are a common cause of IPsec tunnels failing to come up, even when all other parameters are correct.
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.
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an ISAKMP policy (IKE phase 1) with pre-shared key or certificate — IPsec requires both IKE Phase 1 (ISAKMP) and Phase 2 to be configured. The crypto map references a transform-set and an access list, but without an ISAKMP policy defining authentication (pre-shared key or certificate) and encryption/hash parameters, IKE cannot establish a secure control channel. Option D is correct because the ISAKMP policy is mandatory for IKE Phase 1 negotiation before IPsec SAs can be created.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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