700-750 Cisco Small and Medium Business Engineer (SMBE) Question and Answers

Email is considered the top threat vector for small and medium businesses. This is because it is the most common method attackers use to deliver malware, phishing attempts, and other malicious activities. Research from HP Wolf Security indicates that email accounts for 79% of threats, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity efforts1.

Cisco aids SMBs in becoming truly smart by providing secure connectivity solutions. These solutions are designed to enable employees to work safely and reliably from anywhere, at any time. Cisco’s offerings, such as Meraki Wi-Fi for public or private connectivity, ensure speed, scale, and security. Additionally, Cisco’s smart office technology solutions leverage intelligent workplace technologies like Meraki cameras for security and smart building automation, and environmental sensors for a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. This secure connectivity is fundamental to enabling smart operations and empowering SMBs to take advantage of digital opportunities.

References := Cisco Smart Office Technology Solutions for SMBs, Small and Medium Business Products - Cisco, The Smart SMB With Cisco’s Smart SMB.

Technology has become integral to business operations, especially for small and medium businesses (SMBs), because it enables better outcomes and experiences. This is driven by the need for SMBs to remain competitive and agile in a rapidly changing market. Technology provides the tools for improved efficiency, productivity, and customer engagement. It also allows SMBs to adapt quickly to market changes and customer needs, which is crucial for driving business growth and success12.References :=

https://blogs.cisco.com/smb/5-reasons-cisco-solutions-are-perfect-for-small-and-medium-businesses

Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is the solution that allows the setup of virtual network topologies for non-production testing. It is a network simulation tool that enables users to design, build, visualize, and launch virtual network models. This is particularly useful for testing, development, and demonstration purposes without the need for physical hardware. CML provides an environment where network topologies can be modeled using virtual instances of Cisco operating systems, such as IOS, IOS-XE, IOS-XR, and NX-OS.

References :=

•The Cisco Virtual Topology System (VTS) User Guide provides an overview of the VTS, which is related to but distinct from CML, as it focuses on overlay management and provisioning for data center networks1.

•Additional information about Cisco’s virtual networking solutions can be found in the Cisco VTS User Guide, which details the provisioning of overlay networks2.

•For a comprehensive understanding of Cisco’s virtual networking capabilities, the Cisco Virtual Topology System 2.5.2 All-in-One v1 documentation offers scenarios that include creating tenant networks and attaching virtual machines, which are similar to the functionalities provided by CML3.

Cisco Meraki cameras are designed to provide enhanced security and business insights for SMBs. They do not record room temperature, as their primary function is not environmental monitoring. While they do record videos, this is a standard feature of most security cameras and not unique to the smart SMB experience. Scheduling policies for recording is also a feature, but it is not highlighted as a key performance aspect in the context of smart SMB experience. The distinguishing feature of Meraki cameras in a smart SMB setup is their ability to count people1. This is part of the advanced analytics capabilities that Meraki cameras offer, which include motion heatmaps, historical person tracking, and intelligent motion indexing. These features are particularly useful for businesses to gain insights into customer behavior, occupancy, and usage patterns.

References :=

•Smart Cameras | Cisco Meraki

•MV - Smart Cameras - Cisco Meraki Documentation

•Cisco Smart Office Technology Solutions for SMBs

•Third Generation MV Cameras: Overview and Specifications

•Smart Cameras Introduction - The Meraki Community

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:Cisco’s partner strategy in the SMB market focuses on empowering partners to deliver solutions that align with the specific objectives of small and medium businesses. This involves understanding SMB needs—such as simplicity, affordability, and scalability—and enabling partners to provide tailored technology solutions that drive business outcomes like operational efficiency, security, and growth. Programs like the Cisco Partner Program and initiatives such as GPSA (Global Partner Solution Advisors) emphasize collaboration with partners to meet SMB goals, rather than solely focusing on Cisco’s profits or product diversity. For instance, Cisco equips partners with tools like the SMB Specialization and Business Value Demonstrations to ensure solutions resonate with SMB priorities, fostering long-term customer success over short-term financial gains.

A. To maximize profit margins:While profitability is important, Cisco’s strategy prioritizes partner enablement and customer success over purely maximizing margins, as evidenced by its investment in partner training and free resources like GPSA.

C. To reduce market presence:This contradicts Cisco’s goal of expanding its SMB market share through partners.

D. To increase product diversity:While Cisco offers diverse products, the primary aim is not diversity for its own sake but ensuring those products meet SMB needs effectively.

Thus, aligning with SMB objectives (B) is the core of Cisco’s partner strategy, as it builds trust and drives adoption in this segment.

References:Cisco Partner Program documentation (cisco.com/go/partners) and SMB-focused resources like the “SMB Partner Success Guide” highlight the focus on aligning with SMB goals to drive mutual success. The 700-750 SMBE exam objectives also emphasize understanding SMB needs and partner roles in meeting them.

Video surveillance technology is undergoing a transformation similar to that of business telephone systems. Just as business telephones have evolved from traditional landlines to VoIP and unified communications, video surveillance is shifting from standalone, analog systems to integrated, digital solutions. This transformation is driven by advancements in AI, cloud computing, and IoT, which are enabling more intelligent, connected, and versatile surveillance systems123.References := 123

https://www.ifsecglobal.com/advertorial/five-trends-in-video-surveillance-to-watch-in-2024/

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often face the challenge of navigating through an overwhelming number of security products. This can lead to complexity and confusion, making it difficult for SMBs to choose the right solutions and effectively manage their cybersecurity posture.Unlike larger organizations, SMBs typically have limited resources and may not have dedicated security personnel, which exacerbates the challenge of dealing with too many security products. The key is finding a balance between having enough security to protect against threats and not having so much that it becomes unmanageable or too costly.

References :=

•Cisco’s Small Business Cybersecurity Report highlights that SMBs are tackling cybersecurity challenges and how their efforts compare to larger organizations1.

•The 2021 Security Outcomes Study for SMBs by Cisco provides insights into the experiences of SMBs with cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of managing risk and operating efficiently2.

•Cisco’s insights on cybersecurity for small and mighty businesses discuss the challenges SMBs face, including the lack of talent and skills and the need to simplify their cybersecurity approach3.

Meraki offers a key feature for managing hybrid workforces by providing APIs that allow developers to save time through the platform’s implementation. This feature is crucial for hybrid work environments where seamless integration and automation are necessary. The APIs enable rapid development and deployment of custom solutions that can enhance productivity and ensure consistent access to networks and data, regardless of the employee’s location. This aligns with the need for a flexible and adaptable network infrastructure that supports a distributed workforce, which is a hallmark of the hybrid work model12. References :=

•Hybrid Workforce | The New Hybrid Workplace | Cisco Meraki1.

•Hybrid Workforce, United Experience - Cisco Meraki2. =========================

Meraki Cameras are part of Cisco’s cloud-managed solutions that enhance remote SMB workspaces by providing security and connectivity. These cameras can be integrated into the network for monitoring and security purposes, offering a flexible and scalable solution that supports the needs of remote workers1.References := 1

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/secure-remote-workers.html

The Cisco Fire Jumper program is designed to provide knowledge about security resilience and how the Cisco Secure portfolio can assist customers in achieving it. This program educates and enables partners on Cisco’s security architecture, helping them to understand and sell Cisco security solutions effectively. It covers various aspects of security resilience, including threat defense, secure network access, and end-to-end protection, which are all crucial elements of the Cisco Secure portfolio.

References := Protect Your Business with Security Resilience - Cisco, What Is Security Resilience? - Cisco, Evaluate your Organisation’s Security Resilience in Minutes - Cisco, Investor Relations - Cisco Delivers Security Portfolio Simplification, Seeking security resilience? - pseudoco.cisco.com

The percentage of cyberattacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) is significant. According to the latest data, 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at SMBs1. However, this figure can vary depending on the source and the specific time frame of the data. For instance, other studies have shown that the number can be as high as 61%2. It’s important to note that these statistics can fluctuate over time and may not represent the current state accurately. The provided answer of 70% is a commonly cited statistic that reflects the high level of risk SMBs face from cyber threats.References := 1, 2

https://www.strongdm.com/blog/small-business-cyber-security-statistics

A proactive security strategy is essential for reducing the number of cyberattacks and breaches an organization experiences. This approach involves anticipating potential security threats and implementing measures to prevent them before they occur. According to research conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit, organizations that adopt a proactive security strategy, supported by a fully engaged C-suite and board of directors, experience 53% fewer cyberattacks and breaches compared to those that do not. This strategy includes active monitoring of external threats and mobilizing the entire workforce to defend against attacks, combining the latest security technology with new business processes.

References: = The Economist Intelligence Unit report on data security, which provides insights into how a proactive security strategy can significantly reduce cyber risks1.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:Cisco’s SMB strategy is tailored to address the unique needs of small and medium businesses, focusing on empowering their IT capabilities, supporting modern work trends, and aligning with broader business goals. The primary focuses include:

C. Enabling IT teams:Cisco empowers SMB IT teams—often small or nonexistent—with intuitive tools like Meraki’s cloud dashboard and DNA Spaces, simplifying network management and troubleshooting. This enables even limited staff to maintain robust IT operations, a core pillar of Cisco’s SMB approach.

D. Reducing environmental impact:Sustainability is increasingly part of Cisco’s strategy, with energy-efficient hardware (e.g., Catalyst switches) and cloud solutions reducing on-premises footprints. SMBs benefit from lower power costs and align with green initiatives, a focus Cisco promotes across its portfolio.

E. Empowering remote collaboration:With tools like Webex and Meraki, Cisco enables SMBs to support remote and hybrid workforces, enhancing collaboration and connectivity. This is a key focus as SMBs adapt to distributed teams, as seen in customer stories like REWE Group Austria.

A. Migrating all services to cloud:While Cisco leverages cloud solutions (e.g., Meraki, Umbrella), it doesn’t mandate full cloud migration; on-premises and hybrid options remain, making this not a primary focus but a flexible component.

B. Enhancing digital and physical security:Cisco excels in digital security (e.g., Umbrella, Secure Firewall), but physical security (e.g., surveillance) is handled by separate divisions (like Meraki cameras) and isn’t a unified SMB strategy focus—digital security alone is the priority.

C, D, and E reflect Cisco’s strategic priorities for SMBs, balancing IT empowerment, sustainability, and modern work enablement.

References:Cisco’s SMB Strategy overview (cisco.com/go/smb) and sustainability reports (cisco.com/go/sustainability) underscore IT enablement, environmental impact, and collaboration as key focuses, aligned with 700-750 SMBE exam objectives on SMB priorities and solutions.

Cisco’s WebEx is a suite of collaboration solutions designed to connect remote workers with powerful tools and award-winning devices. It provides high-quality video experiences that make users feel like they’re face to face, whether they are in conference rooms, at their desks, or on the go. This aligns with Cisco’s emphasis on fostering effective SMB teamwork from anywhere, ensuring teams can meet and work faster, smarter, and more effectively1.

A hybrid SMB technology solution must prioritize security, especially in a landscape where remote work is prevalent. Zero trust identity-based access is a security model that requires all users, whether inside or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. This approach aligns with the modern needs of SMBs to provide secure access to their resources in a hybrid environment, where users are accessing systems both on-premises and remotely. It ensures that only authenticated and authorized users and devices can access applications and data, thereby reducing the attack surface and providing a more secure IT environment.

References: = Insights from the Spiceworks article on the importance of hybrid cloud for SMBs1, and Cisco’s discussion on hybrid workforce solutions for SMBs, which emphasizes the need for secure access in a hybrid work environment2.