The answer is that Cisco Stealthwatch is characterized by its use of NetFlow and IPFIX for network traffic visibility, behavioral analysis to detect anomalies, and integration with Cisco ISE via pxGrid or REST API for automated threat response. This is correct because Stealthwatch continuously collects flow data from network devices to establish a baseline of normal behavior, then applies machine learning to identify deviations that may indicate threats such as ransomware or lateral movement. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how Stealthwatch fits into a defense-in-depth strategy, often appearing in questions that contrast it with other security tools like Firepower or WSA. A common trap is confusing Stealthwatch’s flow-based monitoring with deep packet inspection; remember that Stealthwatch relies on metadata, not full packet payloads. For the ISE integration, think of it as a “detect-and-enforce” loop: Stealthwatch spots the anomaly, then ISE quarantines the host or applies a dynamic SGACL. A useful memory tip is “Flow, Anomaly, ISE” — the three pillars of Stealthwatch’s core characteristics.
350-701 Network Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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.
Which THREE are characteristics of Cisco Stealthwatch?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Can integrate with Cisco ISE for automated threat response
Option A is correct because Cisco Stealthwatch can integrate with Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) via pxGrid or REST API to enable automated threat response. When Stealthwatch detects anomalous behavior, it can trigger ISE to enforce policy changes such as quarantining an endpoint or dynamically applying a security group access control list (SGACL), closing the loop between detection and remediation.
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.
✓
Can integrate with Cisco ISE for automated threat response
Why this is correct
Integration allows ISE to enforce policies based on Stealthwatch alerts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Provides behavioral analysis to detect threats
Why this is correct
It uses machine learning to establish baselines and detect anomalies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Acts as a next-generation firewall
Why it's wrong here
Stealthwatch is not a firewall; it's a traffic analysis tool.
✓
Uses NetFlow and IPFIX for network traffic visibility
Why this is correct
Stealthwatch collects flow data from network devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Functions as an intrusion prevention system (IPS)
Why it's wrong here
It does not perform inline prevention; it is a detection and analysis tool.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between detection/visibility tools (Stealthwatch) and inline enforcement devices (NGFW/IPS), so the trap here is that candidates confuse Stealthwatch's behavioral analysis and flow-based monitoring with the packet-inspecting, blocking capabilities of a next-generation firewall or intrusion prevention system.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Stealthwatch leverages NetFlow v9/IPFIX records exported from routers, switches, and firewalls to build a baseline of normal network behavior. It uses cognitive analytics and machine learning algorithms to detect deviations such as command-and-control (C2) traffic, data exfiltration, or lateral movement, without requiring decryption or deep packet inspection (DPI). In a real-world scenario, Stealthwatch can identify a host beaconing to a known malicious domain via DNS over HTTPS (DoH) by analyzing flow metadata, then automatically trigger ISE to apply a quarantine policy via pxGrid.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Can integrate with Cisco ISE for automated threat response — Option A is correct because Cisco Stealthwatch can integrate with Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) via pxGrid or REST API to enable automated threat response. When Stealthwatch detects anomalous behavior, it can trigger ISE to enforce policy changes such as quarantining an endpoint or dynamically applying a security group access control list (SGACL), closing the loop between detection and remediation.
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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