The correct answer is that disabling SSL verification with verify=False exposes the API call to man-in-the-middle attacks. When you set verify=False in Python’s requests library, the client no longer validates the server’s SSL certificate against a trusted Certificate Authority, meaning an attacker can intercept the connection, present a forged certificate, and decrypt or modify the data in transit. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of API security fundamentals, specifically how SSL/TLS certificate validation protects REST API communications from interception. A common trap is focusing on the token or the URL format rather than the glaring verify=False parameter, which is the critical security flaw. Remember the mnemonic: “No verify, no trust—MITM is a must.” Always keep SSL verification enabled in production to ensure encrypted channels remain authenticated and tamper-proof.
350-401 Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 Python script uses the requests library to interact with Cisco DNA Center's REST API:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script disables SSL certificate verification, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.
The script disables SSL certificate verification with verify=False, which makes it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. The correct answer identifies this security issue.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The script uses a hardcoded token, which is a security risk.
Why it's wrong here
While hardcoding tokens is not best practice, the question asks about the script as shown; the token is present.
✓
The script disables SSL certificate verification, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.
Why this is correct
verify=False should only be used in test environments; in production, proper certificates should be used.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The script does not handle HTTP errors, which could expose sensitive information.
Why it's wrong here
While error handling is important, the SSL issue is a more direct security concern.
✗
The script uses an incorrect URL; the path should be /dna/intent/api/v1/network-device.
Why it's wrong here
The URL path is valid; the security concern is about SSL verification.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While hardcoding tokens is not best practice, the question asks about the script as shown; the token is present.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
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 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script disables SSL certificate verification, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. — The script disables SSL certificate verification with verify=False, which makes it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. The correct answer identifies this security issue.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
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 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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