Quick Answer
The answer is explicit proxy mode and transparent proxy mode. Explicit proxy mode requires clients to be manually configured to send web traffic directly to the WSA’s IP address and port, typically 3128 or 8080, giving administrators granular control over which devices use the proxy and allowing for authentication at the proxy layer. Transparent proxy mode, by contrast, intercepts traffic without client configuration, often using Policy-Based Routing or WCCP, making it ideal for environments where you cannot modify endpoint settings. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of the two valid Cisco WSA deployment modes, with a common trap being that “reverse proxy” or “forward proxy only” are not listed as valid standalone methods. Remember the memory tip: “Explicit needs client config, Transparent needs network redirect.”
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 valid methods for deploying Cisco Web Security Appliance in a network? (Choose two.)
Explicit proxy mode
Clients are configured to use the WSA as proxy.
VPN concentrator mode
Why wrong: WSA is not a VPN concentrator.
DNS proxy mode
Why wrong: WSA does not act as a DNS proxy.
Transparent proxy mode
Traffic is redirected to the WSA transparently via WCCP or policy-based routing.
Bridge mode
Why wrong: WSA does not operate as a bridge.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Explicit proxy mode
Explicit proxy mode requires clients to be manually configured to send web traffic directly to the WSA's IP address and port (typically 3128 or 8080). This gives the administrator granular control over which devices use the proxy and allows for authentication at the proxy layer, making it a valid deployment method for the Cisco Web Security Appliance.
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.
Explicit proxy mode
Why this is correct
Clients are configured to use the WSA as proxy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
VPN concentrator mode
Why it's wrong here
WSA is not a VPN concentrator.
DNS proxy mode
Why it's wrong here
WSA does not act as a DNS proxy.
Transparent proxy mode
Why this is correct
Traffic is redirected to the WSA transparently via WCCP or policy-based routing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Bridge mode
Why it's wrong here
WSA does not operate as a bridge.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'transparent proxy mode' and 'bridge mode' — candidates mistakenly think the WSA can be deployed as a Layer 2 bridge, but the correct term for inline, non-explicit interception is transparent proxy mode, which relies on traffic redirection rather than bridging.
Detailed technical explanation
In transparent proxy mode, the WSA intercepts HTTP/HTTPS traffic using either Web Cache Communication Protocol (WCCP) on a router or by configuring a Layer 4 switch to redirect traffic based on destination port 80/443. This mode allows the WSA to enforce security policies without any client-side configuration, making it ideal for guest networks or environments where endpoint control is limited. Under the hood, the WSA uses a surrogate certificate to perform SSL inspection, which requires the certificate to be trusted by clients to avoid browser warnings.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Content Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Content Security — This question tests Content Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Explicit proxy mode — Explicit proxy mode requires clients to be manually configured to send web traffic directly to the WSA's IP address and port (typically 3128 or 8080). This gives the administrator granular control over which devices use the proxy and allows for authentication at the proxy layer, making it a valid deployment method for the Cisco Web Security Appliance.
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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