350-701 Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR 350-701) Questions and Answers

Explanation

Explanation

You can also monitor on-premises networks in your organizations using Cisco Stealthwatch Cloud. In order to do so, you need to deploy at least one Cisco Stealthwatch Cloud Sensor appliance (virtual or physical appliance).

The API key is a secret token that is used to authenticate the client to the server. It is functionally equivalent to a username and password, and should be treated as such. The API key is passed as part of the HTTP header in the request, using the Authorization: Basic scheme. The API key is combined with the client ID and encoded in base64 format. For example, if the client ID is d16aff14860af496e848 and the API key is d01ed435-b00d-4a4d-a299-1806ac117e72, the HTTP header would look like this:

Authorization: Basic ZDE2YWZmMTQ4NjBhZjQ5NmU4NDg6ZDAxZWQ0MzUtYjAwZC00YTRkLWEyOTktMTgwNmFjMTE3ZTcy

The server then decodes the header and verifies the credentials. If the credentials are valid, the server grants access to the requested resource. If the credentials are invalid, the server returns an HTTP 401 Unauthorized error.

The API key performs the function of HTTP authentication, which is the process of verifying the identity of the client. HTTP authentication is different from HTTP authorization, which is the process of determining the permissions of the client. HTTP authorization is based on the scope of the API credential, which can be either read-only or read & write. The scope determines what actions the client can perform on the Cisco AMP for Endpoints data.

Importing requests is not a function of the API key, but rather a Python module that allows sending HTTP requests. Playing dent ID is not a meaningful term in this context. Therefore, the correct answer is C. References:

Secure Endpoint API - Cisco DevNet

Overview of the Cisco AMP for Endpoints API - Cisco

Configure AMP for Endpoints Event Stream Feature - Cisco

Explanation

A botnet is a collection of internet-connected devices infected by malware that allow hackers to control them.

Cyber criminals use botnets to instigate botnet attacks, which include malicious activities such as credentials

leaks, unauthorized access, data theft and DDoS attacks.

Northbound and southbound APIs are two types of interfaces that enable communication between different layers of the SDN architecture. Northbound APIs relay information between the controller and the applications or policy engines, while southbound APIs relay information between the controller and the network devices.

Northbound APIs allow applications to request network services or resources from the controller, such as bandwidth, latency, security, or routing. The controller then translates these requests into network configurations and applies them to the network devices via the southbound APIs. Northbound APIs typically use RESTful API methods such as GET, POST, and DELETE to communicate with the controller.

Southbound APIs allow the controller to program the network devices to perform forwarding and other functions. The controller can use different protocols or standards to communicate with the network devices, depending on their capabilities and vendor-specific features. Some common examples of southbound APIs are CLI, SNMP, RESTCONF, NETCONF, OpenFlow, and OpFlex.

Explanation

The ASA REST API gives you programmatic access to managing individual ASAs through a Representational State Transfer (REST) API. The API allows external clients to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on ASA resources; it is based on the HTTPS protocol and REST methodology.

All API requests are sent over HTTPS to the ASA, and a response is returned.

Request Structure

Available request methods are:

GET – Retrieves data from the specified object.

PUT – Adds the supplied information to the specified object; returns a 404 Resource Not Found error if the object does not exist.

POST – Creates the object with the supplied information.

DELETE – Deletes the specified object

PATCH – Applies partial modifications to the specified object.

create an application control blocked applications list. This option allows you to specify a list of files that you want to prevent from running on the endpoints that have the AMP connector installed. The files are identified by their SHA-256 hashes, and you can upload them individually or in a batch. The files are not quarantined, but they are blocked from execution and reported as events in the AMP console1. This option is different from the simple custom detection list, which is used to detect and quarantine specific files that are considered malicious2. The advanced custom detection list is also used to detect and quarantine files, but it allows you to specify more criteria such as file size, file name, and file path3. The IP block and allow lists are used to control the network traffic to and from the endpoints, not the file execution4. References: 1: Configure Application Control on the AMP for Endpoints Portal 2: Configure a Simple Custom Detection List on the AMP for Endpoints Portal 3: [Configure an Advanced Custom Detection List on the AMP for Endpoints Portal] 4: [Configure IP Block and Allow Lists on the AMP for Endpoints Portal]

Explanation

The Version 1 format was the initially released version. Do not use the Version 1 format unless you are using a legacy collection system that requires it. Use Version 9 or Version 5 export format.

Version 5 export format is suitable only for the main cache; it cannot be expanded to support new features.

Version 8 export format is available only for aggregation caches; it cannot be expanded to support new

features.

Explanation

Explanation

Cisco’s DNA Center is the only centralized network management system to bring all of this functionality into a single pane of glass.

The Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) posture module provides a service that allows you to check the compliance of endpoints with corporate security policies. This service consists of three main components: client provisioning, posture policy, and authorization policy. Client provisioning ensures that the endpoints receive the appropriate posture agent, such as the AnyConnect ISE Posture Agent or the Network Admission Control (NAC) Agent. Posture policy defines the conditions and requirements that the endpoints must meet to be considered compliant, such as having the latest antivirus updates or patches installed. Authorization policy determines the level of network access granted to the endpoints based on their posture assessment results, such as allowing full access, limited access, or quarantine.

The two actions that the Cisco ISE posture module provides that ensure endpoint security are:

The latest antivirus updates are applied before access is allowed. This action prevents malware infections and protects the network from potential threats. The posture policy can include predefined or custom conditions that check the antivirus status of the endpoints, such as the product name, version, definition date, and scan result. If the endpoint does not meet the antivirus requirement, the posture agent can trigger a remediation action, such as launching the antivirus update or scan, before allowing network access.

Patch management remediation is performed. This action ensures that the endpoints have the latest security patches installed and are not vulnerable to known exploits. The posture policy can include predefined or custom conditions that check the patch status of the endpoints, such as the operating system, service pack, hotfix, or update. If the endpoint does not meet the patch requirement, the posture agent can trigger a remediation action, such as redirecting the endpoint to a patch management server or launching the patch installation, before allowing network access.

References :=

Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 2.2 - Configure Client Posture Policies

Configuring posture services with the Cisco Identity Services Engine

Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 2.0 - Posture Policy

Explanation

Protect sensitive content in outgoing emails with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and easy-to-use email

encryption, all in one solution.

Cisco Email Security appliance can now handle incoming mail connections and incoming messages from

specific geolocations and perform appropriate actions on them, for example:

– Prevent email threats coming from specific geographic regions.

– Allow or disallow emails coming from specific geographic regions.

Explanation

The Firepower System uses network discovery and identity policies to collect host, application, and user data

for traffic on your network. You can use certain types of discovery and identity data to build a comprehensive

map of your network assets, perform forensic analysis, behavioral profiling, access control, and mitigate and

respond to the vulnerabilities and exploits to which your organization is susceptible.

You can configure your network discovery policy to perform host and application detection.

 The API key is used for HTTP authentication when working with APIs, including https://api.amp.cisco.com/v1/computers. It ensures that the user or system making the API request is authenticated and authorized to access the resources requested. The image you sent shows a Python code snippet that imports the requests module, assigns a client ID and an API key to variables, and uses them to make an API call. The API key is passed as a header parameter in the requests.get() function, which is a common way of implementing HTTP authentication. The other options are not correct because they do not describe the role of the API key. The client ID is a different parameter that identifies the user or system making the request, but it does not authenticate them. HTTP authorization is a process of granting or denying access to resources based on the user’s identity and permissions, but it is not the same as authentication. Importing requests is a Python statement that loads the requests module, which is a library for making HTTP requests, but it has nothing to do with the API key. References :=

Some possible references are:

Cisco AMP for Endpoints API

requests - HTTP for Humans

HTTP authentication - MDN Web Docs

Explanation

Explanation

Cisco Security Manager provides a comprehensive management solution for:

– Cisco ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances

– Cisco intrusion prevention systems 4200 and 4500 Series Sensors

– Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

A simple custom detection list is a feature of AMP for Endpoints that allows you to specify a list of file hashes (MD5, SHA-1, or SHA-256) that you want to detect, block, and quarantine on your endpoints. You can create a simple custom detection list from the Outbreak Control section of the AMP for Endpoints console, and apply it to a policy that is assigned to your endpoints. When the AMP connector on the endpoint encounters a file that matches the hash in the list, it will perform the action that you specified, such as blocking the file execution, sending an alert, or quarantining the file. A simple custom detection list is useful when you want to quickly and easily block specific files that are known to be malicious or unwanted, without having to create a complex signature or rule12 References := 1: Configure a Simple Custom Detection List on the AMP for Endpoints Portal 2: Create an Advanced Custom Detection List in Cisco Secure Endpoint

Explanation

Explanation

You can also bring up the port by using these commands:

+ The “shutdown” interface configuration command followed by the “no shutdown” interface configuration

command restarts the disabled port.

+ The “errdisable recovery cause …” global configuration command enables the timer to automatically recover error-disabled state, and the “errdisable recovery interval interval” global configuration command specifies the time to recover error-disabled state.

the interface configuration. MAB stands for MAC Authentication Bypass, which is a feature that allows devices that do not support 802.1X, such as printers and video cameras, to bypass the authentication process and gain network access based on their MAC addresses1. By adding mab to the interface configuration, the Cisco ISE administrator can enable MAB as a fallback method after 802.1X fails or times out. This way, the devices that support 802.1X can use their machine certificate credentials, while the devices that do not support 802.1X can use their MAC addresses to authenticate with Cisco ISE2. The other options are not correct because they either compromise the security controls or do not address the problem. Changing the default policy in Cisco ISE to allow all devices not using machine authentication would weaken the security posture and expose the network to unauthorized access. Enabling insecure protocols within Cisco ISE in the allowed protocols configuration would also reduce the security level and increase the risk of attacks. Configuring authentication event fail retry 2 action authorize vlan 41 on the interface would only apply to the devices that fail authentication twice, and would not solve the issue for the devices that do not support 802.1X at all3. References:

1: MAC Authentication Bypass Deployment Guide

2: Configuring MAC Authentication Bypass

3: Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 3.1 - Segmentation

P2, P3, and P6 only. Dynamic ARP inspection (DAI) is a security feature that validates ARP packets in a network and prevents ARP spoofing attacks. DAI relies on the DHCP snooping database to verify the IP-to-MAC bindings of hosts on the network. DAI operates on untrusted ports, which are ports that connect to hosts or devices that generate ARP traffic. Trusted ports are ports that connect to other switches or routers that do not generate ARP traffic.

In this scenario, the DHCP snooping database resides on router R1, which means that switch SW2 needs to trust the port P3 that connects to R1. This way, SW2 can receive the DHCP snooping information from R1 and populate its own database. The port P4 that connects to switch SW3 also needs to be trusted, because SW3 does not generate ARP traffic. The ports P2 and P6 that connect to hosts P6 and P7 need to be untrusted, because they generate ARP traffic and need to be validated by DAI. The port P1 that connects to host P5 does not need to be configured as untrusted, because DAI is not enabled on switch SW1.

To understand the concept of DAI and how to configure it, you can refer to the following sections of the source book:

Section 1.1.2: Describe the concepts of network security

Section 1.1.2.8: Describe the concepts of DAI

Section 1.1.2.9: Describe the concepts of DHCP snooping

Section 1.1.2.10: Describe the concepts of trusted and untrusted ports

Section 1.1.2.11: Describe the concepts of DAI configuration

The main difference between an on-premise solution and a cloud-based solution is the distribution of responsibilities between the customer and the provider. With an on-premise solution, the customer has full control over the installation, configuration, maintenance, and security of the product, but also bears the costs and risks associated with it. With a cloud-based solution, the provider takes care of most of these aspects, while the customer pays a subscription fee and accesses the product over the internet. Therefore, when choosing between the two options, the customer must consider factors such as cost, scalability, performance, availability, security, compliance, and customization. For example, an on-premise solution may be preferred if the customer has strict security or regulatory requirements, or needs a high level of customization. A cloud-based solution may be preferred if the customer wants to reduce capital expenditure, or needs a flexible and scalable solution that can adapt to changing demands. References :=

Some possible references are:

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 1: Security Concepts, Lesson 1: Describing Information Security Concepts, Topic: Cloud Security

350-701 SCOR - Cisco, Exam Topics, 1.0 Security Concepts, 1.6 Compare and contrast the characteristics of a data center and the cloud

Cloud vs. On-Premise Software Comparison

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires two or more proofs of identity to grant access to a resource, such as a username and password, a one-time code, a smart card, etc.1 MFA provides stronger protection than single-factor authentication (SFA), which only requires one proof of identity, such as a password. SFA can be compromised more easily by attackers who can guess, steal, or intercept passwords, or use phishing or social engineering techniques to trick users into revealing their credentials. MFA adds an extra layer of security that makes it harder for attackers to gain access, even if they have the password. MFA can also prevent unauthorized access from lost or stolen devices, as the attacker would need another factor to authenticate. MFA can also deter attackers from targeting an organization, as they would need to invest more time and resources to bypass the security measures. Therefore, organizations should migrate to a multifactor authentication strategy to enhance their security posture and protect their data and assets. References := 1: What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? - Auth0

Explanation

The version 9 export format uses templates to provide access to observations of IP packet flows in a flexible and extensible manner. A template defines a collection of fields, with corresponding descriptions of structure and semantics.

DNS tunneling is a technique that uses the DNS protocol to exfiltrate data or establish command and control channels between a compromised host and an attacker-controlled server. DNS tunneling can bypass network security controls that allow outbound DNS traffic without inspection or filtering. To stop DNS tunneling, two recommended approaches are:

Enforce security over port 53. This means applying firewall rules, access control lists, or other mechanisms to restrict outbound DNS traffic to only authorized DNS servers and domains. Additionally, DNS traffic should be inspected and analyzed for anomalies, such as unusually large or frequent queries, non-standard encoding, or suspicious domains. This can help detect and block DNS tunneling attempts.

Use Cisco Umbrella. Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based security service that provides DNS security, web filtering, and threat intelligence. Cisco Umbrella can prevent DNS tunneling by blocking malicious domains, enforcing policies based on content categories, and applying machine learning to identify and stop emerging threats. Cisco Umbrella can also provide visibility and reporting on DNS activity and security events.

References :=

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 5: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 5.2: DNS Security

What Is DNS Tunneling? - Palo Alto Networks

An Introduction to DNS Tunneling Detection & Data Exfiltration via DNS - Vercara

NetFlow Secure Event Logging (NSEL) is a security logging mechanism that is built on NetFlow Version 9 technology. It provides a stateful, IP flow tracking method that exports only those records that indicate significant events in a flow, such as flow-create, flow-teardown, and flow-denied. NSEL events are triggered by the event that caused the state change in the flow. This reduces the amount of data that is exported and provides more relevant information for security analysis. NSEL also supports periodic flow-update events, which provide byte counters over the duration of the flow. These events are usually time-driven, but may also be triggered by state changes in the flow. NSEL uses templates to describe the format of the data records that are exported through NetFlow. Each event has several record formats or templates associated with it. NSEL delivers templates and data records to configured NSEL collectors through NetFlow over UDP only. NSEL also allows filtering of NSEL events based on the traffic and event type through Modular Policy Framework, and then sends records to different collectors. The supported event types are flow-create, flow-denied, flow-teardown, flow-update, and all. References :=

Some possible references are:

NetFlow Secure Event Logging (NSEL) - Cisco

NetFlow Secure Event Logging (NSEL) - Cisco

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 (source book)

 To prevent rogue NTP servers from inserting themselves as the authoritative time source, the administrator needs to configure NTP authentication and specify the interface for syncing to the NTP server. NTP authentication allows the ASA to verify the identity and integrity of the NTP packets received from the server, using a shared secret key. Specifying the interface for syncing to the NTP server ensures that the ASA uses the correct source address for sending and receiving NTP packets, and avoids potential routing issues. The other options are not required or relevant for this task. Specifying the NTP version is optional and does not affect security. Configuring the NTP stratum is only applicable for NTP servers, not clients. The ASA can only act as an NTP client, not a server. Setting the NTP DNS hostname is not recommended, as it introduces a dependency on DNS resolution and may cause synchronization problems if the DNS server changes the IP address of the NTP server. References :=

Some possible references are:

Configure NTP Authentication on Secure Network Analytics

CLI Book 1: Cisco ASA Series General Operations CLI Configuration Guide, 9.6 - Basic Settings

Cisco ASA NTP and Clock Configuration with Examples

 Cisco AMP for Endpoints and Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client are both security solutions that protect mobile users from threats, but they have different functions and features. Cisco AMP for Endpoints is a cloud-managed endpoint security solution that stops and tracks malicious activity on hosts, such as malware execution, file behavior, and command-and-control callbacks. It also provides threat intelligence, sandboxing, and retrospective analysis to detect and respond to advanced threats. Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client is a lightweight DNS client that tracks only URL-based threats, such as phishing, ransomware, and botnets. It prevents connections to malicious domains and IP addresses, and provides visibility and enforcement for off-network devices. It also integrates with Cisco AnyConnect VPN client to provide seamless protection for VPN and non-VPN traffic. Therefore, the functional difference between Cisco AMP for Endpoints and Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client is that AMP for Endpoints stops and tracks malicious activity on hosts, and the Umbrella Roaming Client tracks only URL-based threats. References :=

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.1: Cisco AMP for Endpoints Overview

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.2: Cisco AMP for Endpoints Architecture and Components

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.3: Cisco AMP for Endpoints Installation and Configuration

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.4: Cisco AMP for Endpoints Analysis and Response

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.5: Cisco Umbrella Overview

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.6: Cisco Umbrella Architecture and Components

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.7: Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Endpoint Protection and Detection, Lesson 3.8: Cisco Umbrella Policies and Reporting

Best Mobile Cybersecurity Solution - Cisco Umbrella

Explanation

SSL Decryption is an important part of the Umbrella Intelligent Proxy. he feature allows the Intelligent Proxy to go beyond simply inspecting normal URLs and actually proxy and inspect traffic that’s sent over HTTPS. The SSL Decryption feature does require the root certificate be installed.

The ip radius source-interface command is needed for this configuration because it forces RADIUS to use the IP address of a specified interface for all outgoing RADIUS packets. This ensures that the RADIUS server can identify the source of the requests and apply the appropriate policies. If this command is not used, RADIUS will use the IP address of the interface that is closest to the destination, which may not match the configured NAS IP on the RADIUS server. This can cause the RADIUS server to reject the requests as unauthorized12. References:

1: RADIUS source interface - Cisco Community

2: RADIUS Commands - Cisco

ESA stands for Email Security Appliance, which is a Cisco product that provides comprehensive email security solutions. ESA can be deployed in different modes, such as gateway, hybrid, or cloud, depending on the customer’s needs and preferences. One of the key components of ESA configuration is the listener, which is a service that listens for incoming SMTP connections on a specific port and interface. A listener can be configured to handle inbound or outbound email, or both, depending on the mail flow policies and sender groups that are applied to it.

One way to segregate inbound and outbound email on ESA is to use a pair of logical listeners on a single physical interface with two unique logical IPv4 addresses and one IPv6 address. This method allows the ESA to have two separate listeners for inbound and outbound email, each with its own IP address and mail flow policies, while using the same physical interface and port. This can simplify the network configuration and reduce the hardware requirements for ESA deployment. The IPv6 address can be used to support dual-stack IPv4 and IPv6 environments, or to provide redundancy in case of IPv4 address exhaustion.

The other options are incorrect because:

A is false, as one listener on a single physical interface cannot segregate inbound and outbound email, unless it uses different sender groups and mail flow policies for different hosts, which is not a recommended practice.

C is false, as pair of logical IPv4 listeners and a pair of IPv6 listeners on two physically separate interfaces is an unnecessary and complex configuration that does not provide any additional benefits over option B.

D is false, as one listener on one logical IPv4 address on a single logical interface cannot segregate inbound and outbound email, unless it uses different sender groups and mail flow policies for different hosts, which is not a recommended practice.

Microsegmentation is a technique that divides a network into smaller segments or zones, each with its own security policies and controls. This helps to isolate and protect workloads and applications from each other, and limit the lateral movement of threats within the network. Microsegmentation can be applied to different platforms and environments, such as virtual machines, containers, cloud services, and endpoints. Microsegmentation can also improve the visibility and enforcement of network traffic, as well as the performance and scalability of security solutions.

In the context of applications or containers on the same node, microsegmentation can limit the communication between them by enforcing granular policies based on attributes such as identity, context, and behavior. For example, microsegmentation can restrict which ports, protocols, or services are allowed for each application or container, and block any unauthorized or malicious traffic. Microsegmentation can also prevent the exposure of sensitive data or resources to other applications or containers on the same node, or to external attackers who may compromise one of them.

Container orchestration, microservicing, and Software-Defined Access are not directly related to limiting the communication between applications or containers on the same node. Container orchestration is a process of managing the lifecycle, deployment, and scaling of containers across a cluster of nodes. Microservicing is an architectural style of developing applications as a collection of loosely coupled, independent, and modular services. Software-Defined Access is a network architecture that abstracts the network infrastructure from the network policies, and enables consistent and secure access to any application or service across any domain. References:

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 5: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 5.1: Describing Cloud Computing and Deployment Models, Topic 5.1.4: Microsegmentation

What Is Micro-Segmentation? - Cisco

Communicating With Docker Containers on the Same Machine - Baeldung on Ops

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is the method of attack that is used by a hacker to send malicious code through a web application to an unsuspecting user to request that the victim’s web browser executes the code. XSS is a type of injection attack that exploits the lack of input validation or output encoding in a web application. An attacker can craft a malicious script and embed it in a web page or a URL that is sent to the user. When the user visits the web page or clicks the URL, the script is executed by the user’s browser, which may not be able to distinguish it from legitimate code. The script can then perform various actions, such as stealing cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information, redirecting the user to a malicious site, or performing actions on behalf of the user12. The other options are not correct, because they are not methods of attack that use web applications to execute malicious code on the user’s browser. Buffer overflow is a type of attack that exploits a memory vulnerability in a program or system, where an attacker can overwrite the memory beyond the allocated buffer and execute arbitrary code3. Browser WGET is a command-line tool that can be used to download files from the web, but it is not an attack method by itself4. SQL injection is a type of attack that exploits a database vulnerability in a web application, where an attacker can inject malicious SQL statements into a user input field and execute them on the database server5. References:

1: What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? - Cisco

2: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) - OWASP

3: What is a Buffer Overflow? - Cisco

4: GNU Wget 1.21.1 Manual

5: What is SQL Injection (SQLi)? - Cisco

To connect Cisco Secure Workload to external orchestrators at a client site where incoming connections are not allowed, a reverse tunnel must be used. A reverse tunnel initiates the connection from the inside of the client's network out to the external orchestrator, thereby bypassing restrictions on incoming connections and enabling secure communication.

Explanation

The TLS connections are recorded in the mail logs, along with other significant actions that are related to

messages, such as filter actions, anti-virus and anti-spam verdicts, and delivery attempts. If there is a

successful TLS connection, there will be a TLS success entry in the mail logs. Likewise, a failed TLS

connection produces a TLS failed entry. If a message does not have an associated TLS entry in the log file, that message was not delivered over a TLS connection.

Explanation

SNMP polling can often be in the order of 5-10 minutes, CLIs are unstructured and prone to change which can often break scripts.

The traditional use of the pull model, where the client requests data from the network does not scale when what you want is near real-time data.

Moreover, in some use cases, there is the need to be notified only when some data changes, like interfaces status, protocol neighbors change etc.

Model-Driven Telemetry is a new approach for network monitoring in which data is streamed from network devices continuously using a push model and provides near real-time access to operational statistics. Referfence: https://developer.cisco.com/docs/ios-xe/#!streaming-telemetry-quick-start-guide/streaming telemetry

The correct command to configure the new router to use 192.168.1.110 as its primary time source without the new router attempting to offer time to existing devices is ntp server 192.168.1.110 key 1 prefer. This command specifies that the new router will act as an NTP client and synchronize its time with the NTP server at 192.168.1.110, using the authentication key 1 and giving preference to this server over other possible servers. The prefer keyword indicates that this server is preferred over other servers with the same stratum number. The ntp server command is different from the ntp peer command, which configures the new router to act as an NTP peer and exchange time information with another NTP device. A peer relationship is bidirectional and symmetric, meaning that both devices can provide and receive time information from each other. A client-server relationship is unidirectional and asymmetric, meaning that the client only receives time information from the server and does not provide any time information to the server. Therefore, the ntp peer command is not suitable for the scenario, as it would make the new router attempt to offer time to existing devices, which is not desired. The primary keyword is not a valid option for either the ntp server or the ntp peer command, and it would cause a syntax error. References :=

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 1: Security Concepts, Lesson 1.3: Network Time Protocol

Configuring NTP - Cisco, Configuring NTP on the Switch, Configuring NTP in Client Mode

NTP Commands - Cisco, ntp server, ntp peer

Explanation

Explanation

Cisco Advanced Phishing Protection provides sender authentication and BEC detection capabilities. It uses advanced machine learning techniques, real-time behavior analytics, relationship modeling, and telemetry to protect against identity deception-based threats.

ISE posture assessment allows you to inspect the security “health” of your PC and MAC clients. This includes checking for the installation, running state, and last update for security software, such as anti-virus, anti-malware, personal firewall, and so on1. Windows service and Windows firewall are examples of such security software that can be checked by ISE posture assessment. Computer identity and user identity are not conditions that can be checked by ISE posture assessment, as they are related to authentication and authorization, not security posture. Default browser is also not a condition that can be checked by ISE posture assessment, as it is not a security software or a security risk. References: 1: Chapter 15. Device Posture Assessment - Cisco ISE for BYOD and Secure Unified Access, 3

Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires users to provide two forms of information before gaining access to the Cisco ESA. The two factors are usually something the user knows, such as a password, and something the user has, such as a token or a code. Two-factor authentication can be enabled for specific user roles on the Cisco ESA through a RADIUS server, which is an external authentication server that supports the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) protocol. The RADIUS server can generate and validate the second factor for the users, such as a one-time password (OTP) or a time-based one-time password (TOTP). To enable two-factor authentication through a RADIUS server, the network engineer must configure the RADIUS server settings on the Cisco ESA, and assign the user roles that require two-factor authentication to use the RADIUS server as the authentication source. This can be done on the System Administration > Users page in the web interface, or by using the userconfig command in the CLI12.

A cluster is a group of Cisco ESAs that share the same configuration information and can be managed centrally. A cluster can provide increased reliability, flexibility, and scalability for the email security system. To join a cluster, a Cisco ESA must have the same AsyncOS version as the other cluster members, and must use a pre-shared key to authenticate with the cluster leader. The pre-shared key is a secret passphrase that is configured on the cluster leader and must be entered on the joining appliance. To join a cluster by using the Cisco ESA CLI, the network engineer must use the clusterconfig command, which allows the engineer to create a new cluster, join an existing cluster, or leave a cluster. The clusterconfig command also allows the engineer to specify the communication port and the hostname or IP address of the cluster leader. If the Cisco ESA has enabled two-factor authentication, the network engineer must also use the clusterconfig > prepjoin command to configure the pre-shared key before joining the cluster34.

Therefore, option A is the correct answer, and the other options are incorrect. Option B is incorrect because the cluster configuration options must be done via the CLI on the Cisco ESA and cannot be created or joined in the GUI. Option C is incorrect because the Cisco ESA does not support TACACS+ as an external authentication source, only LDAP and RADIUS. Option D is incorrect because it also uses TACACS+, which is not supported by the Cisco ESA. References :=

User Guide for AsyncOS 14.0 for Cisco Secure Email Gateway - GD (General Deployment) - Distributing Administrative Tasks

User Guide for AsyncOS 14.0 for Cisco Secure Email Gateway - GD (General Deployment) - External Authentication

Configure an Email Security Appliance (ESA) Cluster

User Guide for AsyncOS 14.0 for Cisco Secure Email Gateway - GD (General Deployment) - Centralized Management

Explanation

Cisco Hybrid Email Security is a unique service offering that facilitates the deployment of your email security

infrastructure both on premises and in the cloud. You can change the number of on-premises versus cloud

users at any time throughout the term of your contract, assuming the total number of users does not change.

This allows for deployment flexibility as your organization’s needs change.

Explanation

Message tracking helps resolve help desk calls by giving a detailed view of message flow. For example, if a message was not delivered as expected, you can determine if it was found to contain a virus or placed in a spam quarantine — or if it is located somewhere else in the mail stream.

Cisco ISE is the security solution that is used for posture assessment of the endpoints in a BYOD solution. Posture assessment allows Cisco ISE to inspect the security health of the endpoints, such as their operating system, software applications, network settings, and security software. Cisco ISE can then enforce posture policies based on the compliance status of the endpoints and grant or deny them access to the network resources. Cisco ISE supports different types of posture agents, such as AnyConnect, AnyConnect Stealth, and Temporal Agent, to monitor and remediate the endpoints. Cisco ISE also supports agentless posture for devices that cannot run an agent, such as printers, cameras, and IoT devices. Cisco ISE integrates with various third-party vendors to provide posture assessment for different endpoint platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. References :=

Some possible references are:

Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 3.0 - Compliance

Chapter 15. Device Posture Assessment - Cisco ISE for BYOD and Secure Unified Access

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0

a Cisco FirePower sensor to Firepower Management Center is configure manager add . This command establishes a secure connection between the sensor and the FMC using a registration key. The  parameter can be either the IP address or the hostname of the FMC. The  parameter can be any alphanumeric string that matches the one configured on the FMC. This command is executed on the sensor’s CLI in the privileged EXEC mode12. References: 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) course, Module 2: Network Security, Lesson 2: Deploying Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall, Topic: Registering the Cisco Firepower NGFW to the FMC2: Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 6.6 - Device Management Basics [Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center] - Cisco.

The functional difference between Cisco Secure Endpoint (formerly known as AMP for Endpoints) and Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client lies in their approach to security. Cisco Secure Endpoint is designed to prevent, detect, and respond to threats on the endpoint devices. It provides comprehensive protection by stopping and tracking malicious files and activities on hosts, utilizing continuous analysis and retrospective security to address threats at various stages of the attack continuum. On the other hand, Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client is focused on DNS and IP layer enforcement to prevent internet-based threats before a connection is established. It primarily tracks and blocks URL-based threats by enforcing security at the DNS layer, thus preventing access to malicious domains. Therefore, while Secure Endpoint provides broad endpoint protection against a variety of threats, the Umbrella Roaming Client specifically targets URL-based threats.

Explanation

A destination list is a list of internet destinations that can be blocked or allowed based on the administrative

preferences for the policies applied to the identities within your organization. A destination is an IP address

(IPv4), URL, or fully qualified domain name. You can add a destination list to Umbrella at any time; however, a

destination list does not come into use until it is added to a policy.

Explanation

The appliance will try once to upload the file; if upload is not successful, for example because of

connectivity problems, the file may not be uploaded. If the failure was because the file analysis server was overloaded, the upload will be attempted once more.

 Cisco AnyConnect with Umbrella Roaming Security module protects a user from a phishing attack by enforcing security at the DNS layer and blocking malicious domains that are used for phishing campaigns. The Umbrella Roaming Security module integrates with the Cisco AnyConnect client and provides always-on security even when no VPN is active. The Umbrella Roaming Security module can replace the existing Cisco Umbrella roaming client or be part of a new AnyConnect deployment12.

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is not an endpoint solution, but a network access control and policy enforcement platform that can integrate with AnyConnect for posture assessment and compliance3. Cisco AnyConnect with ISE Posture module is used to check the compliance status of the endpoint device and apply the appropriate network access policy based on the posture result4. Cisco AnyConnect with Network Access Manager module is used to manage the network connections and profiles of the endpoint device and support various authentication methods5. Neither of these modules directly protect the user from a phishing attack.

References :=

Roaming Client: Umbrella Roaming Security (Integration with AnyConnect)

Secure Umbrella Roaming: Cisco Secure Client (Formerly AnyConnect)

Cisco Identity Services Engine

[Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Administrator Guide, Release 4.9 - Posture Module]

[Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Administrator Guide, Release 4.9 - Network Access Manager Module]

Explanation

What Cisco DNA Center enables you to do

Automate: Save time by using a single dashboard to manage and automate your network. Quickly scale your business with intuitive workflows and reusable templates. Configure and provision thousands of network devices across your enterprise in minutes, not hours.

Secure policy: Deploy group-based secure access and network segmentation based on business needs. With Cisco DNA Center, you apply policy to users and applications instead of to your network devices. Automation reduces manual operations and the costs associated with human errors, resulting in more uptime and improved security. Assurance then assesses the network and uses context to turn data into intelligence, making sure that changes in the network device policies achieve your intent.

Assurance: Monitor, identify, and react in real time to changing network and wireless conditions. Cisco DNA Center uses your network’s wired and wireless devices to create sensors everywhere, providing real-time feedback based on actual network conditions. The Cisco DNA Assurance engine correlates network sensor insights with streaming telemetry and compares this with the current context of these data sources. With a quick check of the health scores on the Cisco DNA Center dashboard, you can see where there is a performance issue and identify the most likely cause in minutes.

Extend ecosystem: With the new Cisco DNA Center platform, IT can now integrate Cisco® solutions and thirdparty technologies into a single network operation for streamlining IT workflows and increasing business value and innovation. Cisco DNA Center allows you to run the network with open interfaces with IT and business applications, integrates across IT operations and technology domains, and can manage heterogeneous network devices.

Explanation

A trustpoint enrollment mode, which also defines the trustpoint authentication mode, can be performed via 3 main methods:

1. Terminal Enrollment – manual method of performing trustpoint authentication and certificate enrolment using copy-paste in the CLI terminal.

2. SCEP Enrollment – Trustpoint authentication and enrollment using SCEP over HTTP.

3. Enrollment Profile – Here, authentication and enrollment methods are defined separately. Along with terminal and SCEP enrollment methods, enrollment profiles provide an option to specify HTTP/TFTP commands to perform file retrieval from the Server, which is defined using an authentication or enrollment url under the profile.

A Simple Custom Detection List is a feature of Cisco AMP for Endpoints that allows administrators to create a list of SHA-256 hashes of files that they want to detect, block, and quarantine on their endpoints. The list can be applied to a policy and the connectors will synchronize with the latest changes. However, the list only works with the exact SHA-256 hashes that are provided, and it does not detect any variations or modifications of the files. Therefore, if the malicious file abc428565580xyz.exe has been altered in any way, such as by changing its name, size, or content, the Simple Custom Detection List will not be able to recognize it as a threat. To ensure detection of the malicious file, the administrator must upload the SHA-256 hash of the current version of the file to the Simple Custom Detection List, or use another method that can detect file variations, such as an Advanced Custom Detection List or Cisco Threat Grid. References :=

Some possible references are:

Configure a Simple Custom Detection List on the AMP for Endpoints Portal

Create an Advanced Custom Detection List in Cisco Secure Endpoint

[Cisco AMP for Endpoints User Guide]

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/amp/6-3/user-guide/amp-user-guide.pdf

accomplish the task is to install and configure the Cisco DUO Authentication Proxy and configure the identity source sequence within Cisco ISE. This will allow the engineer to integrate Cisco ISE with Cisco DUO for TACACS+ device administration using Active Directory as the primary authentication source and Cisco DUO as the secondary authentication source for multi-factor authentication (MFA). The steps to configure this solution are as follows12:

Install and configure the Cisco DUO Authentication Proxy on a Windows or Linux machine. The proxy will act as a RADIUS server that communicates with Cisco ISE and a RADIUS client that communicates with Cisco DUO cloud. The proxy will also connect to Active Directory for the primary authentication of the users.

Configure the proxy by editing the authproxy.cfg file. The file should include the following sections:

[ad_client]: This section defines the connection parameters to Active Directory, such as the host, service_account_username, service_account_password, and search_dn.

[radius_server_auto]: This section defines the RADIUS server parameters for the proxy, such as the ikey, skey, api_host, radius_ip_1, radius_secret_1, and client parameters. The ikey, skey, and api_host are obtained from the Cisco DUO web portal when creating a RADIUS application. The radius_ip_1 and radius_secret_1 are the IP address and shared secret of the Cisco ISE node that will send authentication requests to the proxy. The client parameter specifies the authentication method for Cisco DUO, such as auto, push, phone, or passcode.

[main]: This section defines the global settings for the proxy, such as the debug, log_max_size, and log_max_files parameters.

Restart the proxy service after saving the authproxy.cfg file.

Configure Cisco ISE as a TACACS+ server and add the proxy as an external RADIUS server. The steps are as follows:

Navigate to Administration > System > Deployment and enable the Device Administration Service on the appropriate node.

Navigate to Work Centers > Device Administration > Network Resources and add the network devices that will use TACACS+ for device administration. Specify the device name, IP address, device type, and shared secret.

Navigate to Work Centers > Device Administration > Network Access and add the proxy as an external RADIUS server. Specify the server name, IP address, port, shared secret, and timeout. Optionally, enable the Continue for additional authorization policy option to allow Cisco ISE to perform authorization based on the user’s Active Directory attributes after successful authentication by Cisco DUO.

Navigate to Work Centers > Device Administration > Policy Elements > Results > TACACS Profiles and create a TACACS profile for device administration. Specify the profile name, type, and custom attributes, such as the shell:roles and shell:priv-lvl attributes.

Navigate to Work Centers > Device Administration > Policy Sets and create a policy set for device administration. Specify the policy set name, conditions, and results. The conditions can be based on the device type, the protocol, or the identity source sequence. The results can be the TACACS profile and the external RADIUS server (the proxy).

Configure the network devices to use TACACS+ for device administration and specify Cisco ISE as the TACACS+ server and the proxy as the RADIUS server. The configuration commands may vary depending on the device type and model, but the general syntax is as follows:

aaa new-model

aaa authentication login default group tacacs+ local

aaa authorization exec default group tacacs+ local

aaa accounting exec default start-stop group tacacs+

tacacs server ISE

address ipv4

key

radius server DUO

address ipv4 auth-port

key

Test the solution by logging into the network devices using Active Directory credentials. The user should receive a Cisco DUO prompt for the second factor authentication, such as a push notification, a phone call, or a passcode. After approving the second factor authentication, the user should be granted access to the device with the appropriate privileges based on the TACACS profile and the Active Directory attributes.

References := 1: Duo MFA Integration with ISE for TACACS+ Device Administration with Microsoft Active Directory Users - Cisco Community 2: Protecting Access to Network devices with ISE TACACS+ and DUO MFA - Cisco Community

Cisco ISE uses probes to collect endpoint attributes that are used in profiling. Probes are software modules that run on the ISE Policy Service Nodes (PSNs) and gather information about the endpoints connected to the network. Probes can use various protocols and methods to collect endpoint attributes, such as RADIUS, DHCP, SNMP, HTTP, DNS, NetFlow, NMAP, Active Directory, and Cisco pxGrid. The collected attributes are then matched to predefined or custom conditions that define the endpoint profiles. Endpoint profiling enables ISE to identify and classify the endpoints and apply the appropriate policies based on their identity, role, and context12. References: 1: Cisco ISE 2.4 Endpoint Profiling - Cisco 2: How To Create an Endpoint Profile - Cisco Community

 The management port on Cisco FMC is used to establish a secure connection with the managed Cisco FTD devices. If the default management port (8305) conflicts with other communications on the network, it must be changed on both the Cisco FMC and the Cisco FTD devices. This cannot be done automatically by the Cisco FMC, as it would lose connectivity with the devices. Therefore, the administrator must manually change the management port on the Cisco FMC and all the managed Cisco FTD devices using the command line interface (CLI). The steps to change the management port are as follows:

Log into the CLI of the Cisco FMC and the Cisco FTD devices using a console connection or SSH.

Enter the configure network {ipv4 | ipv6} manual ip_address netmask data-interfaces command to change the management port on the Cisco FMC. For example, configure network ipv4 manual 10.10.10.10 255.255.255.0 data-interfaces changes the management port to 10.10.10.10/24.

Enter the configure network {ipv4 | ipv6} manual ip_address netmask gateway management-only command to change the management port on the Cisco FTD devices. For example, configure network ipv4 manual 10.10.10.11 255.255.255.0 10.10.10.10 management-only changes the management port to 10.10.10.11/24 and sets the gateway to the Cisco FMC’s management port.

Save the configuration and restart the Cisco FMC and the Cisco FTD devices.

Verify the connectivity between the Cisco FMC and the Cisco FTD devices using the show managers command on the Cisco FTD devices and the show devices command on the Cisco FMC.

References :=

Firepower Management Center Device Configuration Guide, 7.1 - Device Management

Change management port fmc 1600 - Cisco Community

Solved: FMC 2120 FTD Management Only Port - Cisco Community

Change the FMC Access Interface from Management to Data

The Web Security Appliance (WSA) supports different authentication protocols and schemes to acquire end-user credentials. The most common protocols are NTLMSSP and Kerberos, which are both supported by Active Directory realms. NTLMSSP is a challenge-response authentication protocol that uses a hash of the user’s password to authenticate. Kerberos is a ticket-based authentication protocol that uses a trusted third-party (the Key Distribution Center) to issue tickets to the user and the service. Both protocols are more secure and widely supported than Basic authentication, which sends the user’s credentials in clear text. CHAP, TACACS+, and RADIUS are not supported by the WSA for end-user authentication, although they can be used for external authentication of administrators or for credential encryption. References: 1, 2, 3

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/security/web-security-appliance/guide-c07-742373.html

https://frontegg.com/blog/authentication

 File discovery is a feature of Cisco AMP that allows the engineering team to search for files across all endpoints in the network based on their SHA-256 hashes. File discovery can help identify whether a file is installed on a selected few workstations, and also provide information such as file name, path, size, date, and disposition. File discovery can be used to locate malicious files, unauthorized software, or sensitive data on the endpoints. File discovery can be accessed from the Outbreak Control menu in the AMP console1. References: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security/amp-endpoints/215176-configure-a-simple-custom-detection-list.html

When a transparent authentication fails on the Web Security Appliance (WSA), the end user gets blocked access. This means that the user cannot access any web resources until they successfully authenticate. The WSA can use different methods to authenticate users transparently, such as Transparent User Identification (TUI), Transparent Identification, or Kerberos1. If none of these methods work, the WSA will send a block page to the user with a message explaining why the authentication failed and how to resolve the issue2. The block page can be customized by the administrator to provide more information or instructions to the user3.

References := 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 4: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 4.3: Cloud Application Security, Topic 4.3.2: Cisco Umbrella, page 4-59. 2: User Guide for AsyncOS 12.5 for Cisco Web Security Appliances - GD (General Deployment), Chapter: Acquire End-User Credentials, Topic: Failed Authentication Credentials, page 4-67. 3: User Guide for AsyncOS 12.5 for Cisco Web Security Appliances - GD (General Deployment), Chapter: Customize End-User Notifications, Topic: Customize Block Pages, page 5-1.

A PAC file, or proxy auto-configuration file, is a script that tells the web browser how to use a proxy server for different URLs. A PAC file can be hosted on a web server or on the WSA itself, and can be deployed to the client web browser manually or automatically. A WSA HTTP proxy configuration with a PAC file is defined as an explicit proxy deployment, because the client web browser is aware of the proxy and sends requests to it directly. This is different from a transparent proxy deployment, where the client web browser is unaware of the proxy and the requests are redirected to it by a network device such as a router or a firewall. A bridge proxy deployment is a type of transparent proxy deployment where the WSA acts as a layer 2 bridge between two network segments and intercepts the traffic passing through it. A PAC file is not used in a bridge proxy deployment. In a dual-NIC configuration, the WSA has two network interfaces, one for the client-side network and one for the server-side network. The PAC file does not direct traffic through the two NICs to the proxy, but rather tells the client web browser to send requests to the proxy’s IP address and port number. The WSA then forwards the requests to the server-side network through the other NIC. Therefore, option B is incorrect. References :=

Some possible references are:

1: What is a Proxy Pac file and are there any examples? - Cisco

2: What is a PAC file and where is it located on WSA? - Cisco

3: [WSA Training Series] How to configure the HTTPS Proxy on the Cisco Web Security Appliance

4: Proxy Auto-Configuration (PAC) file

5: Use proxy auto-configuration (.pac) files with IEAK 11

 Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method of verifying a user’s identity by requiring two or more factors, such as something the user knows (e.g. password), something the user has (e.g. token), or something the user is (e.g. biometric). MFA can prevent or mitigate some common types of cyberattacks that rely on stealing or guessing a user’s credentials, such as phishing and brute force attacks12

Phishing is an attack where an attacker sends a fraudulent email or message that appears to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a government agency, and tries to trick the user into clicking on a malicious link or attachment, or providing their credentials or personal information34 MFA can prevent phishing attacks by requiring an additional factor of authentication that the attacker cannot obtain from the phishing email or message, such as a one-time password (OTP) sent to the user’s phone or email, or a biometric verification such as a fingerprint or face scan56

Brute force is an attack where an attacker tries to guess a user’s password by systematically trying different combinations of characters, words, or phrases until they find the correct one. MFA can prevent brute force attacks by requiring an additional factor of authentication that the attacker cannot guess, such as a physical token or a push notification that the user has to approve.

 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 course overview 2: What Type of Attacks Does MFA Prevent? | OneLogin 3: 5 Multi-Factor Authentication Vulnerabilities and How to Resolve Them 4: FBI warns about attacks that bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) 5: Defend your users from MFA fatigue attacks - Microsoft Community Hub 6: What type of attacks does Multi-Factor Authentication prevent? : How to Prevent Brute Force Attacks | Cloudflare : Brute Force Attack - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics : Multi-factor authentication - Wikipedia : Multi-factor authentication fatigue attacks are on the rise: How to defend against them | CSO Online

 The vulnerability that allows the attacker to see the passwords being transmitted in clear text is the lack of encryption on the VPN links. Encryption is a process of transforming data into an unreadable form, so that only authorized parties can access it. VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure tunnel between two or more devices over a public network, such as the Internet. VPN links should be encrypted to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, or spoofing of the data that passes through them. If the VPN links are not encrypted, an attacker can use a packet sniffer to intercept and read the data, including the passwords, that are sent over the network. This is called a sniffing attack, and it can lead to credential theft, identity spoofing, or data manipulation. Therefore, VPN links should always use strong encryption protocols, such as IPsec or SSL/TLS, to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data. References :=

Some possible references are:

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 - Cisco: This is the official course page for the SCOR 350-701 exam, which covers the topics of implementing and operating Cisco security core technologies. It provides the course objectives, outline, duration, and prerequisites. It also offers various learning options, such as instructor-led training, e-learning, and practice exams.

SCOR 350-701 Official Cert Guide - Cisco Press: This is the official study guide for the SCOR 350-701 exam, written by Omar Santos, a principal engineer at Cisco’s Security Research and Operations group. It covers all the exam topics in depth, with explanations, examples, exercises, and practice questions. It also includes a companion website with online resources, such as videos, quizzes, flashcards, and more.

Cleartext submission of password - PortSwigger: This is a web security article that explains the vulnerability of transmitting passwords over unencrypted connections, and how to exploit it using Burp Suite, a web application testing tool. It also provides some remediation advice, such as using HTTPS and HSTS to enforce encryption.

What Are Sniffing Attacks, and How Can You Protect Yourself? - EC-Council: This is a blog post that describes what sniffing attacks are, how they work, and what are the common types and tools of sniffing attacks. It also provides some tips on how to prevent or detect sniffing attacks, such as using encryption, VPN, firewall, IDS, and anti-sniffing software.

OWASP Application Security FAQ | OWASP Foundation: This is a frequently asked questions page about application security, maintained by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), a non-profit organization that promotes web security awareness and best practices. It covers various topics, such as authentication, authorization, session management, input validation, output encoding, cryptography, error handling, logging, and more.

To prevent rogue NTP servers from inserting themselves as the authoritative time source, the administrator needs to configure NTP authentication and specify the interface for syncing to the NTP server. NTP authentication allows the ASA to verify the identity and integrity of the NTP packets received from the server, using a shared secret key. Specifying the interface for syncing to the NTP server ensures that the ASA uses the correct source address for sending and receiving NTP packets, and avoids potential routing issues. The other options are not required or relevant for this task. Specifying the NTP version is optional and does not affect security. Configuring the NTP stratum is only applicable for NTP servers, not clients. The ASA can only act as an NTP client, not a server. Setting the NTP DNS hostname is not recommended, as it introduces a dependency on DNS resolution and may cause synchronization problems if the DNS server changes the IP address of the NTP server. References :=

Some possible references are:

Configure NTP Authentication on Secure Network Analytics

CLI Book 1: Cisco ASA Series General Operations CLI Configuration Guide, 9.6 - Basic Settings

Cisco ASA NTP and Clock Configuration with Examples

 Tetration is the solution that protects hybrid cloud deployment workloads with application visibility and segmentation. Tetration enables a zero-trust model using segmentation, which allows you to identify security incidents faster, contain lateral movement, and reduce your attack surface. Tetration supports both on-premises and public cloud workloads and provides real-time telemetry data, behavior analysis, software inventory, and policy enforcement. Tetration is part of the Cisco Zero Trust portfolio, which also includes solutions for securing the workforce and workplace. References:

Cisco Tetration Platform - Cisco, Topic: Cisco Tetration offers holistic workload protection for multicloud data centers by enabling a zero-trust model using segmentation.

[Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0], Module 5: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 5.3: Cloud Workload Security, Topic 5.3.1: Tetration

Cisco Zero Trust Tetration, Topic: Tetration provides zero-trust security for workloads as part of the Cisco Zero Trust portfolio.

According to the NIST 800-145 guide1, a community cloud is a cloud infrastructure that is provisioned for exclusive use by a specific community of consumers from organizations that have shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be owned, managed, and operated by one or more of the organizations in the community, a third party, or some combination of them, and it may exist on or off premises. A community cloud is different from a hybrid cloud, which is a composition of two or more distinct cloud infrastructures (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities, but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load balancing between clouds). A private cloud is a cloud infrastructure that is provisioned for exclusive use by a single organization comprising multiple consumers (e.g., business units). It may be owned, managed, and operated by the organization, a third party, or some combination of them, and it may exist on or off premises. A public cloud is a cloud infrastructure that is provisioned for open use by the general public. It may be owned, managed, and operated by a business, academic, or government organization, or some combination of them. It exists on the premises of the cloud provider. References :=

Some possible references are:

1: NIST SP 800-145, The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing, 1 2: Evaluation of Cloud Computing Services Based on NIST SP 800-145, 3 3: What Is Community Cloud? Definition, Architecture, Examples, and Best Practices, 6

Explanation

The Southbound API is used to communicate between Controllers and network devices

Explanation

The command “crypto isakmp identity address 172.19.20.24” is not valid. We can only use “crypto isakmp

identity {address | hostname}. The following example uses preshared keys at two peers and sets both their

ISAKMP identities to the IP address.

At the local peer (at 10.0.0.1) the ISAKMP identity is set and the preshared key is specified:

crypto isakmp identity address

crypto isakmp key sharedkeystring address 192.168.1.33

At the remote peer (at 192.168.1.33) the ISAKMP identity is set and the same preshared key is specified:

crypto isakmp identity address

crypto isakmp key sharedkeystring address 10.0.0.1

CoA-ACK is the CoA response code that is sent if an authorization state is changed successfully on a Cisco IOS device. CoA-ACK stands for CoA acknowledgment, which indicates that the device has received and processed the CoA request from the server and applied the new authorization settings to the session. The attributes returned within a CoA-ACK can vary based on the CoA request, such as session reauthentication, session termination, or session modification. The other options are not correct because they are not valid CoA response codes. CoA-NCL, CoA-NAK, and CoA-MAV are not defined in RFC 5176, which specifies the CoA protocol. CoA-NAK is the closest option, but it stands for CoA non-acknowledgment, which indicates that the device has rejected the CoA request from the server due to some error or inconsistency. References :=

Some possible references are:

RADIUS Change of Authorization - Cisco

Security and VPN Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE 17.x

RFC 5176 - Dynamic Authorization Extensions to Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS)

Explanation

Obviously, if you allow all traffic to these risky domains, users might access malicious content, resulting in an infection or data leak. But if you block traffic, you can expect false positives, an increase in support inquiries, and thus, more headaches. By only proxying risky domains, the intelligent proxy delivers more granular visibility and control.

The intelligent proxy bridges the gap by allowing access to most known good sites without being proxied and only proxying those that pose a potential risk. The proxy then filters and blocks against specific URLs hosting malware while allowing access to everything else.

Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) is a Cisco IOS Software-based security solution for building scalable enterprise VPNs that support distributed applications such as voice and video. DMVPN provides scalability for organizations with many remote sites by using a hub-and-spoke topology with dynamic tunnels between spokes. This reduces the number of static tunnels required and simplifies the configuration and management of the VPN. DMVPN also supports dynamic routing protocols, multicast traffic, and quality of service (QoS) features, making it suitable for various network scenarios and requirements12 References := 1: Cisco Dynamic Multipoint VPN: Simple and Secure Branch-to-Branch Communications 2: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0

 The RADIUS CoA feature supports five IETF attributes as defined in RFC 5176. These are:

Event-Timestamp: This attribute indicates the time when the CoA request was generated by the server.

State: This attribute contains a value that is copied from the Access-Accept message that authorized the session.

Session-Timeout: This attribute specifies the maximum number of seconds of service provided to the user before termination of the session or prompt.

Idle-Timeout: This attribute specifies the maximum number of consecutive seconds of idle connection allowed to the user before termination of the session or prompt.

Filter-Id: This attribute identifies the filter list to be applied to the user session.

The RADIUS CoA feature also supports vendor-specific attributes (VSAs) that are defined by Cisco or other vendors. These VSAs can be used to perform additional actions such as port shutdown, port bounce, or security and password accounting. References :=

Some possible references are:

RFC 5176: This document describes the dynamic authorization extensions to RADIUS, including the CoA request and response codes, and the supported IETF attributes.

RADIUS Change of Authorization - Cisco: This document provides the configuration guide for the RADIUS CoA feature on Cisco IOS devices, including the supported IETF and Cisco VSAs.

Supported IETF attributes in RFC 5176 - Ruckus Networks: This document lists the supported IETF attributes and error clause values for the RADIUS CoA feature on Ruckus devices.

V

Web usage controls are a feature of Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) that allow administrators to define and enforce policies for web access based on URL categories. URL categories are groups of websites that share a common theme or content, such as news, sports, entertainment, etc. Cisco WSA uses the Cisco Dynamic Content Analysis Engine and the Talos Security Intelligence and Research Group to provide accurate and up-to-date URL categorization. Administrators can use the web usage controls to allow, block, warn, or monitor web requests based on the URL category of the destination website. They can also create custom URL categories to include or exclude specific domains or URLs from the predefined categories. Web usage controls help administrators to control web traffic, enhance security, improve productivity, and comply with regulatory and organizational requirements. References :=

Some possible references are:

Web Usage Controls - Cisco Web Security Appliance User Guide, Cisco

Cisco Web Usage Control Filtering Categories Data Sheet, Cisco

Define Custom URL Categories in WSA, Cisco

Cisco Stealthwatch is a network security and visibility platform that provides an agentless solution to monitor network traffic and detect threats, including those in encrypted traffic. Stealthwatch uses Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), a technology that leverages network telemetry and machine learning to identify malicious patterns and behaviors in encrypted traffic without decryption. ETA can also assess the cryptographic strength and compliance of the encryption protocols used in the network. Stealthwatch integrates with other Cisco security products, such as Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), to provide contextual information and threat intelligence for faster and more effective response. Stealthwatch is the only Cisco platform that offers ETA as a solution to provide visibility across the network, including encrypted traffic analytics, to detect malware in encrypted traffic without the need for decryption. References :=

Some possible references are:

Cisco Secure Network Analytics (Stealthwatch) - Cisco, Cisco

Encrypted Traffic Analytics > Security | Cisco Press, Cisco Press

Solutions - Encrypted Traffic Analytics with the New Cisco Network and Secure Network Analytics At-a-Glance - Cisco, Cisco

Cisco Encrypted Traffic Analytics White Paper, Cisco

 To configure the Cisco ASA via ASDM for SNMPv3, the administrator needs to perform two main tasks: specify an SNMP user group and add an SNMP USM entry. An SNMP user group defines the access level and security model for a group of SNMP users. An SNMP USM entry defines the authentication and encryption parameters for a specific SNMP user. These two tasks are required for SNMPv3 because it uses a user-based security model (USM) that provides secure access to the MIB objects. SNMPv3 does not use a community string, which is a shared password used by SNMPv1 and SNMPv2c. The SNMP manager and UDP port are optional parameters that can be specified to customize the SNMP communication. The SNMP host access entry is also optional and can be used to restrict the access of SNMP hosts to specific interfaces or networks. References :=

Some possible references are:

SNMP Configuration, Verification and Troubleshooting on ASA

How to configure SNMP v3 on Cisco Switch, Router, ASA, Nexus

SNMP Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE Release 3SE (Catalyst 3850 Switches)

Microsegmentation is a network security technique that enables security architects to logically divide the data center or cloud environment into distinct security segments down to the individual workload level, and then define security controls and deliver services for each unique segment. Microsegmentation software with network virtualization technology is used to create zones in cloud deployments. These granular secure zones isolate workloads, securing them individually with custom, workload-specific policies. Microsegmentation uses a zero-trust model, which means that no traffic is allowed by default, and only explicitly authorized traffic is permitted based on the principle of least privilege. Microsegmentation helps to reduce the attack surface, prevent the lateral movement of threats, and strengthen regulatory compliance. The other options are incorrect because they do not describe microsegmentation accurately. Option B is incorrect because container orchestration platforms, such as Kubernetes, are used to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications, but they do not provide microsegmentation by themselves. Option C is incorrect because private VLAN segmentation is a network security technique that isolates hosts within the same VLAN, but it does not provide granular security controls at the workload level. Option D is incorrect because host-based firewall rules are one of the components of microsegmentation, but they are not sufficient to implement microsegmentation without network virtualization and policy automation. References : What Is Microsegmentation? - Palo Alto Networks, What Is Micro-Segmentation? - Cisco, What is Micro-Segmentation? | VMware Glossary

Container orchestration is the automated process of organizing the functions of modular, containerized components that create the infrastructure of an application1. Container orchestration tools, such as Kubernetes, provide a framework for managing containers and microservices architecture at scale2. A feature of container orchestration is the ability to deploy Kubernetes clusters in air-gapped sites, which are isolated from the internet and other networks for security reasons3. Cisco Container Platform (CCP) is a solution that simplifies the deployment and management of Kubernetes clusters in any environment, including air-gapped sites4. CCP provides a data plane that runs on the Kubernetes nodes and handles the container networking, storage, and security. CCP also provides a control plane that runs on a separate management cluster and provides a web-based user interface and API for cluster operations. CCP supports the deployment of Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS) and Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) clusters on the data plane, but not on air-gapped sites. References: 1: What Is Container Orchestration? | AppDynamics 2: What is container orchestration? - Red Hat 3: Container orchestration for microservices - Azure Architecture Center 4: Cisco Container Platform Data Sheet : Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 5: Cloud and Network Security, Lesson 5.3: Cisco Cloud Security Solutions, Topic 5.3.2: Cisco Container Platform : Cisco Container Platform User Guide, Release 5.1, Chapter: Deploying Amazon ECS Clusters

 A security application that notifies a controller within a software-defined network architecture about a specific security threat is using a northbound API. A northbound API is an interface that enables communication between the SDN controller and the applications or management systems that use the network services1. A security application can use a northbound API to send alerts, requests, or commands to the SDN controller, which can then take appropriate actions on the network devices or policies2. For example, a security application can use a northbound API to inform the SDN controller about a malicious traffic pattern, and the SDN controller can then block or redirect the traffic using a southbound API3.

 1: What is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)? | VMware Glossary 2: Intent-Based Networking’s Next Evolution: The DNA Center Platform - Cisco Blogs 3: Cisco SDN Security: Securing the Software Defined Network - Cisco

SHA-2 is a family of hash functions that includes SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512. SHA-2 is part of the Next Generation Encryption (NGE) suite of cryptographic algorithms that Cisco recommends for strong security and good performance. SHA-2 is believed to be quantum-computer resistant, meaning that it would not be easily broken by a hypothetical quantum-computer. SHA-2 is also more secure than older hash functions such as MD5 and SHA-1, which have been shown to have weaknesses and collisions. SHA-2 is widely used in various protocols and functions, such as digital signatures, integrity verification, and key derivation. References: 1

https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/resources/next_generation_cryptography

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security-vpn/ipsec-negotiation-ike-protocols/116055-technote-ios-crypto.html

Explanation

A Proxy Auto-Configuration (PAC) file is a JavaScript function definition that determines whether web browser

requests (HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP) go direct to the destination or are forwarded to a web proxy server.

PAC files are used to support explicit proxy deployments in which client browsers are explicitly configured to

send traffic to the web proxy. The big advantage of PAC files is that they are usually relatively easy to create

and maintain.

FlexVPN and DMVPN are both Cisco technologies that use point-to-point GRE tunnels to create dynamic VPN networks. However, they differ in some aspects, such as:

FlexVPN is a newer solution that requires newer hardware and IOS versions, while DMVPN is more widely supported on older devices1.

FlexVPN is based on IKEv2, which is a more robust and efficient protocol than IKEv1, which is used by DMVPN (although DMVPN can also use IKEv2)2.

FlexVPN uses static or virtual access interfaces for GRE tunnels, while DMVPN uses a single multipoint GRE interface. This allows more flexibility and visibility for FlexVPN tunnels2.

FlexVPN does not require NHRP registration for spokes to communicate with the hub, while DMVPN does. This simplifies the configuration and reduces the overhead of NHRP3.

FlexVPN has only one standard mode of operation, while DMVPN has three phases with different characteristics and configurations2.

References := 1: what is the difference between dmvpn and flexvpn 2: Cisco FlexVPN DMVPN, Part 1 - Overview and Design 3: DMVPN to FlexVPN Soft Migration Configuration Example

Explanation

The Stealthwatch Cloud Private Network Monitoring (PNM) Sensor is an extremely flexible piece of technology,

capable of being utilized in a number of different deployment scenarios. It can be deployed as a complete

Ubuntu based virtual appliance on different hypervisors (e.g. –VMware, VirtualBox). It can be deployed on

hardware running a number of different Linux-based operating systems.

Explanation

Umbrella Roaming is a cloud-delivered security service for Cisco’s next-generation firewall. It protects your employees even when they are off the VPN.

The reason for the failure is that detections for MD5 signatures must be configured in the advanced custom detection policies, not in the simple detection policy section. The simple detection policy section allows users to create a list of SHA-256 hashes of files that they want to block or quarantine on the endpoints. The SHA-256 hash is a more secure and unique identifier of a file than the MD5 hash, which can have collisions or duplicates. The advanced custom detection policy section allows users to create more complex and flexible rules to detect and block files based on various criteria, such as file name, size, type, signature, or MD5 hash. The advanced custom detection policy section also supports wildcards and regular expressions to match multiple files or patterns. Therefore, if the administrator wants to add specific MD5 signatures to the custom detection policy, they should use the advanced custom detection policy section instead of the simple detection policy section.

The Python script in the exhibit uses the Cisco AMP for Endpoints API to get information about the computers in the deployment. It imports the requests library, which allows it to make HTTP requests. It then defines three variables: client_id, api_key, and url. These are used to authenticate and access the API endpoint. The url is set to ‘1’, which returns a list of computers in JSON format. The script then makes a GET request using the requests.get() method, passing the url and the authentication details as parameters. The response from the API is stored in the response variable, and converted to JSON using the response.json() method. The script then loops over each computer in the ‘data’ field of the JSON response, using a for loop. Inside the loop, it extracts the hostname of each computer using the ‘hostname’ key, and prints it using the print() function. Therefore, the script will pull all computer hostnames and print them, which is option C. References:

Overview of the Cisco AMP for Endpoints API

Secure Endpoint API - Cisco DevNet

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0

 Cisco FTD is the recommended solution for this requirement because it allows the administrator to configure URL filtering as part of the access control policy. URL filtering in FTD can block or allow traffic based on the destination URL of a web request, the generalized category of the URL, or the public reputation of the target site. FTD can also use HTTPS URL filtering to inspect encrypted web traffic and block malicious or unwanted sites. FTD supports both local URL lists and external URL filtering servers such as Cisco Talos Intelligence Group (TIG), Websense, or SmartFilter12.

Cisco ASA does not include URL filtering in the access control policy capabilities. ASA can only enable URL filtering for web traffic using external filtering servers such as Websense or SmartFilter. ASA cannot block HTTPS or FTP traffic based on URLs, nor can it use local URL lists or categories. ASA also does not block malicious URLs by default, but relies on the filtering server’s configuration34.

Therefore, option C is the correct answer, and the other options are incorrect. References :=

FTD URL Filtering - How it works? - Cisco Community

Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Configuration Guide for Firepower Device Manager, Version 6.2.3 - Access Control

Configuring Filtering Services - Cisco

Configuring URL Filtering - Cisco

Explanation

Explanation

Denial-of-service (DDoS) aims at shutting down a network or service, causing it to be inaccessible to its

intended users.

The Smurf attack is a DDoS attack in which large numbers of Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)

packets with the intended victim’s spoofed source IP are broadcast to a computer network using an IP

broadcast address.

Explanation

The call to API of “https://api.amp.cisco.com/v1/computers” allows us to fetch list of computers across your

organization that Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) sees

The correct command to log all events to a destination collector is flow-export event-type all destination 209.165.201.10. This command configures a flow-export action that sends all NSEL events to the specified IP address. NSEL events include flow-create, flow-teardown, flow-denied, and flow-update events. The command must be entered in the policy-map class configuration mode, after defining a policy-map and a class-map that match the traffic and event type. The other commands are incorrect because they either specify the wrong event type (flow-update instead of all) or the wrong destination IP address (209.165.201 instead of 209.165.201.10). References :=

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 5: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 5.2: DNS Security

Cisco Secure Firewall ASA NetFlow Implementation Guide

Configuring Cisco ASA for NetFlow Export via CLI – Plixer

Patching helps to mitigate vulnerabilities by applying fixes or updates to software or firmware that have known security flaws. Vulnerabilities can be exploited by cybercriminals to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the IT systems and data. Patching endpoints consistently reduces the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches by closing the gaps that attackers can use to gain unauthorized access or cause damage. Patching also improves the performance and functionality of the IT systems by addressing bugs or errors12.

Option B is the correct answer, as it explains the main benefit of patching endpoints consistently. Option A is incorrect, as patching does not necessarily reduce the attack surface of the infrastructure, which is the total number of possible entry points for an attacker. Patching only addresses the existing vulnerabilities in the software or firmware, but does not eliminate the attack surface itself. Option C is incorrect, as patching is not always required per the vendor contract, although some vendors may provide support or incentives for patching. Option D is incorrect, as patching does not allow for creating a honeypot, which is a decoy system that is intentionally left vulnerable to lure and trap attackers. References: Patch Management Overview, Challenges, and Recommendations. Patch Management Explained: Challenges, Best Practices & Steps.

MDM stands for Mobile Device Management, which is a system that performs compliance checks and remote wiping on mobile devices. MDM allows administrators to enforce security policies, monitor device status, and remotely manage devices in case of loss, theft, or compromise. MDM can also integrate with other Cisco security solutions, such as ISE, AMP, and Umbrella, to provide enhanced protection and visibility for mobile devices. References:

Mobile Device Management (MDM) - Cisco

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) - Module 5: Secure Network Access

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application, online account, or a VPN1. MFA is a core component of a strong identity and access management (IAM) policy. MFA can help prevent an attacker from stealing usernames and passwords of users within an organization by adding an extra layer of security beyond the traditional username and password. For example, a user may need to enter a one-time code sent to their phone or email, scan their fingerprint, or use a hardware token to prove their identity. This way, even if an attacker obtains the user’s credentials, they cannot access the resource without the second factor2.

The other options are not technologies that can help prevent an attacker from stealing usernames and passwords of users within an organization. RADIUS-based REAP is a protocol that allows wireless clients to authenticate with a RADIUS server, but it does not provide MFA3. Fingerprinting is a technique that identifies the operating system or application of a device based on its network characteristics, but it does not provide MFA4. Dynamic ARP Inspection is a security feature that prevents ARP spoofing attacks by validating ARP packets, but it does not provide MFA5.

References := 1: What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? | OneLogin(https://www.onelogin.com/learn/what-is-mfa) 2: What is: Multifactor Authentication - Microsoft Support(https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/what-is-multifactor-authentication-e5e39437-121c-be60-d123-eda06bddf661) 3: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Securing the Network, Lesson 3.3: Secure Wireless Connectivity, Topic 3.3.1: Wireless Security Protocols, page 3-40. 4: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 2: Securing the Cloud, Lesson 2.2: Cloud Security Assessment, Topic 2.2.1: Cloud Security Concepts, page 2-13. 5: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Securing the Network, Lesson 3.2: Secure Network Access, Topic 3.2.2: Layer 2 Security Features, page 3-19.

AES encryption is a symmetric block cipher algorithm that uses a single key to encrypt and decrypt data. It is more secure than 3DES, which is an older and slower algorithm that encrypts and decrypts a key three times in sequence. AES can use different key sizes, such as 128, 192, or 256 bits, depending on the security level required. The longer the key, the more rounds of encryption and decryption are performed, making it harder to break. AES encryption is based on a substitution-permutation network, which consists of a series of operations that transform the input data into the output data using the key. References :=

https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/cryptography-tutorial/aes-encryption

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard

NetFlow is a baseline form of telemetry that is recommended for network infrastructure devices. NetFlow is a technology that collects and exports information about IP traffic flows on enabled interfaces. NetFlow can provide valuable insight into the network performance, utilization, behavior, and security. NetFlow can help identify anomalies, such as DDoS attacks, malware, or misconfigurations, by comparing the current traffic patterns with the normal or baseline ones. NetFlow can also help with capacity planning, troubleshooting, and forensic analysis. NetFlow is supported on various Cisco platforms, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and IPS sensors. NetFlow can export data to different collectors and analyzers, such as Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (CS-MARS), Cisco Traffic Anomaly Detectors and Cisco Guard DDoS Mitigation Appliances, Cisco Network Analysis Module (NAM), and other third-party tools. References:

Cisco Umbrella Investigate is a cloud-based service that provides interactive threat intelligence on domains, IPs, and files. It helps security analysts to uncover the attacker’s infrastructure and predict future threats by analyzing the relationships and evolution of internet domains, IPs, and files. It also integrates with other Cisco security solutions, such as Cisco Secure Network Analytics, Cisco Secure Cloud Analytics, and Cisco pxGrid, to provide a holistic view of the network and cloud security posture. Cisco Umbrella Investigate is based on the data collected by Cisco Umbrella, which processes more than 620 billion DNS requests per day from over 190 countries. Cisco Umbrella Investigate uses statistical and machine learning models to automatically score and classify the data, and provides a risk score for each domain, IP, and file, along with the contributing factors and historical context. Cisco Umbrella Investigate also allows security analysts to query the data using a web-based console or an API, and to visualize the results using graphs, tables, and maps. Cisco Umbrella Investigate is the most complete and interactive threat intelligence solution that helps to prevent cyber attacks before they happen. References :=

Some possible references are:

Cisco Umbrella Investigate

Cyber Attack Prevention - Cisco Umbrella

Cisco Umbrella Investigate - Cisco Umbrella

A NetFlow version 9 template record is a record that contains information about the fields that will be present in the data records that follow the template. A template record consists of a template ID, a field count, and a list of field types and lengths. A template record is sent periodically by the NetFlow exporter to the NetFlow collector, so that the collector can parse and interpret the data records correctly. A template record can also be requested by the collector using an options template record. The purpose of a template record is to define the format of data records, which contain the actual information about the IP flows1234.

A. It specifies the data format of NetFlow processes. - This is incorrect, because a template record does not specify the data format of NetFlow processes, but rather the data format of data records. NetFlow processes are the functions that perform flow creation, aggregation, export, and analysis on the NetFlow device or the collector. B. It provides a standardized set of information about an IP flow. - This is incorrect, because a template record does not provide any information about an IP flow, but rather the information about the fields that will be present in the data records. The data records are the ones that provide the information about an IP flow, such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, bytes, packets, timestamps, and so on. C. It defines the format of data records. - This is correct, because a template record defines the format of data records by specifying the field types and lengths that will be present in the data records. A template record allows the NetFlow collector to parse and interpret the data records correctly, and also enables the NetFlow exporter to use different formats for different types of flows. D. It serves as a unique identification number to distinguish individual data records. - This is incorrect, because a template record does not serve as a unique identification number, but rather as a description of the fields. A template record has a template ID, which is a 16-bit value that identifies the template record uniquely within an export packet, but this ID is not used to distinguish individual data records. The data records are distinguished by their position within the export packet and their association with a template record.

References := 1: NetFlow Version 9 Flow-Record Format [IP Application Services] - Cisco … 2: NetFlow V9 formats - IBM 3: Netflow :: Version 9 - Caligare 4: NetFlow Versions > NetFlow for Cybersecurity | Cisco Press

Explanation

Explanation

Cisco standard NetFlow version 5 defines a flow as a unidirectional sequence of packets that all share seven values which define a unique key for the flow:

+ Ingress interface (SNMP ifIndex)

+ Source IP address

+ Destination IP address

+ IP protocol

+ Source port for UDP or TCP, 0 for other protocols

+ Destination port for UDP or TCP, type and code for ICMP, or 0 for other protocols

+ IP Type of Service

Note: A flow is a unidirectional series of packets between a given source and destination.

Explanation

Explanation

Other features are dependent on SSL Decryption functionality, which requires the Cisco Umbrella root

certificate. Having the SSL Decryption feature improves:

Custom URL Blocking—Required to block the HTTPS version of a URL.

…

Umbrella’s Block Page and Block Page Bypass features present an SSL certificate to browsers that make

connections to HTTPS sites. This SSL certificate matches the requested site but will be signed by the Cisco Umbrella certificate authority (CA). If the CA is not trusted by your browser, an error page may be displayed.

Typical errors include “The security certificate presented by this website was not issued by a trusted certificate authority” (Internet Explorer), “The site’s security certificate is not trusted!” (Google Chrome) or “This

Connection is Untrusted” (Mozilla Firefox). Although the error page is expected, the message displayed can be confusing and you may wish to prevent it from appearing.

To avoid these error pages, install the Cisco Umbrella root certificate into your browser or the browsers of your users—if you’re a network admin.

Explanation

Explanation

NetFlow is typically used for several key customer applications, including the following:

…

Billing and accounting. NetFlow data provides fine-grained metering (for instance, flow data includes details such as IP addresses, packet and byte counts, time stamps, type of service (ToS), and application ports) for highly flexible and detailed resource utilization accounting. Service providers may use the information for billing based on time of day, bandwidth usage, application usage, quality of service, and so on. Enterprise customers may use the information for departmental charge back or cost allocation for resource utilization.

The Cisco Stealthwatch system collects and analyzes network telemetry such as flow (NetFlow, sFlow, JFlow, IPFIX, etc.) from routers, switches, and firewalls to monitor network and user behavior. The system conducts sophisticated, proprietary analytics on network data to automatically detect abnormal behaviors that may signify an attack1. NetFlow is a protocol that provides information about network traffic flows, such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, bytes, packets, and timestamps. NetFlow data can be used to identify network anomalies, bandwidth usage, application performance, and security incidents2. References :=

Some possible references are:

1: Cisco Stealthwatch Improves Threat Defense with Network Visibility and Security Analytics, Zones, 3 2: What is NetFlow? Definition and Benefits, Cisco, 7

To migrate a Cisco WSA virtual appliance from one physical host to another physical host by using VMware vMotion, both hosts must have access to the same defined network. This is because vMotion preserves the network identity and connections of the virtual machine, and requires that the source and destination hosts have compatible CPUs and shared storage1. The hosts do not need to run the same or different versions of Cisco AsyncOS, as long as they meet the minimum requirements for the virtual appliance2. The hosts do not need to use a different datastore than the virtual appliance, as vMotion can migrate virtual machines across datastores as well3. References: 1: VMware vMotion: Live Migration of Virtual Machines and Storage 2: Cisco Secure Web Appliance Virtual - Cisco 3: Migrating to Virtual SMA from Physical - Cisco Community

single methods of authentication can be compromised more easily than MFA. MFA, or multi-factor authentication, is a security process that requires users to provide two or more factors to verify their identity and access resources. MFA reduces the risk of unauthorized access by making it harder for attackers to compromise all the factors needed, especially if they are different in nature, such as something you know (password), something you have (token), and something you are (biometric).

To understand the concept of MFA and why it is important for authentication security, you can refer to the following sections of the source book:

Section 1.1.1: Describe the concepts of identity and access management

Section 1.1.1.1: Describe the concepts of identity principles

Section 1.1.1.2: Describe the concepts of authentication

Section 1.1.1.3: Describe the concepts of authorization

Section 1.1.1.4: Describe the concepts of accounting

Section 1.1.1.5: Describe the concepts of identity stores

Section 1.1.1.6: Describe the concepts of MFA

The Talos IP and Domain Reputation Center is the world’s most comprehensive real-time threat detection network. It collects and analyzes data from millions of web requests, emails, malware samples, open-source data sets, endpoint intelligence, and network intrusions. It assigns a reputation score to IP addresses and domains based on their observed malicious activity and behavior. The reputation score can range from -10 (very malicious) to +10 (very benign). The reputation score can be used to block or allow traffic, or to trigger further inspection or analysis. The Talos IP and Domain Reputation Center allows you to track the reputation of IP addresses for email and web traffic, as well as to look up the category, volume, and history of any IP address or domain. You can also submit feedback or request a change of reputation for any IP address or domain. References 

https://talosintelligence.com/reputation_center/

https://bing.com/search?q=Talos+reputation+center+IP+addresses+email+web+traffic

vulnerability is a flaw or gap in the security of a system or network that can be exploited by an attacker to compromise its functionality, integrity, confidentiality, or availability. A vulnerability can exist in the design, implementation, configuration, or operation of a system or network, and can be caused by human errors, software bugs, hardware defects, or environmental factors. A vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker using various methods, such as malware, phishing, brute force, denial-of-service, or injection attacks. A vulnerability can also be exploited by an insider who has legitimate access to the system or network, but abuses their privileges for malicious purposes. A vulnerability can be discovered by security researchers, ethical hackers, or malicious hackers, and can be reported to the vendor or the public for remediation or exploitation. A vulnerability can be mitigated by applying patches, updates, or configuration changes, or by using security tools such as firewalls, antivirus, or encryption.

An exploit is a piece of code, data, or technique that takes advantage of a vulnerability to perform unauthorized or malicious actions on a system or network. An exploit can be used to gain access, escalate privileges, execute commands, steal data, disrupt services, or damage resources. An exploit can be delivered by various means, such as email attachments, web links, removable media, or network packets. An exploit can be developed by security researchers, ethical hackers, or malicious hackers, and can be shared or sold on the dark web or other platforms for testing or attacking purposes. An exploit can be detected by security tools such as intrusion detection systems, antivirus, or anti-exploit software.

The difference between a vulnerability and an exploit is that a vulnerability is a potential weakness that can be exploited, while an exploit is an actual attack that uses a vulnerability. A vulnerability can exist without being exploited, but an exploit cannot exist without a vulnerability. A vulnerability can be fixed or prevented, but an exploit can only be blocked or stopped. References :=

Exploit vs Vulnerability: What’s the Difference? - InfoSec Insights

Difference Between Vulnerability and Exploit - GeeksforGeeks

Exploit vs. Vulnerability: What Is the Difference? - Coralogix

Exploit vs Vulnerability: What’s the Difference? - Cybers Guards

 MAB is a fallback authentication method for devices that do not support 802.1X. When MAB is enabled on a switchport, the switch will first try 802.1X and if it fails, it will use the MAC address of the device as the username and password to authenticate it with a RADIUS server. The RADIUS server must have a database of MAC addresses that are allowed on the network. MAB can also support dynamic VLAN assignment and ACLs from the RADIUS server. MAB is not a very secure method because MAC addresses can be easily spoofed or changed. Therefore, MAB should be used with caution and only for devices that cannot use 802.1X. References :=

Some possible references are:

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 3: Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower Next Generation Firewall, Lesson 3.2: Deploying Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall, Topic 3.2.2: 802.1X and MAB

MAC Authentication Bypass Deployment Guide, Cisco, MAB Overview, What is MAB?

MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB), NetworkLessons.com, How MAB Works

MAC-based authentication (MAB), RADIUSaaS Docs, How it works

MAC authentication and username/password, Cisco Community, Answer by hslai

To share data between multiple security products, you must use Cisco Platform Exchange Grid (pxGrid). pxGrid is an open and scalable framework that allows for bi-directional any-to-any partner platform integrations. pxGrid uses REST and WebSocket interfaces to exchange intelligence and obtain contextual information from Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and other security products. pxGrid can also direct ISE to contain threats by setting network policies. pxGrid enables cross-platform network system collaboration across your IT infrastructure and helps you monitor security, detect threats, and manage assets, configuration, identity, and access. References: Introduction to the Cisco Platform Exchange Grid (pxGrid) in ISE, Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 3.3

Explanation

The logging of your identities’ activities is set per-policy when you first create a policy. By default, logging is on and set to log all requests an identity makes to reach destinations. At any time after you create a policy, you can change what level of identity activity Umbrella logs.

From the Policy wizard, log settings are:

Log All Requests—For full logging, whether for content, security or otherwise

Log Only Security Events—For security logging only, which gives your users more privacy—a good setting for people with the roaming client installed on personal devices

Don’t Log Any Requests—Disables all logging. If you select this option, most reporting for identities with this policy will not be helpful as nothing is logged to report on.

 TAXII, short for Trusted Automated eXchange of Intelligence Information, is a protocol that defines how cyber threat information can be shared via services and message exchanges. It is designed specifically to support STIX information, which is a standardized language for expressing and exchanging cyber threat information. TAXII enables organizations to share STIX information by defining an API that aligns with common sharing models, such as hub and spoke, source/subscriber, and peer-to-peer. TAXII also defines four services that allow users to discover, manage, receive, and request STIX information. Therefore, TAXII supports STIX information and determines how threat intelligence information is relayed. TAXII does not determine the “what” of threat intelligence, as that is the role of STIX. TAXII does not allow users to describe threat motivations and abilities, as that is also part of STIX. TAXII does not exchange trusted anomaly intelligence information, as that is a specific type of threat intelligence that may or may not be represented in STIX. References:

What are STIX/TAXII Standards I Resources I Anomali

Cyber Threat Intelligence Technical Committee - GitHub Pages

Explanation

Explanation

Cisco Defense Orchestrator is a cloud-based management solution that allows you to manage security policies

and device configurations with ease across multiple Cisco and cloud-native security platforms.

Cisco Defense Orchestrator features:

….

Management of hybrid environments: Managing a mix of firewalls running the ASA, FTD, and Meraki

MX software is now easy, with the ability to share policy elements across platforms.

3DES is a symmetric-key block cipher that applies the DES algorithm three times to each data block. It was developed to improve the security of DES, which has a small key size and is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. 3DES encrypts traffic by using three different keys, each 56 bits long, to perform three rounds of encryption on the plaintext. The encryption process can be described as follows:

Encrypt the plaintext with the first key (K1).

Decrypt the result with the second key (K2).

Encrypt the result again with the third key (K3).

The final ciphertext is the output of the third encryption. The decryption process is the reverse of the encryption process, using the same keys in reverse order:

Decrypt the ciphertext with the third key (K3).

Encrypt the result with the second key (K2).

Decrypt the result again with the first key (K1).

The final plaintext is the output of the third decryption. 3DES is more secure than DES because it uses a longer effective key length of 168 bits (56 x 3), which makes brute-force attacks more difficult. However, 3DES is also slower than DES because it requires three times more computations. Moreover, 3DES has some weaknesses, such as the meet-in-the-middle attack, which can reduce the effective key length to 112 bits. Therefore, 3DES is not recommended for new applications and has been deprecated by NIST since 201712

References := 1: NIST Special Publication 800-67 Revision 2 Recommendation for the Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (TDEA) Block Cipher 2: What is 3DES encryption and how does DES work? | Comparitech

Explanation

The AES encryption algorithm encrypts and decrypts data in blocks of 128 bits (block size). It can do this using 128-bit, 192-bit, or 256-bit keys

Cisco FTDv in AWS can be deployed in two different deployment models: single-instance and cluster. In both models, the FTDv can be configured in routed mode and managed by either an FMCv installed in AWS or a physical FMC appliance on premises. The FTDv can also use Geneve encapsulation for traffic interfaces to support AWS Gateway Load Balancer (GWLB) integration. The following table summarizes the supported deployment model configurations for FTDv in AWS:

Table

Deployment Model

Management Mode

Traffic Mode

Geneve Encapsulation

Single-instance

FMCv in AWS

Routed

Optional

Single-instance

FMC on premises

Routed

Optional

Cluster

FMCv in AWS

Routed

Required

Cluster

FMC on premises

Routed

Required

References :=

Deploy the Threat Defense Virtual on AWS - Cisco

Deploy a Threat Defense Virtual Cluster on AWS - Cisco

Configure Geneve Interfaces in Secure FTDv - Cisco

Deployment of Cisco Secure FTDv and FMCv instances in AWS - Terraform

Solved: FTD virtual appliance in AWS - Cisco Community

Workload security models refer to the ways of protecting applications, services, and capabilities that run on a cloud resource. There are different types of cloud deployment models, such as public, private, hybrid, and multicloud, and different types of cloud service models, such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. However, these are not workload security models, but rather ways of describing the cloud environment and the level of abstraction. Workload security models are more focused on the location and ownership of the workloads, and how they are secured. The two main workload security models are off-premises and on-premises. Off-premises workload security model means that the workloads are hosted and managed by a third-party cloud service provider, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. The cloud service provider is responsible for the security of the underlying infrastructure, such as the physical servers, network devices, storage systems, and hypervisors. The customer is responsible for the security of the workloads themselves, such as the guest operating systems, applications, data, and users. The customer can use various tools and techniques to secure their workloads, such as encryption, firewalls, identity and access management, vulnerability scanning, and logging and monitoring. On-premises workload security model means that the workloads are hosted and managed by the customer on their own data center or private cloud. The customer is responsible for the security of both the infrastructure and the workloads, and has full control and visibility over them. The customer can use similar tools and techniques as the off-premises model, but also has to deal with the physical security, network security, and compliance requirements of their own environment. References:

What Is Workload Security? On-Premises, Cloud, Kubernetes, and More

What is Cloud Workload Security? - CyberArk

What is Cloud Workload Protection? | Workload Security | VMware

What is Cloud Workload Security? - Check Point Software

Introduction To Classic Security Models - GeeksforGeeks

The debug crypto isakmp sa command shows the status of the Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP) security associations (SAs). The output of this command indicates that the ISAKMP negotiation failed after several retransmissions. The most likely cause of this failure is a mismatch in the authentication key between the two peers. The authentication key is specified by the crypto isakmp key command and must be the same on both routers. If the authentication key is different, the ISAKMP messages cannot be decrypted and verified by the peers, resulting in an error. To fix this problem, the network administrator should verify and correct the authentication key on both routers and clear the existing ISAKMP SAs with the clear crypto isakmp sa command. References: 1, 2, 3, 4

 Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application, online account, or a VPN. MFA is a core component of a strong identity and access management (IAM) policy1. MFA is important to implement inside of an organization because it can prevent brute force attacks from being successful. A brute force attack is a type of cyberattack that tries to guess the user’s password or PIN by trying different combinations until it finds the correct one. This can be done manually or with automated tools. MFA can stop brute force attacks by requiring an additional factor of authentication that the attacker does not have, such as a phone, a token, a biometric, or a location. MFA can also reduce the risk of other types of attacks that rely on stealing or compromising the user’s credentials, such as phishing, keylogging, or credential stuffing. References := 1: What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? | OneLogin

 MFA stands for multi-factor authentication, which is a security method that requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence to verify their identity before accessing a system. MFA can prevent unauthorized access to the system if a user’s password is compromised, because the attacker would also need to obtain the other factors, such as a one-time code, a biometric scan, or a physical token. MFA can be implemented using various technologies, such as SMS, email, phone call, mobile app, or hardware device. According to Microsoft, adopting MFA can prevent approximately 99.9% of compromised user accounts, significantly bolstering security measures against unauthorized access12. References:

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 6: Secure Network Access and Visibility, Lesson 6.1: Implementing Secure Network Access

350-701 SCOR - Cisco, Exam Topics, 6.1 Implement secure network access

What Is Unauthorized Access? 5 Key Prevention Best Practices - Cynet, Best Practice #3: Implement multi-factor authentication

Unauthorized Access: Top 8 Practices for Detecting and Responding - Ekran System, Best Practice #3: Use multi-factor authentication

An application that does not validate user input is particularly susceptible to SQL injection attacks. In an SQL injection attack, an attacker can insert or "inject" a SQL query via the input data from the client to the application. Due to the lack of validation, the malicious SQL commands are executed by the database server, leading to unauthorized access or manipulation of the database.

The login block-for command sets a limit on the maximum number of failed login attempts allowed within a defined period of time. If this limit is exceeded, no further logins are allowed for the specified period of time. This feature is designed to protect the router from denial-of-service and dictionary attacks. The syntax of the command is as follows:

login block-for attempts within

The  parameter specifies the duration of the quiet period in seconds. The  parameter specifies the number of failed attempts that trigger the quiet period. The  parameter specifies the time window in seconds for counting the failed attempts.

In this question, the command login block-for 100 attempts 4 within 60 means that if four failures occur in 60 seconds, the router goes to quiet mode for 100 seconds. During the quiet period, no login attempts are accepted, and the router responds with the message “Login disabled for seconds due to too many failed login attempts.” After the quiet period expires, the router resumes normal login operations.

The other options are incorrect because they do not match the command syntax or the expected behavior of the login block-for feature.

References :=

Some possible references for this question are:

User Security Configuration Guide - Cisco IOS Login Enhancements-Login Block

Configuring Login Block

Restrict login attempts : login block-for command

When applied to a router, which command would help mitigate brute-force password attacks against the router?

Threat intelligence is the term for having information about threats and threat actors that helps mitigate harmful events that would otherwise compromise networks or systems. Threat intelligence is the result of collecting, analyzing, and contextualizing data from various sources, such as network traffic, logs, feeds, reports, etc. Threat intelligence provides insights into the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of adversaries, as well as their motivations, intentions, and capabilities. Threat intelligence can help organizations to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks, as well as to improve their security posture and resilience12. The other options are not correct, because they are not terms for having information about threats and threat actors. Trusted automated exchange is a concept that refers to the sharing of threat intelligence among trusted entities in a timely and secure manner3. Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) are pieces of forensic data, such as IP addresses, domains, hashes, etc., that indicate a potential intrusion or compromise of a system or network. The Exploit Database is a public repository of exploits and vulnerable software, maintained by Offensive Security. References:

1: What is Cyber Threat Intelligence? - Cisco

2: Cisco Talos Intelligence Group - Comprehensive Threat Intelligence

3: Trusted Automated Exchange of Intelligence Information (TAXII™) Version 2.0

[4]: What Are Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)? - Cisco

[5]: The Exploit Database - Exploits for Penetration Testers, Researchers, and Ethical Hackers

Cisco FMC is the centralized management solution for Cisco FTD appliances. It provides configuration, monitoring, analysis, and reporting capabilities for FTD devices. Cisco FMC can also manage Cisco ASAs that have been converted to FTD devices. Cisco FMC can be deployed as a physical or virtual appliance, or as a cloud service (CDO). However, since the organization does not have a local VM, CDO is not an option. Cisco FDM is the on-box management solution for FTD devices, which does not support centralized management or ASA migration. CSM is the legacy management solution for Cisco ASAs, which does not support FTD devices. References :=

Some possible references are:

Cisco Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, Version 6.7

Install and Upgrade FTD on Firepower Appliances

Firepower Threat Defense simplifies application security

two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires users to provide two pieces of evidence to verify their identity before accessing SaaS-based applications1. These pieces of evidence can be something the user knows (such as a password or a PIN), something the user has (such as a smartphone or a token), or something the user is (such as a fingerprint or a face scan)1. 2FA enhances the security of SaaS-based applications by making it harder for attackers to compromise login credentials and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and resources2. The other options are not correct because they are not sufficient to secure SaaS-based applications. Modular policy framework (MPF) is a feature of Cisco ASA that allows administrators to create and apply security policies to traffic flows3. However, MPF alone cannot protect SaaS-based applications from web-based threats or data breaches. Application security gateway (ASG) is a device that provides firewall, intrusion prevention, and content filtering services for web applications4. However, ASG cannot prevent credential theft or account takeover attacks that target SaaS-based applications. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a method of encrypting data in transit and at rest, so that only the sender and the receiver can decrypt it. However, E2EE cannot prevent unauthorized access to SaaS-based applications if the encryption keys are compromised or stolen. References:

1: What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

2: How to Secure Your SaaS Applications

3: Modular Policy Framework Overview

4: What is an Application Security Gateway?

: What is End-to-End Encryption?

DHCP option 82 is a feature that allows the network access device (NAD) to insert additional information into the DHCP request packet from the endpoint. This information can include the switch ID, port number, VLAN ID, and other attributes that can help Cisco ISE to identify and profile the endpoint. Cisco ISE can use DHCP option 82 to assign the endpoint to the appropriate identity group, policy, and authorization profile. DHCP option 82 is also useful to prevent rogue DHCP servers from assigning IP addresses to endpoints, as Cisco ISE can verify the legitimacy of the DHCP request based on the option 82 data. To use DHCP option 82, the NAD must be configured to enable this feature and send the option 82 data to Cisco ISE. Cisco ISE must also be configured to accept and parse the option 82 data from the NAD. For more details on how to configure DHCP option 82 on Cisco ISE and NAD, see the references below. References:

Configuring the DHCP Probe

Securing Your Network From DHCP Risks

Can we use ISE as DHCP/DNS server to prevent guest traffic using …

A passphrase is a type of protection that encrypts RSA keys when they are exported and imported. A passphrase is a sequence of characters that the user enters to decrypt the key. The passphrase acts as a symmetric key that is used to encrypt and decrypt the RSA key with a symmetric algorithm, such as AES. This way, the RSA key is protected from unauthorized access or tampering when it is transferred or stored. A passphrase can also provide additional security by adding entropy to the RSA key generation process. A file, NGE, and nonexportable are not types of protection that encrypt RSA keys when they are exported and imported. A file is a container that stores the RSA key, but does not encrypt it. NGE stands for Next Generation Encryption, which is a set of cryptographic standards and algorithms that Cisco recommends, but it is not a specific type of protection. Nonexportable is a property that prevents the RSA key from being exported at all, but it does not encrypt it. References: RSA/Schannel Key BLOBs, Common Encryption Types, Protocols and Algorithms Explained, Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 (Module 5: Implementing Secure Communications with VPNs, Lesson 5.1: Implementing Site-to-Site VPNs, Topic 5.1.2: Implementing Site-to-Site VPNs with Pre-Shared Keys)

Contiv is an open source container networking fabric that supports heterogeneous container deployments across virtual machines, bare-metal, and public or private clouds. Contiv facilitates deploying microsegmentation and multi-tenancy services with a policy-based container by allowing cloud architects and IT admins to create, manage, and enforce operational policies such as traffic isolation, bandwidth prioritization, latency requirements, and policies for L4-L7 network services. Contiv also integrates natively with Cisco infrastructure and provides consistent networking across any platform (Docker Swarm, Kubernetes, or OpenShift) and any networking backend (Layer 2, Layer 3, Overlays, or ACI mode)123. References := 1: Introducing Contiv 1.0 - The Most Powerful Container Networking Fabric 2: contivpp 3: Contiv · GitHub

The crypto isakmp identity hostname command is required to define the identity used by the router when participating in the Internet Key Exchange protocol. This command is needed when you specify preshared keys for authentication. The ip name-server command is required to specify the IP address of the DNS server that can resolve the FQDN of the remote peer. This command is needed when you use the crypto isakmp key command with the hostname option instead of the address option. The other commands are not required or correct for this scenario. References: 1, 2, 3

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security service that protects users from malicious domains and IPs, regardless of their location or network. When users are off the corporate network, they can use the Cisco Umbrella roaming client, which is embedded in the Cisco AnyConnect client, to enforce Umbrella DNS servers for all DNS queries. This way, Umbrella can block requests to malicious or unwanted domains before a connection is ever made, and provide visibility and protection for users anywhere they go. The Umbrella roaming client does not require any additional agents or end user action, and it can work with or without a VPN connection. References := Cisco Umbrella Roaming, Umbrella Roaming Client – How it Works on Your Company Network

Explanation

The following are restrictions for Flexible NetFlow:

+ Traditional NetFlow (TNF) accounting is not supported.

+ Flexible NetFlow v5 export format is not supported, only NetFlow v9 export format is supported.

+ Both ingress and egress NetFlow accounting is supported.

+ Microflow policing feature shares the NetFlow hardware resource with FNF.

+ Only one flow monitor per interface and per direction is supported.

Cisco Stealthwatch - rapidly collects and analyzes netflow and telementy data to deliver in-depth visibility and understanding of network traffic

Cisco ISE – obtains contextual identity and profiles for all users and device

Cisco TrustSec – software defined segmentation that uses SGTs

Cisco Umbrella – secure internet gateway ion the cloud that provides a security solution

 To add switches into the fabric, administrators can use PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP) or Seed IP methods. POAP is a feature that automates the process of upgrading software images and installing configuration files on Cisco switches that are being deployed in the network for the first time. Seed IP is a method that allows administrators to specify the IP address of a switch that is already part of the fabric, and then use it to discover and add other switches that are connected to it. Both methods enable administrators to control how switches are added into DCNM for private cloud management. References:

POAP, section “PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP)”.

Seed IP, section “Add Switches”.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/ise/1-4-1/admin_guide/b_ise_admin_guide_141/b_ise_admin_guide_141_chapter_01110.html

 Installing the Cisco Umbrella root CA onto the user’s device is the action that accomplishes the goal of inspecting traffic without alerting end-users. This is because the root CA allows the user’s device to trust the certificates issued by the Cisco Umbrella intelligent proxy, which acts as a man-in-the-middle for SSL sites on Umbrella’s grey list. Without the root CA, the user’s browser would raise errors when accessing those sites, as it would detect an untrusted certificate. By installing the root CA, the user’s browser would accept the certificate and allow the traffic to be proxied and inspected by the intelligent proxy. References:

Enable SSL Decryption - Umbrella User Guide

SSL Decryption in the Intelligent Proxy – Cisco Umbrella

Cisco Umbrella Intelligent Proxy and SSL Decryption

Intelligent Proxy and SSL Decryption with Cisco Umbrella

A CoA request is a network protocol message used in the context of network access control and authentication systems. It is typically employed in scenarios where a user’s access privileges or attributes need to be modified during an active network session. CoA requests are commonly used in conjunction with the RADIUS protocol, which is widely used for managing user authentication and authorization in network environments. When a CoA request is initiated, it is sent by a network access server (NAS) to a RADIUS server to request a change in the user’s authorization state or attributes. The CoA request contains information specifying the desired change, such as granting additional access privileges, revoking existing privileges, modifying session parameters, or updating user attributes. The RADIUS server processes the CoA request and applies the necessary changes to the user’s session in real-time, allowing dynamic adjustments to the user’s authorization and network access. CoA requests are often utilized in scenarios where an administrator needs to promptly update a user’s access rights without requiring them to terminate their current session. This flexibility is particularly valuable in environments that demand fine-grained access control or where access privileges need to be adjusted based on changing circumstances or policies. References :=

Some possible references for this answer are:

RADIUS Change of Authorization - Cisco

What is a CoA Request? - Portnox

RADIUS Change of Authorization: Explained - Cloud RADIUS

Cisco Container Platform (CCP) is a security product that enables administrators to deploy Kubernetes clusters in air-gapped sites without needing Internet access. CCP tenant images contain all the necessary binaries and don’t need internet access to function. CCP also supports offline installation and updates of the platform components. CCP is designed to simplify the deployment and management of containerized applications across hybrid cloud environments, while ensuring security and compliance. CCP integrates with Cisco security solutions such as Cisco Tetration and Cisco Stealthwatch Cloud to provide visibility and protection for Kubernetes clusters and workloads. CCP also leverages Cisco Intersight, a cloud-based management platform, to provide centralized monitoring and automation for CCP clusters. References:

Cisco Container Platform

350-701 SCOR Cisco CCNP Security Updated Questions in April

Explanation

The ASA and ASASM implementations of NetFlow Secure Event Logging (NSEL) provide a stateful, IP flow tracking method that exports only those records that indicate significant events in a flow.

The significant events that are tracked include flow-create, flow-teardown, and flow-denied (excluding those flows that are denied by EtherType ACLs).

The process in DevSecOps where all changes in the central code repository are merged and synchronized is called Continuous Integration (CI). CI is a practice that aims to improve the quality and speed of software development by automating the building, testing, and integration of code changes. CI enables developers to collaborate more effectively and detect errors early in the development cycle. CI also helps to ensure that the code in the repository is always in a deployable state and conforms to the security and quality standards123. References: 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) course, Module 5: Secure Network Access, Identity Management, and Visibility, Lesson 5.1: Introducing DevSecOps 2: DevSecOps code process - AT&T4 3: Building a DevSecOps Culture - from a Technical Perspective5

Cisco AnyConnect is a client-based VPN solution that provides secure remote access for individual users from their machines. It allows customization of access policies based on user identity, such as group membership, device posture, or location. This enables granular control over who can access what resources on the network. Cisco AnyConnect also supports various authentication methods, such as certificates, multifactor authentication, or single sign-on. Cisco AnyConnect can be deployed with Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) or Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) as the VPN headend.

Cisco DMVPN is a network-based VPN solution that provides dynamic, on-demand, and scalable connectivity for branch offices, teleworkers, and business partners. It uses multipoint GRE (mGRE) tunnels and Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) to establish direct spoke-to-spoke communications without traversing the hub. It also supports IPsec encryption and various routing protocols over the tunnel. Cisco DMVPN can be deployed with Cisco IOS routers as the VPN headend.

The advantages of using Cisco AnyConnect over DMVPN are:

It enables VPN access for individual users from their machines, which is useful for mobile workers or telecommuters who need to connect to the network from anywhere.

It allows customization of access policies based on user identity, which is useful for enforcing security and compliance requirements for different types of users or devices.

The advantages of using DMVPN over Cisco AnyConnect are:

It provides spoke-to-spoke communications without traversing the hub, which reduces latency and bandwidth consumption for traffic between remote sites.

It allows different routing protocols to work over the tunnel, which provides flexibility and scalability for network design and management.

The cause of this issue is that NTP authentication is not enabled on the router. The commands shown in the exhibit only define the authentication key and mark it as trusted, but they do not enable NTP authentication globally or on a per-peer basis. To enable NTP authentication globally, the command ntp authenticate must be used. To enable NTP authentication on a per-peer basis, the command ntp server ip-address key key-id or ntp peer ip-address key key-id must be used, where key-id is the same as the one defined by the ntp authentication-key command. Without enabling NTP authentication, any device can synchronize time with this router, regardless of whether it has the same authentication key or not.

The other options are incorrect because:

The key was configured in plain text, but this is not the cause of the issue. Although it is recommended to use the ntp authentication-key key-id md5 key [encrypted] command to encrypt the key, using plain text does not prevent NTP authentication from working, as long as the same key is configured on both the router and the peer.

The hashing algorithm that was used was MD5, which is supported by NTP. MD5 is the default algorithm for NTP authentication and it can be used with any key length from 1 to 16 characters. Other algorithms, such as SHA and SHA1, are also supported by NTP if the OpenSSL library is installed, but they are not required for NTP authentication to work.

The router was not rebooted after the NTP configuration updated, but this is not necessary for NTP authentication to take effect. NTP authentication is applied immediately after the configuration commands are entered, and no reboot is required.

Explanation

Symmetric encryption uses a single key that needs to be shared among the people who need to receive the message while asymmetric encryption uses a pair of public key and a private key to encrypt and decrypt messages when communicating.

Asymmetric encryption takes relatively more time than the symmetric encryption.

Diffie Hellman algorithm is an asymmetric algorithm used to establish a shared secret for a symmetric key

algorithm. Nowadays most of the people uses hybrid crypto system i.e, combination of symmetric and

asymmetric encryption. Asymmetric Encryption is used as a technique in key exchange mechanism to share secret key and after the key is shared between sender and receiver, the communication will take place using symmetric encryption. The shared secret key will be used to encrypt the communication.

Triple DES (3DES), a symmetric-key algorithm for the encryption of electronic data, is the successor of DES (Data Encryption Standard) and provides more secure encryption then DES.

Note: Although “requires secret keys” option in this question is a bit unclear but it can only be assigned to

Symmetric algorithm.

To add a device into Cisco DNA Center with the native API, the POST method and the name attribute are required. The POST method is used to create a new resource on the server, such as a device. The name attribute is used to specify the hostname or IP address of the device to be added. The POST method requires a JSON body that contains the device information, such as the name, type, role, credentials, and other optional parameters. The Cisco DNA Center API documentation provides an example of the JSON body and the response for adding a device1. The Cisco DNA Center Platform User Guide also explains how to use the native API to add devices2. References := 1: Cisco DNA Center API Documentation - Add Device 2: Cisco DNA Center Platform User Guide, Release 2.3.5 - Manage Devices Using the Native API

A PAC file is a Proxy Auto-Configuration file that contains a JavaScript function that determines whether web browser requests go directly to the destination or are forwarded to a web proxy server. A PAC file allows the client desktop browsers to be configured to select when to connect direct or when to use the proxy based on the URL and the host name. A PAC file can be downloaded from a web server or a local file. A PAC file is more suitable for complex proxy configurations or multiple proxy servers12

A transparent mode is a proxy configuration where the client browsers do not need to be configured to use the proxy. The proxy intercepts the traffic and forwards it to the destination. A transparent mode does not allow the client browsers to select when to connect direct or when to use the proxy34

A forward file is not a valid proxy configuration method.

A bridge mode is a network configuration where a device connects two or more network segments and forwards traffic between them. A bridge mode is not a proxy configuration method5 References := 1: Proxy Auto-Configuration (PAC) file - HTTP | MDN 2: Proxy auto-config - Wikipedia 3: Explicit and Transparent Proxy - techdocs.broadcom.com 4: Configure Explicit Proxy - Palo Alto Networks | TechDocs 5: config web-proxy explicit | FortiGate / FortiOS 7.4.0

Explanation

Ping of Death (PoD) is a type of Denial of Service (DoS) attack in which an attacker attempts to crash,

destabilize, or freeze the targeted computer or service by sending malformed or oversized packets using a simple ping command.

A correctly-formed ping packet is typically 56 bytes in size, or 64 bytes when the ICMP header is considered,

and 84 including Internet Protocol version 4 header. However, any IPv4 packet (including pings) may be as large as 65,535 bytes. Some computer systems were never designed to properly handle a ping packet larger than the maximum packet size because it violates the Internet Protocol documented

Like other large but well-formed packets, a ping of death is fragmented into groups of 8 octets before

transmission. However, when the target computer reassembles the malformed packet, a buffer overflow can occur, causing a system crash and potentially allowing the injection of malicious code.

Explanation

A data breach is the intentional or unintentional release of secure or private/confidential information to an

untrusted environment.

When your credentials have been compromised, it means someone other than you may be in possession of your account information, such as your username and/or password.

Posture is a service in Cisco ISE that checks the compliance of endpoints with corporate security policies before allowing them to connect to the network. Posture policies define the requirements that endpoints must meet to be compliant, such as having antivirus software installed and updated, or having a specific registry key value. If an endpoint is compliant, Cisco ISE can apply a Change of Authorization (CoA) to grant it access to the network resources. CoA is a mechanism that allows Cisco ISE to dynamically change the authorization attributes of an existing session, such as VLAN, dACL, or SGT, without requiring the user to reauthenticate. CoA can be triggered by various events, such as posture assessment results, profiling changes, or manual actions by the administrator. CoA can also be used to quarantine or disconnect non-compliant endpoints. Therefore, ensuring that an endpoint is compliant with a posture policy configured in Cisco ISE provides the benefit of allowing CoA to be applied if the endpoint status is compliant. References :=

Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 2.2 - Configure Client Posture Policies

Cisco Identity Services Engine Administrator Guide, Release 2.2 - Change of Authorization

Northbound APIs are the link between the applications and the SDN controller. The applications can tell the network what they need (data, storage, bandwidth, and so on) and the network can deliver those resources, or communicate what it has. These APIs support a wide variety of applications, such as load balancers, firewalls, orchestration platforms, and automation stacks. Northbound APIs also enable the applications to use the controller’s capabilities to program flows into the network devices using the southbound interface. Northbound APIs are usually RESTful APIs that use HTTP methods to exchange data in JSON or XML formats12.

OpenFlow is not a northbound API protocol, but a southbound API protocol that defines the communication between the SDN controller and the network switches or routers. OpenFlow allows the controller to manipulate the forwarding behavior of the switches or routers by sending commands and receiving events3 .

NETCONF is not a northbound API protocol, but a network management protocol that can be used as a southbound API protocol to configure and monitor network devices. NETCONF uses XML to encode data and remote procedure calls (RPCs) to exchange messages between the controller and the network devices . References := 1: What are SDN Northbound APIs (and SDN Rest APIs)? - SDxCentral 2: SDN North-bound and South-bound APIs and Interfaces 3: OpenFlow - Wikipedia : OpenFlow - SDxCentral : NETCONF - Wikipedia : NETCONF Protocol - Cisco

1sdxcentral.com2computernetworkingnotes.com3examguides.com

Mobile device management (MDM) is a solution that allows organizations to manage and secure mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. MDM can provide two security benefits:

Robust security policy enforcement: MDM can enforce strong security practices and hygiene by defining unified settings that can be applied across your fleet. This centralized software ensures all devices are continuously staying in compliance. For example, MDM can configure settings like full-disk encryption, screen locks, password policies, device restrictions, VPN, firewall, antivirus, and more. MDM can also prevent unwanted or risky software from being installed, and remotely lock or wipe devices if they are lost, stolen, or compromised1.

Privacy control checks: MDM can help organizations stay compliant with privacy regulations and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. MDM can segment personal and corporate data on devices, and selectively wipe only corporate data when needed. MDM can also monitor device usage and location, and alert administrators of any suspicious or anomalous behavior. MDM can also provide secure containers for sensitive documents and content, and encrypt data in transit and at rest23.

Cisco Stealthwatch Cloud is a network detection and response (NDR) solution that leverages pre-existing infrastructure to offer enterprise-wide, contextual visibility of network traffic from the private network to the public cloud1. It uses advanced analytics and machine learning to detect threats and anomalies across on-premises and cloud environments, and provides actionable alerts and recommendations to remediate them2. Cisco Stealthwatch Cloud is part of Cisco’s XDR strategy, which converges its deep expertise and visibility across the network and endpoints into one turnkey, risk-based solution3. References: 3: Cisco Unveils New Solution to Rapidly Detect Advanced Cyber Threats and Automate Response 2: Cisco Secure Network Analytics - Cisco 1: Cisco Stealthwatch and Cisco Tetration Workload Security

Configuring the IEEE 802.1X Flexible Authentication feature to support Layer 3 authentication mechanisms involves adding MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) into the switch configuration. This allows devices that do not support 802.1X to be authenticated using their MAC address. Once MAB identifies the device, it can then be redirected to a Layer 3 device for further authentication, thus providing a mechanism to support devices requiring Layer 3 authentication methods.

 GET VPN (Group Encrypted Transport VPN) is a tunnel-less VPN technology that uses a single security association (SA) for all routers in a group. This allows GET VPN to natively support MPLS and private IP networks, without requiring any additional encapsulation or tunneling protocols. GET VPN also supports multicast traffic without GRE, which reduces overhead and improves performance. FlexVPN is a newer VPN solution that covers all VPN types, such as site-to-site, hub and spoke, and remote access. FlexVPN uses IKEv2 for all VPN types, which offers some advantages over IKEv1, such as resiliency and fewer messages. However, FlexVPN requires newer hardware and software versions to support its features. FlexVPN also relies on GRE or static and dynamic point-to-point interfaces to support MPLS and private IP networks, which adds complexity and overhead. Therefore, a benefit of using GET VPN over FlexVPN within a VPN deployment is that GET VPN natively supports MPLS and private IP networks, without requiring any additional encapsulation or tunneling protocols. References:

Group Encrypted Transport VPN (GETVPN)

Introduction to FlexVPN

what is the difference between dmvpn and flexvpn

Explanation

Explanation

In this question, the engineer was trying to secure the connection so maybe he was trying to allow SSH to the device. But maybe something went wrong so the connection was failing (the connection used to be good). So maybe he was missing the “crypto key generate rsa” command.

Explanation

Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for Endpoints offers a variety of lists, referred to as Outbreak Control, that allow you to customize it to your needs. The main lists are: Simple Custom Detections, Blocked Applications, Allowed Applications, Advanced Custom Detections, and IP Blocked and Allowed Lists.

A Simple Custom Detection list is similar to a blocked list. These are files that you want to detect and

quarantine.

Allowed applications lists are for files you never want to convict. Some examples are a custom application that is detected by a generic engine or a standard image that you use throughout the company Reference: https://docs.amp.cisco.com/AMP%20for%20Endpoints%20User%20Guide.pdf

Explanation

Cisco Firepower deployments can take advantage of platform settings policies. A platform settings policy is a shared set of features or parameters that define the aspects of a managed device that are likely to be similar to other managed devices in your deployment, such as time settings and external authentication. Examples of these platform settings policies are time and date settings, external authentication, and other common

administrative features.

A shared policy makes it possible to configure multiple managed devices at once, which provides consistency in your deployment and streamlines your management efforts. Any changes to a platform settings policy affects all the managed devices where you applied the policy. Even if you want different settings per device, you must create a shared policy and apply it to the desired device.

For example, your organization’s security policies may require that your appliances have a “No Unauthorized Use” message when a user logs in. With platform settings, you can set the login banner once in a platform settings policy.

 Intelligent Multi-Scan (IMS) is a feature that enables the Cisco ESA to perform multiple anti-spam scans on each message and apply different actions based on the results. IMS also includes the Graymail Detection and Safe Unsubscribe services, which allow the ESA to identify and filter messages that are not strictly spam, but are low-priority or unwanted by the end user, such as newsletters, social media notifications, or marketing emails. The Graymail Detection service can classify messages into different categories, such as bulk, mass, or subscription, and assign different scores and verdicts to them. The Safe Unsubscribe service can provide a link for the end user to safely unsubscribe from the sender’s mailing list, without revealing their email address or opening a malicious URL. To enable the blocking of greymail for the end user, the administrator must first enable the IMS feature globally and then configure the Graymail and Safe Unsubscribe settings in the mail policies. The administrator can also enable the centralized spam quarantine and the end-user quarantine interface to allow the end user to manage their own quarantined messages. References :=

Best Practice Guide for Anti-Spam, Anti-Virus, Graymail and Outbreak Filters

Graymail Detection and Safe Unsubscribing Functionality

A destination list is a list of internet destinations: domains, URLs, and CIDRs. To control identity access to specific destinations, you can add destination lists to Umbrella and then select them when configuring your Web and DNS policies12. When you add or edit a destination list, the changes are applied immediately if the destination list is part of a policy3. This means that any identities that are associated with the policy will be affected by the changes in the destination list. You do not need to save the configuration or remove the destination list from the policy to apply the changes. However, you do need to have the appropriate user role to manage destination lists. The user role of Block Page Bypass or higher is needed to perform these changes4. References :=

Manage Destination Lists - Umbrella User Guide

Manage Destination Lists - Umbrella SIG User Guide

Add a Destination List - Umbrella User Guide

Add a DNS Destination List - Umbrella SIG User Guide

To force a session to be adjusted after a policy change is made, two configurations are required on Cisco ISE and on Cisco TrustSec devices: Dynamic Authorization and Change of Authorization (CoA). Dynamic Authorization allows Cisco ISE to send commands to network devices to change the authorization status of a user session. CoA is a feature that enables Cisco ISE to send a RADIUS message to a network device to reauthenticate or disconnect a user session. These two configurations enable Cisco ISE to apply the updated policy to the user session without requiring the user to log out and log in again.

According to the source book, the steps to configure Dynamic Authorization and CoA are as follows1:

On Cisco ISE, navigate to Administration > Network Resources > Network Devices and select the network device that supports TrustSec.

On the Edit Network Device page, select the Advanced TrustSec Settings tab and check the Support for CoA check box.

On the same tab, select the appropriate CoA type from the drop-down list. The options are RADIUS Disconnect, Port Bounce, and Reauth.

Click Submit to save the changes.

On the network device, enter the global configuration mode and issue the command aaa server radius dynamic-author to enable Dynamic Authorization.

Optionally, you can specify the source interface, authentication key, and port number for the Dynamic Authorization messages.

Exit the global configuration mode and save the configuration.

 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 4: Secure Connectivity, Lesson 4.2: Implementing TrustSec, Topic 4.2.3: Configuring TrustSec on Cisco ISE and Network Devices, pp. 4-83 to 4-85.

 TACACS+ is a protocol that provides authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) services for network devices. Unlike RADIUS, which only supports authorization at the user level, TACACS+ supports authorization at the command level. This means that TACACS+ can verify the permissions of the network administrator for every command that is entered, and allow or deny access accordingly. This provides more granular and secure control over network resources and operations. EAPOL, SSH, and RADIUS are not protocols that can provide command-level authorization for AAA. References :=

Some possible references are:

Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 1: Security Concepts, Lesson 1.2: Network Security Devices and Cloud Services, Topic 1.2.3: AAA

350-701 SCOR - Cisco, Exam Topics, 1.0 Security Concepts, 1.2 Compare network security solutions, 1.2.a AAA

What Is AAA Security? | Fortinet, Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)

Explanation

SQL injection usually occurs when you ask a user for input, like their username/userid, but the user gives

(“injects”) you an SQL statement that you will unknowingly run on your database. For example:

Look at the following example, which creates a SELECT statement by adding a variable (txtUserId) to a select

string. The variable is fetched from user input (getRequestString):

txtUserId = getRequestString(“UserId”);

txtSQL = “SELECT * FROM Users WHERE UserId = ” + txtUserId;

If user enter something like this: “100 OR 1=1” then the SzQL statement will look like this:

SELECT * FROM Users WHERE UserId = 100 OR 1=1;

The SQL above is valid and will return ALL rows from the “Users” table, since OR 1=1 is always TRUE. A

hacker might get access to all the user names and passwords in this database.

Cisco Umbrella Investigate provides a comprehensive view of Internet domains, IP addresses, and autonomous systems, offering a wealth of information about the infrastructure of the internet. It helps security analysts and threat investigators to pinpoint current and emerging threats by providing access to data from Cisco's global network, thereby enabling the identification of attackers and malicious infrastructures.

Explanation

Application Visibility and control (AVC) supports NetFlow to export application usage and performance

statistics. This data can be used for analytics, billing, and security policies.

 Suppression is a feature of Cisco Next Generation Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS) that allows you to reduce false positives and unwanted alerts by filtering out specific traffic from the intrusion detection and prevention process. You can configure suppression based on different criteria, such as port, rule, source, destination, and network. The two valid suppression types for this question are port and rule. Port suppression allows you to exclude traffic based on the source or destination port number, or both. For example, you can suppress alerts for port 80 (HTTP) traffic if you are not interested in web-based attacks. Rule suppression allows you to exclude traffic based on the rule ID (SID) or the rule category. For example, you can suppress alerts for rules that belong to the policy-violations category if you are not concerned about them. You can also suppress alerts for specific rules that are not relevant to your network or generate too many false positives. References

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security service that provides DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, firewall, cloud access security broker, and threat intelligence functions. It helps improve security visibility, detect compromised systems, and protect your users on and off the network by stopping threats over any port or protocol before they reach your network or endpoints1. One of the benefits of using Cisco Umbrella is that it can block threats before they launch, reducing response times, and delivering safe, secure internet with Umbrella’s cloud tools2. By intercepting DNS requests and applying security policies, Umbrella can prevent malicious connections from being established, and mitigate attacks before the application connection occurs3. This can also reduce bandwidth costs and improve performance by filtering out unwanted traffic1. References: 1: The Essential Benefits of Cisco Umbrella 2: 5 Reasons to Try Cisco Umbrella Now 3: Why choose Cisco Umbrella for cybersecurity protection

 To configure a flow-export action on a Cisco ASA, you need to use the flow-export event-type command and the policy-map command. The flow-export event-type command specifies the type of events that trigger the export of NetFlow Security Event Logging (NSEL) records to a collector. The policy-map command creates or modifies a policy map that can be applied to one or more interfaces to specify a service policy. A service policy consists of a traffic class and one or more actions to be applied to the traffic class. One of the actions can be a flow-export action that matches the NSEL events and sends them to a collector. The other commands are not required for configuring a flow-export action. The access-list command creates or modifies an access list that can be used to filter traffic or match traffic classes, but it is not mandatory for a flow-export action. The flow-export template timeout-rate command specifies how often the ASA sends the template to the collector, but it is not part of the flow-export action configuration. The access-group command applies an access list to an interface, but it is not related to the flow-export action. References:

Cisco ASA 5500 Series Configuration Guide using the CLI, 8.4 and 8.6 - Configuring Network Secure Event Logging (NSEL)

Solved: Flow-Export problem - Cisco Community

How to configure NetFlow on Cisco ASA firewalls - Auvik Support

Configuring Cisco’s ASA for NSEL Export to the StealthWatch System

Network telemetry is the collection, measurement, and analysis of data related to the behavior and performance of a network1. It involves gathering information about routers, switches, servers, and applications to gain insights into how they function and how data moves through them. To correlate different sources of network telemetry data, it is important to enable Network Time Protocol (NTP) across all network infrastructure devices. NTP is a protocol that synchronizes the clocks of network devices to a common reference time source2. This ensures that the network telemetry data has consistent timestamps and can be compared and correlated accurately. NTP also helps with troubleshooting network issues, as it allows network administrators to pinpoint the exact time of events and anomalies. NTP is a core security technology that is covered in the Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) course3, which helps you prepare for the Cisco CCNP Security and CCIE Security certifications and for senior-level security roles. References: 1: Network Telemetry Explained: Frameworks, Applications & Standards - Splunk 2: [Network Time Protocol (NTP) - Cisco] 3: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0

Explanation

Cisco Stealthwatch Cloud: Available as an SaaS product offer to provide visibility and threat detection within public cloud infrastructures such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Cisco FTDv is a virtual appliance that combines the features of Cisco ASA and Cisco Firepower NGIPS. It provides stateful firewall, IPS, URL filtering, malware protection, and other advanced security functions. Cisco ASAv is a virtual appliance that only provides stateful firewall and VPN features. It does not support URL filtering or other Firepower functions. Therefore, Cisco FTDv provides more features than ASAv, especially for next-generation firewall capabilities. References :=

Cisco Firewall in AWS - Should i use ASAv or FTDv/FMCv?

Difference between Cisco ASAv, NGIPSv and FTDv…?

Are there any differences in features between Cisco ASA hardware …

Talos Intelligence is a comprehensive threat intelligence service that provides up-to-date information on URL filtering, reputations, and vulnerability information. Talos Intelligence can be integrated with Cisco FTD and Cisco WSA to enhance the security and visibility of the network. Cisco FTD and Cisco WSA can leverage the Talos Intelligence feeds to perform Security Intelligence filtering, which allows the devices to block or allow traffic based on the reputation of the source or destination IP addresses, URLs, or DNS requests. Talos Intelligence feeds are updated regularly and can be configured to download automatically or manually on the FTD and WSA devices12345. References := 1: Cisco Talos Intelligence Group - Comprehensive Threat Intelligence 2: Threat Intelligence on Cisco Stealthwatch - Cisco Community 3: Third-Party Integration of Security Feeds with FMC (Cisco Threat … - Cisco Community 4: Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Configuration Guide for Firepower Device … 5: Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Configuration Guide for Firepower Device …

Cisco Tetration, which is a hybrid-cloud workload protection platform that uses machine learning, behavior analysis, and algorithmic approaches to secure compute instances in both the on-premises data center and the public cloud1. Cisco Tetration can process behavior baselines, monitor for deviations, and review for malicious processes in data center traffic and servers while performing software vulnerability detection. It can also provide zero-trust microsegmentation, proactive identification of security incidents, and reduction of the attack surface1. The other options are not correct because they do not offer the same level of workload protection as Cisco Tetration. Cisco ISE is an identity and access control platform that provides secure network access, endpoint compliance, and device administration2. Cisco AMP for Network is a network-based malware prevention solution that detects and blocks malicious files and URLs before they reach the endpoints3. Cisco AnyConnect is a VPN client that provides secure remote access, endpoint visibility, and posture enforcement4. References:

1: Cisco Secure Workload Platform Data Sheet

2: Cisco Identity Services Engine Data Sheet

3: Cisco Advanced Malware Protection for Networks Data Sheet

4: Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Data Sheet

 EPP solutions solely focus on the perimeter of the network, which is the boundary between the internal and external networks. The perimeter is where most of the endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and IoT devices, are located and connected to the network. EPP solutions aim to prevent, detect, and remediate security threats on these endpoints by using technologies such as antivirus, data encryption, and data loss prevention. EPP solutions rely on signatures and other indicators of intrusion by known threats to block malicious activity and malware on the endpoints12.

EDR solutions do not focus on the perimeter, but rather on the entire network, including the core and the East-West gateways. The core is the central part of the network that connects different segments and provides high-speed data transmission. The East-West gateways are the points of communication between different segments within the network, such as between different data centers or cloud environments. EDR solutions provide continuous and comprehensive visibility into endpoint activities across the network by using threat hunting tools for behavior-based endpoint threat detection. EDR solutions monitor and record endpoint data, detect anomalies and malicious behavior, and respond to threats that EPP and other security tools did not catch. EDR solutions also enable security teams to proactively investigate and contain incidents by using incident data search, alert triage, threat validation, and malicious activity blocking134.

References := 1: EPP vs. EDR: Why You Need Both - CrowdStrike 2: Comparing endpoint security: EPP vs. EDR vs. XDR | Infosec 3: EDR vs EPP: What is the Difference? - Exabeam 4: EDR vs EPP: Key Features, Differences, and How They Work Together

Explanation

Phishing attacks are the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable

source. It is usually done through email. The goal is to steal sensitive data like credit card and login information,

or to install malware on the victim’s machine.

PFS stands for Perfect Forward Secrecy, which is a property of some cryptographic protocols that ensures that the compromise of a long-term key does not affect the security of past or future sessions. PFS provides the highest level of protection against brute-force attacks, because even if an attacker manages to break the long-term key, they cannot decrypt the previous or subsequent communications that use different session keys. PFS is achieved by using ephemeral or temporary keys that are derived from a Diffie-Hellman key exchange, and are not based on the long-term key. Therefore, each session has a unique and independent key that is not stored or reused. PFS is supported by some protocols such as TLS, SSH, and IPsec123. References := 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 4: Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower Next Generation IPS, Lesson 4.1: Deploying Cisco Firepower Next-Generation IPS, Topic 4.1.2: Cisco Firepower NGIPS Device Management 2: What is Perfect Forward Secrecy? | Baeldung on Computer Science4 3: Perfect Forward Secrecy - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics5

To implement external authentication against Active Directory, the Cisco ISE server needs to communicate with the domain controller using either RADIUS or LDAP protocols. RADIUS is used for network access control, while LDAP is used for identity management and directory services. Both protocols require the appropriate ports to be opened and firewall rules to be configured to allow the traffic between the ISE server and the domain controller.

The ISE account does not need to be a domain administrator in Active Directory to perform JOIN operations. It only needs to have the permissions to create computer objects and reset passwords in the domain. This can be achieved by delegating the rights to a specific OU or using a service account with limited privileges.

Active Directory supports user and machine authentication by using various methods, not only MSCHAPv2. MSCHAPv2 is a challenge-response authentication protocol that is commonly used with RADIUS and VPN connections. However, Active Directory also supports other protocols such as Kerberos, NTLM, EAP, and PEAP, depending on the scenario and the client capabilities.

Explanation

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to your online accounts. Verifying your identity using a

second factor (like your phone or other mobile device) prevents anyone but you from logging in, even if they

know your password.

Note: Single sign-on (SSO) is a property of identity and access management that enables users to securely

authenticate with multiple applications and websites by logging in only once with just one set of credentials

(username and password). With SSO, the application or website that the user is trying to access relies on a

trusted third party to verify that users are who they say they are.

Cisco ISE and pxGrid use the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) standards to integrate with each other and with other interoperable security platforms. IETF is an open, international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers who produce voluntary standards for the Internet. Cisco pxGrid is based on the IETF standards-track XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) and RESTCONF (Representational State Transfer Configuration Protocol) technologies. These standards enable Cisco pxGrid to provide a scalable, secure, and open data-sharing platform that supports multiple security products and services. Cisco ISE uses the IETF standards-track RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) and TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus) protocols to provide network access control and policy enforcement. Cisco ISE also supports the IETF standards-track SXP (Security Group Tag eXchange Protocol) to propagate security group tags across the network. By using the IETF standards, Cisco ISE and pxGrid can interoperate with other security platforms that support the same standards, such as Infoblox, Splunk, Rapid7, and more. References:

Cisco pxGrid - Cisco

ISE pxGrid General Information & FAQ - Cisco Community

How To: Integrate Cisco WSA using ISE and TrustSec via pxGrid

Infoblox DDI, Cisco ISE, and the pxGrid Solution Platform

Trusted Automated eXchange of Intelligence Information (TAXII) is a collection of services and message exchanges that enable the sharing of cyber threat intelligence across product, service, and organizational boundaries. It is designed to support the exchange of CTI represented in STIX, but is not limited to STIX. TAXII defines an API that aligns with common sharing models, such as hub-and-spoke, peer-to-peer, and subscribe/publish. TAXII is not a public collection of threat intelligence feeds, a threat intelligence sharing organization, or a language used to represent security information. Those are possible descriptions of STIX, which is a complementary standard to TAXII. References: STIX and TAXII Approved as OASIS Standards to Enable Automated Exchange of Cyber Threat Intelligence, STIX V2.1 and TAXII V2.1 OASIS Standards are published, What is STIX/TAXII? | Cloudflare, What is STIX / TAXII? Learn about the industry standards for Cyber …, What are STIX/TAXII Standards I Resources I Anomali

The RAT (Recipient Access Table) is the list that contains the allowed recipient addresses on the Cisco ESA. The RAT controls whether the ESA accepts or rejects messages to a recipient address based on the sender group and the mail policy. The RAT can be configured to allow, relay, or reject messages to specific recipients or domains. The RAT can also be used to apply different message filters or content filters to different recipient groups12. References: 1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) course, Module 2: Network Security, Lesson 3: Deploying Cisco Email Security Appliance, Topic: Configuring Mail Policies2: Cisco Email Security Appliance User Guide, Release 13.5 - Configuring Mail Policies [Cisco Secure Email Gateway] - Cisco.

Explanation

Explanation

The traditional use of the pull model, where the client requests data from the network does not scale when what you want is near real-time data. Moreover, in some use cases, there is the need to be notified only when some data changes, like interfaces status, protocol neighbors change etc.

Model-Driven Telemetry is a new approach for network monitoring in which data is streamed from network devices continuously using a push model and provides near real-time access to operational statistics.

Applications can subscribe to specific data items they need, by using standard-based YANG data models over NETCONF-YANG. Cisco IOS XE streaming telemetry allows to push data off of the device to an external collector at a much higher frequency, more efficiently, as well as data on-change streaming.

Content Security is a term that encompasses various security features and solutions that protect the data and applications from threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing, data loss, and unauthorized access. Content Security includes products such as Cisco Email Security, Cisco Web Security, Cisco Cloudlock, and Cisco Umbrella. These products use the AsyncOS API, which is a RESTful API that allows administrators and developers to programmatically interact with the content security appliances and services. The AsyncOS API enables tasks such as configuration, reporting, monitoring, troubleshooting, and automation of content security policies and actions. The AsyncOS API is based on the HTTP protocol and uses JSON or XML as the data format. The AsyncOS API also supports authentication, authorization, rate limiting, and error handling mechanisms. The AsyncOS API documentation provides the details of the available resources, methods, parameters, and responses for each content security product. References :=

Cisco Content Security Products

AsyncOS API Overview

AsyncOS API Documentation

1: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/content-security/index.html 2: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/esa/esa13-0/API/b_ESA_API_13_0_1/b_ESA_API_13_0_1_chapter_01.html 3: https://developer.cisco.com/docs/email-security/#!asyncos-api-overview

Explanation

Explanation

Customers must manage applications and data in PaaS.

Explanation

A posture policy is a collection of posture requirements, which are associated with one or more identity groups, and operating systems. We can configure ISE to check for the Windows patch at Work Centers > Posture > Posture Elements > Conditions > File.

In this example, we are going to use the predefined file check to ensure that our Windows 10 clients have the critical security patch installed to prevent the Wanna Cry malware.

The Cisco DNA Center RESTful PNP API allows external applications to interact with the Plug and Play (PNP) service of Cisco DNA Center, which automates the onboarding and provisioning of network devices. The PNP API has several endpoints for different operations, such as importing, claiming, updating, and deleting devices. The endpoint that adds and claims a device into a workflow is api/v1/onboarding/pnp-device/import, which takes a JSON payload with the device information and the workflow ID. This endpoint creates a new device entry in the PNP database and associates it with the specified workflow. The workflow defines the configuration template, image, and license to be applied to the device during the provisioning process12. References:

1: See How to Use the Plug and Play API in DNA Center – Part 2

2: Cisco DNA Center Platform User Guide, Release 2.2.3