The answer is that the file type filter action is set to 'monitor' instead of 'block'. This is the most likely reason executables are not being blocked on the Cisco WSA, because a 'monitor' action only logs the traffic without enforcing any blocking, regardless of the access policy's 'allow' setting. For a file type filter to actually prevent .exe files from being downloaded, the action must be explicitly set to 'block'; otherwise, the WSA treats the filter as a passive observation tool. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Cisco WSA file type filters interact with access policies—a common trap is assuming that simply applying a filter category (like executables) is enough to block traffic, when in fact the action within the filter dictates enforcement. Remember the mnemonic: "Monitor means maybe, Block means bye-bye."
350-701 Content Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content security. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. The engineer configured a file type filter for executables on access policy Policy_A. However, .exe files from trusted_sites are still being allowed. What is the most likely reason for this behavior?
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 file type filter action is set to 'monitor' instead of 'block'.
Option C is correct because the file type filter action is set to 'monitor' (which only logs) instead of 'block'. The access policy action is 'allow', so without a block action in the file type filter, executables are allowed. Option A is wrong because the file type filter is applied to Policy_A. Option B is wrong because the filter is on executables category, not URL. Option D is wrong because policy order is not shown to be an issue.
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 type filter is applied to the wrong access policy.
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit shows the file type filter is applied to Policy_A, so it is correctly applied.
✗
The URL category for trusted_sites is blocking the file type filter from being evaluated.
Why it's wrong here
URL categories and file type filters are independent; the filter should still be evaluated unless explicitly excluded.
✓
The file type filter action is set to 'monitor' instead of 'block'.
Why this is correct
A 'monitor' action only logs and does not block; to block, the action must be set to 'block'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The access policy order is incorrect; a less specific policy is matching before Policy_A.
Why it's wrong here
Policy order can affect matching, but the exhibit does not indicate any ordering issue; the given policy is matching the traffic.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The exhibit shows the file type filter is applied to Policy_A, so it is correctly applied.
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.
Content Security — This question tests Content Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The file type filter action is set to 'monitor' instead of 'block'. — Option C is correct because the file type filter action is set to 'monitor' (which only logs) instead of 'block'. The access policy action is 'allow', so without a block action in the file type filter, executables are allowed. Option A is wrong because the file type filter is applied to Policy_A. Option B is wrong because the filter is on executables category, not URL. Option D is wrong because policy order is not shown to be an issue.
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.
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?
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. A company wants to prevent users from downloading executable files (.exe) from the internet via the WSA. Which policy type should be configured?
easy
A.URL filtering policy with category blocking
B.Data Security policy
✓ C.Access policy with file type filtering
D.Web Reputation Security policy
Why C: C is correct because an Access policy in WSA allows granular control over web traffic, including the ability to block specific file types such as .exe via the 'File Type Filtering' action. This directly prevents users from downloading executable files from the internet, as the WSA inspects the MIME type or file extension in the HTTP response and applies the configured block action.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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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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