Cisco 350-701 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions
Question 1:
Which two of the following statements accurately reflect features of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)? (Choose two.)
A. AES delivers a reduced security level compared to Triple DES
B. AES delivers more robust encryption than Triple DES
C. AES utilizes a 168-bit encryption key
D. AES supports key sizes up to 256 bits for encryption
E. AES encrypts data three times consecutively using a layered method
Correct Answer: B, D
Explanation:
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a widely used symmetric encryption algorithm that replaced the older Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Triple DES (3DES). AES is designed to be more secure and efficient than previous standards, and it is a core component of modern cryptography.
Let's go through each option:
A. AES delivers a reduced security level compared to Triple DES:
This statement is incorrect. AES actually delivers stronger encryption than Triple DES. While Triple DES involves applying the DES algorithm three times (hence "Triple"), AES provides a more secure and efficient encryption method. AES supports longer key lengths and is considered to be much more resistant to modern cryptographic attacks than Triple DES.
B. AES delivers more robust encryption than Triple DES:
This statement is correct. AES is widely regarded as more robust and secure than Triple DES. AES uses newer cryptographic techniques, and its key lengths (128, 192, and 256 bits) provide a higher level of security compared to Triple DES, which uses 168-bit keys and is considered weaker by modern standards.
C. AES utilizes a 168-bit encryption key:
This statement is incorrect. AES does not use a 168-bit encryption key. AES supports three possible key lengths: 128, 192, and 256 bits. The confusion may come from the fact that Triple DES uses a 168-bit key, but AES does not.
D. AES supports key sizes up to 256 bits for encryption:
This statement is correct. AES supports three key sizes: 128 bits, 192 bits, and 256 bits. The 256-bit key length provides the highest level of encryption strength, and it is one of the options available when configuring AES.
E. AES encrypts data three times consecutively using a layered method:
This statement is incorrect. This description refers to Triple DES (3DES), not AES. Triple DES applies the DES algorithm three times in a layered fashion, but AES uses a different structure. AES performs a series of transformations on the data during encryption (substitution, permutation, mixing, and key addition), but it does not apply the same operation multiple times as Triple DES does.
The correct statements about AES are that it delivers more robust encryption than Triple DES (B) and that it supports key sizes up to 256 bits (D).
Question 2:
Which structured data format is primarily designed to represent and share threat intelligence and is typically transferred over the TAXII protocol?
A. Structured Threat Information Expression (STIX)
B. Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP)
C. Platform Exchange Grid (pxGrid)
D. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Structured Threat Information Expression (STIX) is a standardized language used to represent threat intelligence in a structured manner. It is designed to provide a comprehensive way of sharing, storing, and analyzing information related to cyber threats, including indicators, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). STIX allows security organizations to describe and share detailed threat data, enabling better collaboration and understanding of cyber threats across different entities.
Let's break down the options:
A. Structured Threat Information Expression (STIX):
This is the correct answer. STIX is specifically designed for representing and sharing cyber threat intelligence in a machine-readable and standardized format. It can describe various aspects of cyber threats, including attack patterns, vulnerabilities, malware, and threat actors. STIX data is often transferred using the Trusted Automated Exchange of Indicator Information (TAXII) protocol, which enables the sharing of threat intelligence across different organizations and systems.
B. Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP):
This option is incorrect. XMPP is a communication protocol primarily used for instant messaging and presence information. It is not designed for representing or sharing threat intelligence, nor is it typically associated with the TAXII protocol.
C. Platform Exchange Grid (pxGrid):
This option is incorrect. pxGrid is a Cisco-specific technology used for secure information sharing between network security systems, such as Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and other devices. While it is used for information exchange, it is not specifically designed for threat intelligence sharing, and it is not used with TAXII.
D. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP):
This option is incorrect. SMTP is a protocol used for sending email messages between servers. While it is crucial for email communication, it is not used for transferring threat intelligence data and is not related to the TAXII protocol.
The correct structured data format for representing and sharing threat intelligence, typically transferred over the TAXII protocol, is STIX (Structured Threat Information Expression).
Question 3:
In a large-scale, multi-vendor network where encrypted communication and dynamic routing between multiple sites are required, which VPN method is best suited?
A. Secure Sockets Layer VPN (SSL VPN)
B. Group Encrypted Transport VPN (GET VPN)
C. Flexible VPN (FlexVPN)
D. Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
In a large-scale, multi-vendor network that requires encrypted communication and dynamic routing, the most suitable VPN method is Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN).
D. Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN):
DMVPN is an advanced VPN solution that allows multiple sites to dynamically create direct, secure tunnels to one another, which is especially useful in a large-scale network with multiple sites. It uses protocols such as GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) and IPSec to establish secure, on-demand VPN connections between sites, and it allows for dynamic routing using protocols like EIGRP or OSPF. This makes it a highly scalable solution, ideal for complex, multi-site networks. Additionally, DMVPN reduces the number of static VPN tunnels required and improves scalability by enabling sites to connect directly without needing to route traffic through a central hub.
Here’s why the other options are less suitable for this scenario:
A. Secure Sockets Layer VPN (SSL VPN):
SSL VPN is commonly used for providing secure remote access for individual users, often for accessing internal applications or resources from an external device like a laptop or smartphone. While SSL VPN provides security and encryption, it is not designed for large-scale, multi-site communication or dynamic routing between multiple locations. It is not the best fit for the described network needs, as it is more focused on remote access rather than site-to-site dynamic routing.
B. Group Encrypted Transport VPN (GET VPN):
GET VPN is typically used in a hub-and-spoke network topology where the key focus is to provide encryption for multicast traffic and other types of traffic across multiple sites. While it can be effective for encrypting communication within a specific network, it does not have the dynamic routing capabilities of DMVPN, making it less flexible for large-scale, dynamic routing requirements between various sites.
C. Flexible VPN (FlexVPN):
FlexVPN is a Cisco VPN technology designed to provide a flexible, scalable, and simplified VPN solution. While FlexVPN can support various use cases, it is not as specifically designed for large-scale dynamic routing in a multi-vendor environment as DMVPN. FlexVPN is more of a general-purpose solution for securing communication over a variety of networks, but DMVPN excels in environments where scalability and dynamic site-to-site routing are paramount.
For large-scale, multi-vendor networks that require encrypted communication and dynamic routing between multiple sites, DMVPN is the best-suited VPN solution. It enables on-demand, secure tunnels and supports dynamic routing protocols, which are essential for complex and scalable network topologies.
Question 4:
A global enterprise wants to implement encrypted communications between branch offices using a private IP backbone. The solution should provide scalability, full data confidentiality, and allow direct site-to-site communication without the complexity of full mesh configurations.
Which VPN type fits best?
A. Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN)
B. FlexVPN
C. IPsec DVTI (Dynamic Virtual Tunnel Interface)
D. Group Encrypted Transport VPN (GET VPN)
Correct Answer: D. Group Encrypted Transport VPN (GET VPN)
Explanation:
D. Group Encrypted Transport VPN (GET VPN):
GET VPN is a VPN solution designed specifically for large-scale, branch office-to-branch office communication over a private IP backbone, making it ideal for the described use case. It provides full data confidentiality and scalability while simplifying the configuration compared to a full mesh setup. GET VPN enables secure communication between sites without requiring direct point-to-point tunnels between every pair of sites. Instead, it uses a group key management system to secure traffic, and it can route data over a private IP backbone with minimal complexity. This meets the enterprise’s needs for scalable, secure site-to-site communication without a full mesh configuration.
Here’s why the other options are less suitable for this scenario:
A. Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN):
DMVPN provides scalability and the ability for sites to dynamically establish secure communication with each other. While DMVPN also allows site-to-site communication without a full mesh, it is typically more complex and designed for environments where the primary concern is dynamic creation of tunnels between sites. It’s better suited for scenarios where sites need to connect dynamically and where the network is more dynamic in nature, rather than a private backbone where full scalability and confidentiality are paramount.
B. FlexVPN:
FlexVPN is a flexible VPN technology that can support a variety of deployment scenarios, including remote access and site-to-site VPNs. However, it’s not as optimized for large-scale, private backbone communication between multiple sites as GET VPN. While it’s a powerful solution for specific use cases, GET VPN is a more tailored solution for the described enterprise need to securely connect branch offices over a private backbone with minimal complexity.
C. IPsec DVTI (Dynamic Virtual Tunnel Interface):
IPsec DVTI is a technology designed to simplify the configuration of IPsec VPNs, particularly for situations where VPN tunnels need to be dynamically created. While DVTI can help with scalability, it does not provide the same level of flexibility, confidentiality, and simplicity for large-scale, site-to-site communication as GET VPN does. Additionally, it requires more manual configuration for managing the tunnels.
For a global enterprise needing encrypted communications between branch offices over a private IP backbone, with scalability and minimal complexity, GET VPN is the best choice. It offers a scalable, simple solution for site-to-site communication without the need for complex full mesh configurations, ensuring both confidentiality and ease of implementation.
Question 5:
Which feature is common to both Cisco DMVPN and FlexVPN implementations?
A. Both solutions utilize IKEv2 for performing key negotiations
B. Both rely on IS-IS protocol to exchange routing data
C. Both technologies share the same NHRP implementation in IOS
D. Both use an identical hash algorithm to ensure data integrity
Correct Answer: C. Both technologies share the same NHRP implementation in IOS
Explanation:
C. Both technologies share the same NHRP implementation in IOS:
Both DMVPN (Dynamic Multipoint VPN) and FlexVPN utilize NHRP (Next Hop Resolution Protocol) as part of their architecture. NHRP is used in both technologies to dynamically resolve the next-hop IP address for the tunnels, allowing for more efficient routing and dynamic establishment of VPN connections. NHRP is an essential part of both DMVPN and FlexVPN in Cisco IOS, enabling flexibility in tunnel creation and reducing the need for static configurations.
Here’s why the other options are less suitable:
A. Both solutions utilize IKEv2 for performing key negotiations:
While FlexVPN can use IKEv2 for key negotiations (and is often used with IKEv2 for more advanced configurations), DMVPN traditionally uses IKEv1 (though it can support IKEv2 as well in some cases). This makes option A partially correct, but it is not a feature common to both DMVPN and FlexVPN by default.
B. Both rely on IS-IS protocol to exchange routing data:
Neither DMVPN nor FlexVPN requires IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System) for exchanging routing data. Both solutions typically rely on RIP, EIGRP, or OSPF for routing, rather than IS-IS. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
D. Both use an identical hash algorithm to ensure data integrity:
While both DMVPN and FlexVPN use encryption and hashing algorithms for ensuring data integrity, they are not required to use the same hash algorithm. In fact, the choice of algorithms can vary based on specific configuration options. This option is not universally true for both technologies, making it an incorrect answer.
The common feature between Cisco DMVPN and FlexVPN is that they both utilize NHRP for dynamic next-hop resolution, making option C the correct answer.
Question 6:
When using Cisco AnyConnect for secure VPN access, which protocol delivers the best performance over UDP while maintaining low delay and strong data integrity?
A. Datagram Transport Layer Security v1 (DTLSv1)
B. Transport Layer Security v1 (TLSv1)
C. Transport Layer Security v1.1 (TLSv1.1)
D. Transport Layer Security v1.2 (TLSv1.2)
Correct Answer: A. Datagram Transport Layer Security v1 (DTLSv1)
Explanation:
A. Datagram Transport Layer Security v1 (DTLSv1):
DTLSv1 is specifically designed to provide secure communication over UDP. It is used in environments where low latency is critical, such as in VPN connections with Cisco AnyConnect. DTLS ensures strong encryption and data integrity while maintaining low delay by using UDP (which is faster than TCP) and providing security similar to TLS but suited for real-time applications like VPNs. Therefore, it delivers optimal performance in scenarios requiring secure and low-latency communication.
Why the other options are less suitable:
B. Transport Layer Security v1 (TLSv1):
TLSv1 operates over TCP, which adds additional overhead due to the connection setup, retransmissions, and reliability mechanisms. While TLS provides secure communication, it is not as efficient as DTLS when low latency and fast performance over UDP are required.
C. Transport Layer Security v1.1 (TLSv1.1):
Similar to TLSv1, TLSv1.1 also operates over TCP and has some improvements over TLSv1, but it does not perform as well over UDP as DTLS. It’s still prone to the latency and performance limitations of TCP.
D. Transport Layer Security v1.2 (TLSv1.2):
While TLSv1.2 offers stronger security and is more commonly used than TLSv1 or TLSv1.1, it still operates over TCP, which does not deliver the same performance over UDP as DTLS. It focuses more on security and data integrity but can introduce latency due to the overhead of TCP.
DTLSv1 is the best choice for secure VPN access over UDP in Cisco AnyConnect, as it is specifically designed to provide low latency and strong data integrity while maintaining good performance. Hence, A. Datagram Transport Layer Security v1 (DTLSv1) is the correct answer.
Question 7:
Which Cisco unit is tasked with publishing weekly bulletins that provide updates on recent and critical cybersecurity threats worldwide?
A. Cisco Talos
B. Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT)
C. Security Coordination Incident Response Team (SCIRT)
D. Cisco DevNet
Correct Answer: A. Cisco Talos
Explanation:
A. Cisco Talos:
Cisco Talos is a well-known threat intelligence and security research organization within Cisco. Talos publishes weekly bulletins that provide updates on critical cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and trends. These bulletins are an essential resource for security professionals to stay informed about the latest security issues and how to protect their networks. In addition to these bulletins, Cisco Talos is also involved in threat research, malware analysis, and providing security solutions.
Why the other options are less suitable:
B. Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT):
PSIRT is responsible for managing and responding to security vulnerabilities in Cisco products. While PSIRT handles product-specific security issues and provides security advisories, it does not publish weekly bulletins on general cybersecurity threats. PSIRT’s role is more focused on incident response related to Cisco's products rather than broader global threat intelligence.
C. Security Coordination Incident Response Team (SCIRT):
SCIRT works on coordinating responses to security incidents within Cisco. However, it is more focused on incident management and coordinating actions during specific security events, not publishing regular cybersecurity bulletins.
D. Cisco DevNet:
Cisco DevNet is Cisco’s developer program, which offers resources, tools, and support for software developers. While DevNet helps in application development, it does not focus on publishing security bulletins or threat intelligence updates.
Cisco Talos is the unit within Cisco responsible for publishing weekly bulletins with updates on critical cybersecurity threats worldwide, making A. Cisco Talos the correct answer.
Question 8:
What is the standardized naming system used by security organizations like Cisco to identify and catalog known vulnerabilities in software or systems?
A. Catalog of Vulnerabilities, Exploits, and Threats
B. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)
C. Common Exploits and Vulnerabilities Register
D. Universal Security Threat and Exploit Index
Correct Answer: B. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)
Explanation:
B. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE):
CVE is the standardized naming system used by security organizations, including Cisco, to catalog and identify known vulnerabilities and exposures in software or systems. Each CVE entry provides a unique identifier for a security vulnerability, which allows security professionals, researchers, and organizations to communicate and share information about the vulnerability. The CVE system is widely adopted and maintained by organizations like MITRE, and it is essential for tracking, managing, and responding to vulnerabilities across the cybersecurity industry.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Catalog of Vulnerabilities, Exploits, and Threats:
This is not an established or standardized naming system for vulnerabilities. It seems like a general description, but it is not an official framework.
C. Common Exploits and Vulnerabilities Register:
This is also not a recognized naming system for vulnerabilities. While it sounds similar to CVE, it is not an established industry standard.
D. Universal Security Threat and Exploit Index:
This is not a standardized system for cataloging vulnerabilities or exploits. It appears to be a fabricated term rather than an accepted security cataloging method.
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system is the most widely recognized and standardized naming convention used to catalog vulnerabilities, making B. CVE the correct answer.
Question 9:
Which encryption protocol, widely used in securing email communication, ensures message confidentiality, integrity, and sender authentication using public key cryptography?
A. IPsec
B. PGP (Pretty Good Privacy)
C. SSL
D. SHA-1
Correct Answer: B. PGP (Pretty Good Privacy)
Explanation:
B. PGP (Pretty Good Privacy):
PGP is an encryption protocol that is widely used for securing email communication. It ensures message confidentiality by encrypting the contents of the email, integrity by providing a hash of the message, and sender authentication through the use of digital signatures with public key cryptography. PGP allows users to sign and encrypt their email messages, and it has become a standard for securing emails, especially for protecting against eavesdropping and tampering.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. IPsec:
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a suite of protocols used to secure network communications at the IP layer. While it provides confidentiality, integrity, and authentication, it is not specifically designed for securing email communication.
C. SSL:
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a cryptographic protocol used for securing communication over networks, particularly for securing web traffic (HTTPS). While SSL provides encryption for data transmission, it is not specifically used for securing email communication.
D. SHA-1:
SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1) is a cryptographic hash function used to generate a fixed-size hash value from input data. It is not an encryption protocol and does not provide message confidentiality, integrity, or authentication on its own. It is used within other encryption protocols but is not directly used for securing email communication.
PGP is the correct protocol for securing email communication, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and sender authentication using public key cryptography, making B. PGP the correct answer.
Question 10:
What Cisco architecture provides end-to-end network visibility, policy-based control, and security automation using software-defined principles?
A. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
B. Cisco DNA Center
C. Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine)
D. Cisco SD-WAN
Correct Answer: B. Cisco DNA Center
Explanation:
B. Cisco DNA Center:
Cisco DNA Center is an architecture that provides comprehensive network visibility, policy-based control, and security automation using software-defined principles. It allows network administrators to manage and automate the entire network infrastructure, enabling enhanced security, better visibility, and simplified policy enforcement. Cisco DNA Center is central to Cisco's Software-Defined Access (SDA), which facilitates end-to-end network automation, including policy enforcement and security management, across both wired and wireless networks.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Cisco Prime Infrastructure:
Cisco Prime Infrastructure is a management platform for network infrastructure that provides device monitoring, configuration, and network management. While it offers network visibility and management, it doesn't provide the same level of automation and software-defined network capabilities as Cisco DNA Center.
C. Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine):
Cisco ISE is a policy-driven network access control solution. It focuses on identity management, device authentication, and access control, but it doesn't provide end-to-end network visibility and automation as Cisco DNA Center does.
D. Cisco SD-WAN:
Cisco SD-WAN focuses on optimizing and securing WAN connections across distributed networks. While it provides some visibility and control over WAN traffic, it doesn't offer the same level of network-wide automation, policy-based control, and visibility as Cisco DNA Center.
Cisco DNA Center is the platform designed for end-to-end network visibility, policy-based control, and security automation using software-defined principles, making B. Cisco DNA Center the correct answer.
