The Cisco 350-701 exam validates your ability to implement and operate core security technologies across Cisco infrastructure. This exam is designed for network professionals pursuing Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security, Cisco Certified Network Professional, or Cisco Certified Network Professional Security credentials. It tests both theoretical knowledge and hands-on operational skills in modern security practices. This page guides you through the exam structure, key topics, and effective study strategies to build confidence before test day.
Use this topic map to guide your study for Cisco 350-701 (Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies) within the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security, Cisco Certified Network Professional, and Cisco Certified Network Professional Security path.
The 350-701 exam combines multiple question types to measure both conceptual understanding and real-world decision-making. Questions progress in difficulty and emphasize practical application of security technologies in operational contexts.
Questions increase in complexity as you progress, requiring integration of multiple topics and judgment about trade-offs between security, performance, and operational feasibility.
An effective study routine maps exam topics to weekly goals and balances conceptual learning with hands-on practice. Allocate time proportionally to topic weight, and regularly test yourself to identify gaps before exam day.
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Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement and Endpoint Protection and Detection typically account for a larger portion of exam questions. However, all five domains are equally important for building a complete security skillset, so balanced preparation across all topics is essential for success.
In practice, these domains work together: Security Concepts provide the foundation for all decisions; Cloud Security extends that foundation to hybrid environments; Content Security stops threats at the gateway; Endpoint Protection detects what gets through; and Network Access and Visibility enforce policies and monitor behavior. Understanding these connections helps you make better decisions during scenario-based questions.
Hands-on experience with Cisco security platforms (such as ASA, Firepower, Cisco Secure Endpoint, and ISE) significantly improves retention and confidence. Prioritize labs that cover configuration workflows, log interpretation, and incident response scenarios. Even 20-30 hours of practical work with these tools strengthens your ability to answer scenario and simulation questions accurately.
Frequent errors include misunderstanding the difference between detection and prevention technologies, confusing cloud security models, and overlooking compliance or scalability requirements in scenario questions. Many candidates also rush through questions without fully reading all options or considering trade-offs between security controls. Slow down, read each option carefully, and ask yourself why a choice is right or wrong.
In your final week, focus on weak topic areas identified in practice tests rather than re-reading everything. Do one full-length timed mock exam, review the explanations for every question you missed, and create a one-page reference sheet of key terms, commands, and decision trees. On the day before the exam, do light review only, rest is more valuable than cramming.
[Security Concepts]
An administrator enables Cisco Threat Intelligence Director on a Cisco FMC. Which process uses STIX and allows uploads and downloads of block lists?
The process that uses STIX and allows uploads and downloads of block lists is sharing. STIX (Structured Threat Information Expression) is a standard language and format for exchanging cyber threat intelligence data. Block lists are collections of observables, such as IP addresses, URLs, or domains, that are associated with malicious activity and can be used to block or monitor network traffic. Cisco Threat Intelligence Director (TID) is a feature that operationalizes threat intelligence data by consuming, normalizing, publishing, and correlating data from various sources, including third-party STIX feeds. TID enables the administrator to upload STIX files from local or remote sources, or download STIX files from the Firepower Management Center (FMC) to share with other systems.TID also allows the administrator to configure actions (such as block or monitor) based on the indicators and observables in the STIX files, and generate incidents and observations when the system detects traffic that matches the threat intelligence data123
[Endpoint Protection and Detection]
Why is it important for the organization to have an endpoint patching strategy?
[Security Concepts]
What is a difference between a DoS attack and a DDoS attack?
A DoS (Denial of Service) attack is a type of cyberattack that aims to disrupt the normal functioning of a server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a large amount of traffic or requests. A DoS attack typically uses a single computer or device to launch the attack, sending TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packets to the target server. TCP and UDP are two common protocols used to send data over the internet. TCP packets require a connection to be established between the sender and the receiver, and ensure that the data is delivered reliably and in order. UDP packets do not require a connection, and do not guarantee the delivery or order of the data. Both TCP and UDP packets can be used to flood a server with requests, consuming its resources and bandwidth, and preventing legitimate users from accessing the service.
A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is a type of DoS attack that uses multiple computers or devices to launch the attack, creating a large network of attackers that can generate more traffic or requests than a single source. A DDoS attack often involves a botnet, which is a network of compromised computers or devices that are controlled by a malicious actor, usually through malware or hacking. The botnet can send TCP or UDP packets to the target server from different locations and IP addresses, making it harder to trace and block the attack. A DDoS attack can also target multiple servers or services that are distributed over a LAN (Local Area Network), such as a web hosting service or a cloud computing platform, affecting the availability and performance of the entire network.
The main difference between a DoS attack and a DDoS attack is the number and diversity of the sources that are involved in the attack. A DoS attack comes from a single source, while a DDoS attack comes from multiple sources. This makes a DDoS attack more powerful, faster, and harder to stop than a DoS attack.
Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0, Module 1: Malware Threats, Lesson 2: Identifying Network Attacks, Topic: DoS and DDoS Attacks
DoS Attack vs. DDoS Attack: Key Differences? | Fortinet
What's the Difference Between a DOS and DDoS Attack? - How-To Geek
[Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement]
Why should organizations migrate to a multifactor authentication strategy?
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.1MFA 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.Reference:=1:What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? - Auth0
[Security Concepts]
Which MDM configuration provides scalability?
Mobile device management (MDM) is a solution that allows organizations to manage and secure mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. MDM can provide scalability by supporting BYOD (bring your own device) scenarios without requiring extra appliance or licenses. BYOD allows employees to use their personal devices for work purposes, which can reduce costs and increase productivity. However, BYOD also introduces security and compliance risks, which MDM can mitigate by enforcing policies, monitoring device status, and performing remote actions. MDM can also integrate with other Cisco security solutions such as Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Umbrella to provide additional protection and visibility.According to the Cisco SCOR course, MDM can provide the following benefits for BYOD1:
Simplify device enrollment and configuration
Automate device compliance checks and remediation
Apply granular policies based on device type, user role, location, and network
Enable secure access to corporate resources and applications
Protect data at rest and in transit with encryption and VPN
Detect and respond to device threats and vulnerabilities
Wipe or lock devices in case of loss or theft
:1: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 - Module 4: Secure Connectivity - Lesson 4.3: Mobile Device Management (MDM)
