This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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 TWO of the following are common security objectives of the Cisco TrustSec solution? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Microsegmentation of network traffic
Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to enforce microsegmentation by classifying traffic based on user, device, or role rather than IP addresses. This allows granular policy enforcement at the access layer, reducing lateral movement within the network. Microsegmentation is a core security objective of TrustSec, enabling dynamic, identity-based access control.
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.
✓
Microsegmentation of network traffic
Why this is correct
TrustSec allows granular segmentation based on security groups.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
VPN termination for remote users
Why it's wrong here
TrustSec does not terminate VPNs; that's done by VPN concentrators.
✗
End-to-end data encryption
Why it's wrong here
TrustSec focuses on access control, not encryption.
✗
Network topology discovery
Why it's wrong here
Network discovery is a function of protocols like LLDP, not a security objective.
✓
Role-based access control using security group tags (SGTs)
Why this is correct
TrustSec uses SGTs for role-based policies.
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 distinction between TrustSec's microsegmentation (using SGTs) and encryption (e.g., IPsec or MACsec), so the trap here is assuming that TrustSec provides end-to-end encryption when it actually focuses on access control and segmentation, not data confidentiality.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco TrustSec operates by assigning SGTs to endpoints via authentication (e.g., 802.1X, MAB) and then enforcing policies based on those tags at the network layer using SGT Exchange Protocol (SXP) or inline tagging. Under the hood, SGTs are 16-bit values (0–65535) that are propagated across switches and firewalls, allowing dynamic policy updates without reconfiguring ACLs. In a real-world scenario, a compromised endpoint in a hospital network can be contained to its assigned SGT group, preventing it from accessing patient records or medical devices.
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 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
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: Microsegmentation of network traffic — Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to enforce microsegmentation by classifying traffic based on user, device, or role rather than IP addresses. This allows granular policy enforcement at the access layer, reducing lateral movement within the network. Microsegmentation is a core security objective of TrustSec, enabling dynamic, identity-based access control.
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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