[CISCO] 300-710 - Cisco Firewalls (SNCF) Exam Dumps & Study Guide

Free [CISCO] 300-710 - Cisco Firewalls (SNCF) Practice Questions Preview

• Question 1

  What is a result of enabling Cisco FTD clustering?
  

  • A. For the dynamic routing feature, if the master unit fails, the newly elected master unit maintains all existing connections.
  • B. Integrated Routing and Bridging is supported on the master unit.
  • C. Site-to-site VPN functionality is limited to the master unit, and all VPN connections are dropped if the master unit fails.
  • D. All Firepower appliances support Cisco FTD clustering.

  Correct Answer: C

  Explanation:

  Based on the question and the discussion, the AI agrees with the suggested answer, which is C.
  Reasoning: The primary benefit of clustering in Cisco FTD is high availability. However, the documentation clearly states limitations regarding VPN functionality. Specifically, in a clustered environment, VPN functionality, especially site-to-site VPN, has limitations, and remote access VPN is not supported. If the master unit (control unit) fails, all existing VPN connections are dropped. This behavior is a known limitation.
  Why other options are incorrect:

  • A: The newly elected master unit does *not* maintain all existing connections for dynamic routing. While clustering provides redundancy, connection state is not fully maintained in all scenarios, particularly across failovers.
  • B: Integrated Routing and Bridging support isn't specifically tied to the master unit in a way that makes this statement universally true or a key outcome of clustering.
  • D: Not all Firepower appliances support Cisco FTD clustering. There are specific hardware and software requirements.

  • Citations:
  • Clustering for the Firepower Threat Defense, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/640/configuration/guide/fpmc-config-guide-v64/clustering_for_the_firepower_threat_defense.html

• Question 2

  Which two conditions are necessary for high availability to function between two Cisco FTD devices? (Choose two.)
  

  • A. The units must be the same version
  • B. Both devices can be part of a different group that must be in the same domain when configured within the FMC.
  • C. The units must be different models if they are part of the same series.
  • D. The units must be configured only for firewall routed mode.
  • E. The units must be the same model.

  Correct Answer: AE

  Explanation:

  The AI agrees with the suggested answer of A and E.
  
  Suggested Answer: A & E
  
  Reasoning:
  Based on Cisco's documentation and best practices for configuring High Availability (HA) between two Cisco FTD devices, the following conditions are necessary:

  • Units must be the same version: For HA to function correctly, both FTD devices must be running the same software version. This ensures compatibility in configuration and operation.
  • Units must be the same model: HA requires that both FTD devices be the same model. This is because hardware specifications and resource capabilities must be identical to ensure seamless failover and consistent performance.

  
  Reasons for not choosing other options:

  • B: Both devices can be part of a different group that must be in the same domain when configured within the FMC. This statement is incorrect. While devices need to be in the same domain, being in *different* groups isn't a requirement or a condition for HA to function. They often are in the same group for easier management.
  • C: The units must be different models if they are part of the same series. This statement is incorrect. HA requires identical models for seamless failover.
  • D: The units must be configured only for firewall routed mode. This statement is incorrect. FTD devices in HA can be configured in either routed or transparent firewall mode, offering flexibility in network deployment.

  Citations:

  • Configure FTD High Availability on Firepower, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security/firepower-management-center/212699-configure-ftd-high-availability-on-firep.html

• Question 3

  On the advanced tab under inline set properties, which allows interfaces to emulate a passive interface?
  

  • A. transparent inline mode
  • B. TAP mode
  • C. strict TCP enforcement
  • D. propagate link state

  Correct Answer: B

  Explanation:

  The AI agrees with the suggested answer.
  
  The correct answer is B: TAP mode.
  
  Reasoning: TAP mode allows an interface to emulate a passive interface, meaning it can monitor network traffic without actively participating in or altering the flow of that traffic. This is precisely what is required to act as a passive interface for monitoring purposes. The "advanced tab under inline set properties" suggests configuration within a network appliance or security device where inline inspection is possible, and TAP mode enables passive monitoring within that context.
  
  Reasons for not choosing the other options:

  • A. transparent inline mode: While related to inline traffic inspection, it does not inherently imply a passive or monitoring-only role. It usually refers to a mode where the device actively processes traffic but attempts to minimize its impact on the network's behavior.
  • C. strict TCP enforcement: This option refers to enforcing TCP protocol standards and security measures, which is an active function, not a passive one.
  • D. propagate link state: This feature is related to how network devices communicate link status information, which is not directly related to emulating a passive interface for monitoring.

  Citations:

  • Cisco Inline Interfaces, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/asa/asa917/configuration/asa-917-configuration-guide/ha-interface.html
  • Understanding Network TAPs: The Ultimate Guide, https://www.ntcorp.com/understanding-network-taps-the-ultimate-guide/

• Question 4

  What are the minimum requirements to deploy a managed device inline?
  

  • A. inline interfaces, security zones, MTU, and mode
  • B. passive interface, MTU, and mode
  • C. inline interfaces, MTU, and mode
  • D. passive interface, security zone, MTU, and mode

  Correct Answer: C

  Explanation:

  The AI agrees with the suggested answer of C: inline interfaces, MTU, and mode.
  
  Reasoning:
  Based on the analysis of the question and the provided discussion, the essential elements for deploying a managed device inline are inline interfaces, MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit), and the inline mode itself. Security zones, while often used, are not strictly mandatory for initial deployment.
  
  The consensus from the discussion and the Cisco documentation supports this conclusion, highlighting that security zones are optional and can even be removed by the GUI when configuring inline interfaces as a pair. This makes option C the most accurate answer.
  
  Why other options are not the best choice:
  

  • Option A (inline interfaces, security zones, MTU, and mode): This option includes security zones, which, as stated in the Cisco documentation and discussion, are not a minimum requirement. The GUI behavior of removing existing zones when adding interfaces as a pair further supports the optional nature of security zones.
  • Option B (passive interface, MTU, and mode): Inline deployments do not use passive interfaces. Passive interfaces are typically used for monitoring traffic without actively participating in the data path. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
  • Option D (passive interface, security zone, MTU, and mode): Similar to option B, this option includes a passive interface, which is not relevant for inline deployments. Furthermore, while it includes security zones, the presence of the passive interface makes the entire option incorrect.

  Citations:

  • Deployments and Configurations, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/650/configuration/guide/fpmc-config-guide-v65/ips_device_deployments_and_configuration.html

• Question 5

  What is the difference between inline and inline tap on Cisco Firepower?
  

  • A. Inline tap mode can send a copy of the traffic to another device.
  • B. Inline tap mode does full packet capture.
  • C. Inline mode cannot do SSL decryption.
  • D. Inline mode can drop malicious traffic.

  Correct Answer: D

  Explanation:

  The suggested answer is correct.
  The suggested answer is D: Inline mode can drop malicious traffic.
  
  Reasoning:
  Inline mode and inline tap mode are distinct deployment options for network security devices like Cisco Firepower. The key difference lies in how they handle network traffic. Inline mode places the security appliance directly in the path of network traffic, allowing it to actively inspect, modify, and block traffic. Inline tap mode (also known as passive mode or SPAN port monitoring) involves the device receiving a copy of the network traffic, without being in the direct flow of data. This allows for analysis without directly impacting the network flow.
  
  * **Inline Mode:** Operates directly in the traffic flow. This means the Firepower device can make real-time decisions about traffic, including dropping malicious packets or blocking connections. This is crucial for preventing intrusions and enforcing security policies.
  * **Inline Tap Mode:** Operates passively by receiving a copy of the traffic. It cannot directly block or modify traffic; its role is primarily for monitoring and analysis. The security device analyzes the copied traffic and can generate alerts or reports, but it cannot prevent the traffic from reaching its destination.
  
  Why other options are incorrect:
  * **Option A: Inline tap mode can send a copy of the traffic to another device.** While true of inline tap mode, this isn't the *difference* between it and inline mode. Inline mode simply doesn't do this at all. * **Option B: Inline tap mode does full packet capture.** Full packet capture *can* be performed in inline tap mode, but this is not the defining difference. Inline mode can also perform packet capture, although typically it's more focused on real-time analysis and action. * **Option C: Inline mode cannot do SSL decryption.** This is incorrect. Inline mode *can* perform SSL decryption, assuming it is configured to do so and has the necessary keys or certificates.

  
  Citations:

  • Cisco Firepower Management Center Configuration Guide, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/670/configuration/fpmc-config-guide-v67/b_fpmc_config_guide_v67/m_deployment_modes.html

• Question 6

  With Cisco FTD software, which interface mode must be configured to passively receive traffic that passes through the appliance?
  

  • A. inline set
  • B. passive
  • C. routed
  • D. inline tap

  Correct Answer: D

  Explanation:

  The suggested answer is correct.
  Reasoning: The question asks about the interface mode that allows Cisco FTD to passively receive traffic that passes *through* the appliance. Inline Tap mode is specifically designed for this purpose. It allows the FTD to inspect traffic as it flows through the network without actively participating in the forwarding process.
  Why other options are incorrect:

  • A. Inline Set: Inline Set mode actively participates in the traffic flow, performing actions like blocking or modifying packets. This contradicts the requirement of passively receiving traffic.
  • B. Passive: Passive interfaces receive a copy of the traffic, typically via a SPAN port or similar mechanism. While passive monitoring is useful, this question is specifically asking for a method to passively receive traffic *passing through* the device, which implies inline placement. A passive interface would not have traffic "passing through" it.
  • C. Routed: Routed mode implies that the FTD is acting as a router, actively making forwarding decisions. This is not a passive mode.

  The key differentiator is that Inline Tap is designed to be inserted into the traffic path for passive monitoring, while the other options involve active participation or receiving a copy of the traffic.

  Citations:

  • Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Interface Configuration, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/690/configuration/ftd-config-69/ftd-interfaces.html

• Question 7

  Which two deployment types support high availability? (Choose two.)
  

  • A. transparent
  • B. routed
  • C. clustered
  • D. intra-chassis multi-instance
  • E. virtual appliance in public cloud

  Correct Answer: AB

  Explanation:

  The suggested answer is incorrect. The AI recommends options C and D as the correct answers.
  
  Reasoning:
  High availability (HA) aims to eliminate single points of failure and ensure continuous service availability. Different deployment types offer varying levels of HA.
  

  • **Clustered (C):** Clustering provides HA by grouping multiple devices that work together as a single logical unit. If one device fails, the others can take over its workload, ensuring continuous operation. This is a common HA deployment strategy.
  • **Intra-chassis multi-instance (D):** This deployment type, especially within a chassis-based system, allows running multiple instances of a service or application on different modules within the same chassis. If one instance fails, the other instances on different modules within the chassis can continue to operate, thus providing HA.

  Reasons for Incorrectness of Other Options:
  

  • **Transparent (A) and Routed (B):** These options are firewall modes and not deployment types related to High Availability directly. While you can configure firewalls in transparent or routed mode in an HA pair, the mode itself doesn't inherently provide HA. HA relies on mechanisms like clustering or active/standby failover.
  • **Virtual appliance in public cloud (E):** While public cloud environments often offer HA features, the virtual appliance itself needs to be configured for HA (e.g., using load balancers and auto-scaling). Simply being in the public cloud doesn't guarantee HA without proper configuration. Furthermore, options C and D directly relate to HA deployment types, making them better choices.

  
  

  Note that the discussion content focuses on the requirements for configuring FTD HA once a deployment type has already been selected, not on the HA deployment types themselves.

  
  

  Citations:

  • Cisco Firepower Threat Defense High Availability: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/quick_start/ha/firepower-threat-defense-high-availability-quick-start-guide.html
  • Understanding High Availability (HA): https://www.ibm.com/topics/high-availability

• Question 8

  Which protocol establishes network redundancy in a switched Firepower device deployment?
  

  • A. STP
  • B. HSRP
  • C. GLBP
  • D. VRRP

  Correct Answer: A

  Explanation:

  The AI agrees with the suggested answer, which is A. STP.
  Reasoning:
  Based on the provided Cisco documentation, STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is indeed used to establish network redundancy in a switched network deployment. Firepower devices, when deployed in a switched environment, can leverage STP to prevent loops and ensure a stable network topology. The reference document details how Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) can participate in STP.
  Reasons for not choosing the other options:

  • HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol), GLBP (Gateway Load Balancing Protocol), and VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) are all First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRPs) primarily designed for router redundancy, not switched network redundancy. They provide redundancy at the gateway level, ensuring that if one router fails, another can take over. While Firepower devices can act as routers and use these protocols, the question specifically asks about redundancy in a *switched* deployment.

  • Suggested Answer: A
  • Reasoning: STP is the protocol for redundancy in a switched network.
  • Reasons for not choosing the other options: HSRP, GLBP, and VRRP are for router redundancy, not specifically for switched networks.

  
  Citations:

  • Firepower Threat Defense High Availability, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/620/configuration/guide/fpmc-config-guide-v62/firepower_threat_defense_high_availability.html

• Question 9

  Which interface type allows packets to be dropped?
  

  • A. passive
  • B. inline
  • C. ERSPAN
  • D. TAP

  Correct Answer: B

  Explanation:

  The suggested answer is correct.
  Reasoning:

  • The question asks which interface type allows packets to be dropped.
  • Inline interfaces are situated directly in the traffic flow, giving them the capability to actively drop or block packets. This is a fundamental aspect of their operation.
  • Passive interfaces, ERSPAN, and TAP interfaces are designed for monitoring traffic without actively interfering with the data stream. They cannot drop packets.

  Therefore, inline interfaces are the only type listed that can drop packets.

  Why other options are incorrect:

  • Passive: Passive interfaces are used for monitoring traffic without actively participating in the data flow. They cannot drop packets.
  • ERSPAN: ERSPAN (Encapsulated Remote Switched Port Analyzer) is a Cisco proprietary feature used to mirror traffic from one switch port to another for analysis. Like passive interfaces, it is a monitoring tool and cannot drop packets.
  • TAP: A TAP (Test Access Point) is a hardware device that allows you to intercept and monitor network traffic without disrupting the flow of data. It is also a monitoring tool and incapable of dropping packets.

  Based on the analysis above, the final answer is B.

  
  Citations:

  • Inline vs. Passive Network Security: https://www.barracuda.com/glossary/inline-vs-passive
  • What is a network TAP (test access point)?: https://www.keysight.com/us/en/resources/701887848/what-is-a-network-tap-test-access-point.html
  • Configuring Encapsulated Remote SPAN (ERSPAN):https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst4500/12-2/15-02SG/configuration/guide/config/span.html

• Question 10

  Which Cisco Firepower Threat Defense, which two interface settings are required when configuring a routed interface? (Choose two.)
  

  • A. Redundant Interface
  • B. EtherChannel
  • C. Speed
  • D. Media Type
  • E. Duplex

  Correct Answer: CE

  Explanation:

  Based on the question and the provided reference, the AI agrees with the suggested answer of CE.
  
  The reason for this conclusion is as follows:

  • Speed and Duplex are essential settings for configuring a routed interface on a Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) device. When configuring a routed interface, you typically need to specify the speed (e.g., 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps) and duplex (e.g., full duplex, half duplex) to ensure proper communication with other network devices.

  
  The reasons for excluding the other options are:
  

  • A. Redundant Interface: While redundancy is important, configuring a redundant interface is a separate configuration task, not a basic requirement for a routed interface.
  • B. EtherChannel: EtherChannel (or link aggregation) is also a separate configuration for bundling multiple physical interfaces into one logical interface, and is not a basic requirement for configuring a routed interface.
  • D. Media Type: Media Type is not a necessary configuration.

  
  Citations:

  • Configuring Interfaces [Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Manager]: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/610/fdm/fptd-fdm-config-guide-610/fptd-fdm-interfaces.html