Quick Answer
The answer is to enable adaptive profile. This action allows the Cisco Firepower IPS to dynamically learn and model normal traffic patterns on your network, automatically adjusting its sensitivity to reduce false positives from legitimate updates like software patches or routine data transfers. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how intrusion prevention systems balance security with operational noise; a common trap is to choose whitelisting instead, but adaptive profiles are specifically designed for dynamic, behavior-based tuning rather than static rule exceptions. Remember that adaptive profiles work by building a baseline of what is “normal” for your environment, so they adapt to changes without manual intervention. A helpful memory tip: think of “adaptive” as “adjusting to your actual traffic,” which directly cuts down on false alarms.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A network engineer is configuring a Cisco Firepower IPS. To reduce false positives from legitimate updates, which action should be taken?
Use a whitelist for the update server
Why wrong: Whitelisting is effective but not the only method; adaptive profile is more comprehensive.
Enable adaptive profile
Adaptive profiles adjust detection based on baseline traffic, reducing false positives.
Disable the signature
Why wrong: Disabling removes protection.
Set the signature to generate only alert
Why wrong: This changes action but does not reduce false positives.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable adaptive profile
Enabling adaptive profile allows the IPS to learn normal traffic patterns and reduce false positives. Whitelisting is also useful but adaptive profiles are specifically designed to reduce false positives dynamically.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use a whitelist for the update server
Why it's wrong here
Whitelisting is effective but not the only method; adaptive profile is more comprehensive.
Enable adaptive profile
Why this is correct
Adaptive profiles adjust detection based on baseline traffic, reducing false positives.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Disable the signature
Why it's wrong here
Disabling removes protection.
Set the signature to generate only alert
Why it's wrong here
This changes action but does not reduce false positives.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Enable adaptive profile — Enabling adaptive profile allows the IPS to learn normal traffic patterns and reduce false positives. Whitelisting is also useful but adaptive profiles are specifically designed to reduce false positives dynamically.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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