Three versions, one decision: the Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System package from ActualPDF comes as a budget-friendly printable PDF, a Windows software engine that flags your mistakes for re-practice, and an online version for any operating system. All carry the same 60 500-285 questions.
Cisco 500-285 Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | Cisco |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System |
| Exam Number: | 500-285 |
| Exam Format: | Scenario-based, Configuration, Multiple choice, Drag-and-drop |
| Related Certifications: | Cisco Firepower Security Specialist Network Security Specialist |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 3 years |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Exam Price: | $300 USD |
| Real Exam Qty: | 55-65 |
| Passing Score: | 750-850 / 1000 (scaled) |
| Exam Duration: | 90 minutes |
| Recommended Training: | Cisco Firepower Management Center Documentation Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire IPS (SSFIPS) Official Training |
| Exam Registration: | Pearson VUE Registration Cisco Official Exam Page |
| Sample Questions: | ![]() |
| Exam Way: | Online proctored or in-person at Pearson VUE authorized test centers |
| Pre Condition: | No formal prerequisites; recommended: CCNA Security or equivalent knowledge, hands-on experience with Cisco Firepower/Sourcefire IPS |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/current-list/500-285p.html |
Cisco 500-285 Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Access Control and IPS Policies | 20% | - IPS rule tuning and filtering - Policy deployment and verification - Rule actions and conditions - Policy creation and editing |
| Snort Rule Creation and Customization | 10% | - Custom rule writing - Rule syntax and structure - Rule testing and deployment |
| Object Management | 10% | - Network and port objects - Application and URL objects - Security zone configuration |
| System Administration and Device Management | 10% | - User and account management - Backup and recovery - Software updates and rule packs - Troubleshooting connectivity |
| Event Analysis and Monitoring | 15% | - Intrusion event interpretation - False positive handling - Dashboard and reporting - Alert configuration |
| FireSIGHT System and NGIPS Overview | 15% | - Architecture and components - Management system basics - Deployment modes |
| Correlation Policies and Advanced Features | 10% | - Correlation rule setup - Malware detection and file policies - Policy response actions |
500-285 Exam FAQ: Before You Book Your Seat
What is the Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System exam, exactly?
Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System is an official Cisco exam, listed under exam code 500-285. A passing result earns you the Cisco Specialist - Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire IPS certification at the Specialist level. It also ties into Cisco Firepower Security Specialist, Network Security Specialist, extending its value across your certification roadmap. Employers read this credential as verified competence, which is why it keeps appearing in job requirements.
Expect 55-65 questions inside 90 minutes on the Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System exam. That pace punishes hesitation, so rehearse it: the ActualPDF software engine simulates the real exam scene, reminds you of the questions you got wrong, and pushes you to re-practice them until the clock stops being your enemy.
Passing Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System requires 750-850 / 1000 (scaled), and the official registration fee is $300 USD. Retakes charge the full $300 USD again, which is why experienced candidates treat preparation as the cheaper exam fee. Verify your readiness with repeated ActualPDF practice scores above the requirement before you commit to a date.
No formal prerequisites; recommended: CCNA Security or equivalent knowledge, hands-on experience with Cisco Firepower/Sourcefire IPS
Requirements evolve, so confirm the current conditions before registering on the official exam page.
Registration for Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System goes through the official channels listed here.
When you schedule, note that the exam is delivered Online proctored or in-person at Pearson VUE authorized test centers.
Cisco recommends the following training for Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System candidates.
- Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire IPS (SSFIPS) Official Training
- Cisco Firepower Management Center Documentation
Follow any course with the 60 practice questions in the ActualPDF 500-285 package; the software engine will even remind you which mistakes need another round.
Yes. ActualPDF provides a free download demo of the Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System material, so you can check the content before choosing a version. After purchase, a one-year warranty covers you: the latest version is sent to you as it releases, free for 365 days, and after expiry you can extend the update service at a 50% discount.
Your purchase is covered by a 100% money-back guarantee with clear conditions. Take the Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System exam within 60 days of purchase; if you fail, provide your unqualified result by submitting a scanned enrollment slip and the official Score Report PDF within 2 days of the exam, and the full refund is processed within 7 days. The exam must match your product, candidate and payer names must match, and attempts within 3 days of purchase, unused downloads, free materials, and expired orders are not covered. Alternatively, exchange for two other exam products of equal value, free, or wait for updates while keeping your original product's update service.
Delivery is instant: files unlock for download at payment and are emailed within one minute. If nothing arrives within 2 hours, check spam and contact customer service, which works 7/24 and normally replies within two hours. Installation is unlimited across your computers.
The Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System syllabus spans 7 domains, led by Object Management (10%), Event Analysis and Monitoring (15%), and Correlation Policies and Advanced Features (10%). The complete topic list is published above; candidates who study the map first rarely get lost later.
Cisco Securing Cisco Networks with Sourcefire Intrusion Prevention System Sample Questions:
Which interface type allows for bypass mode?
- A. inline
- B. routed
- C. grouped
- D. switched
The gateway VPN feature supports which deployment types?
- A. point-to-point, star, and mesh
- B. PPTP and MPLS
- C. client and route-based
- D. SSL and HTTPS
What is the maximum timeout value for a browser session?
- A. 60 minutes
- B. 1440 minutes
- C. 120 minutes
- D. 1024 minutes
When configuring an LDAP authentication object, which server type is available?
- A. SMTP
- B. Oracle
- C. Yahoo
- D. Microsoft Active Directory
Explanation: Only visible for ActualPDF members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
One of the goals of geolocation is to identify which option?
- A. the location of a TCP connection
- B. the location of a routable IP address
- C. the location of a MAC address
- D. the location of any IP address
PDF Version Demo



