hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: An organization's security policy requires that…
An organization's security policy requires that all traffic between the corporate network and the internet be inspected by an IPS. However, encrypted traffic (HTTPS) cannot be inspected without breaking encryption. Which solution best meets the policy requirement?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that encrypted traffic cannot be inspected at all, leading candidates to choose 'allow without inspection' or 'disable encryption,' rather than understanding that SSL/TLS interception with a trusted proxy is the standard enterprise solution.
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
✓
Implement SSL/TLS interception using a proxy with a trusted certificate
SSL/TLS interception using a proxy with a trusted certificate allows the IPS to decrypt, inspect, and re-encrypt HTTPS traffic. The proxy acts as a man-in-the-middle, presenting a certificate trusted by internal clients, so the IPS can apply security policies to the decrypted content before forwarding it to the internet.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Allow all HTTPS traffic without inspection
Why it's wrong here
This bypasses the IPS inspection requirement.
- ✓
Implement SSL/TLS interception using a proxy with a trusted certificate
Why this is correct
SSL inspection decrypts, inspects, and re-encrypts traffic, enabling IPS visibility.
- ✗
Rely on endpoint security only
Why it's wrong here
Endpoint security does not inspect network traffic per policy requirement.
- ✗
Disable HTTPS for internal users
Why it's wrong here
This is impractical and degrades security and usability.
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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.