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200-201 Practice Question: A security team implements a network-based IPS
A security team implements a network-based IPS. During testing, they find that legitimate traffic is frequently blocked. Which tuning approach should they prioritize?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between tuning signatures (which addresses false positives directly) versus changing operational modes or sensitivity levels, which are broader, less precise adjustments that can introduce new risks.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable or modify signatures causing false positives.
False positives occur when IPS signatures incorrectly match legitimate traffic. The most direct and effective tuning approach is to disable or modify the specific signatures causing the false positives, which reduces unnecessary blocking without compromising overall security posture.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Change the IPS to fail-open mode.
Why it's wrong here
Would allow all traffic, defeating security purpose.
- ✗
Increase the number of IPS sensors.
Why it's wrong here
Does not reduce false positives; adds cost.
- ✓
Disable or modify signatures causing false positives.
Why this is correct
Directly addresses the root cause of legitimate traffic being blocked.
- ✗
Reduce the IPS sensitivity level to lower.
Why it's wrong here
May miss real attacks; not precise.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 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 200-201 exam.