Quick Answer
The answer is IP Layer Enforcement, which must be enabled in Cisco Umbrella to block traffic to known malicious IP addresses when that traffic does not originate from a DNS query. This feature works by inspecting non-DNS traffic—such as direct IP connections or hardcoded IP addresses—against Umbrella’s threat intelligence, providing a security layer beyond standard DNS-layer filtering. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Umbrella extends protection to cover IP-based threats that bypass DNS resolution, often appearing in questions contrasting DNS-layer security with IP-layer enforcement. A common trap is assuming DNS-layer security alone blocks all malicious destinations, but IP Layer Enforcement is specifically required for non-DNS traffic. Remember the memory tip: “DNS for names, IP for frames”—if the traffic doesn’t query a domain name, you need IP Layer Enforcement to catch the threat.
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of cloud security. 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.
A company uses Cisco Umbrella for DNS-layer security. They want to block access to known malicious IPs that may be resolved by non-DNS traffic. Which feature should they enable?
File Analysis
Why wrong: For file threat analysis.
Application Discovery
Why wrong: For application visibility.
IP Layer Enforcement
Blocks malicious IPs for non-DNS traffic.
HTTPS Inspection
Why wrong: For decrypting HTTPS traffic.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
IP Layer Enforcement
IP Layer Enforcement is the correct feature because it allows Cisco Umbrella to block traffic to known malicious IP addresses even when the traffic does not originate from a DNS query. This is essential for blocking threats that use hardcoded IPs or non-DNS protocols like direct IP connections, ensuring protection beyond DNS-layer filtering.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
File Analysis
Why it's wrong here
For file threat analysis.
Application Discovery
Why it's wrong here
For application visibility.
IP Layer Enforcement
HTTPS Inspection
Why it's wrong here
For decrypting HTTPS traffic.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between DNS-layer security (which only blocks based on domain names) and IP-layer enforcement (which blocks based on IP addresses), leading candidates to mistakenly choose HTTPS Inspection or File Analysis as they associate them with security inspection rather than IP-based blocking.
Detailed technical explanation
IP Layer Enforcement works by integrating with the Umbrella virtual appliance (VA) or roaming client to intercept IP traffic and compare destination IPs against Umbrella's block lists. This is critical for blocking command-and-control (C2) callbacks that use hardcoded IPs, which bypass DNS-layer security entirely. In a real-world scenario, a malware sample that connects directly to a static malicious IP would be blocked by this feature, whereas DNS-layer security alone would miss it.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Cloud Security — This question tests Cloud Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: IP Layer Enforcement — IP Layer Enforcement is the correct feature because it allows Cisco Umbrella to block traffic to known malicious IP addresses even when the traffic does not originate from a DNS query. This is essential for blocking threats that use hardcoded IPs or non-DNS protocols like direct IP connections, ensuring protection beyond DNS-layer filtering.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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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