The answer is to configure the application to use TLS for communication. This is the correct solution because TLS provides end-to-end encryption at the application layer, ensuring that all data in transit between EC2 instances within the same VPC is securely encrypted, regardless of subnet boundaries. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that network-level encryption tools like VPNs or VPC Flow Logs are irrelevant for same-VPC traffic, and that AWS Certificate Manager merely issues certificates without enabling encryption itself. A common trap is assuming you need a complex overlay network, but the simplest and most compliant approach is to encrypt traffic between EC2 instances directly at the application layer. Memory tip: “TLS is the TLS—the only layer that truly encrypts end-to-end within a VPC.”
ANS-C01 Network Security, Compliance and Governance Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network security, compliance and governance. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company needs to meet compliance requirements that mandate encryption of all data in transit between EC2 instances in the same VPC. The instances are in different subnets and communicate using TCP port 443. Which solution should a network engineer implement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the application to use TLS for communication.
Option C is correct because enabling TLS on the application ensures end-to-end encryption. Option A is wrong because AWS Certificate Manager does not automatically encrypt traffic; it provides certificates. Option B is wrong because VPNs are not needed for same-VPC traffic. Option D is wrong because VPC Flow Logs do not encrypt traffic.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Configure the application to use TLS for communication.
Enable VPC Flow Logs to monitor for unencrypted traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Flow Logs do not encrypt traffic; they only log metadata.
✗
Use AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) to provision certificates and enable encryption automatically.
Why it's wrong here
ACM provisions certificates but does not automatically encrypt traffic; application must use TLS.
✗
Deploy a VPN connection between the instances.
Why it's wrong here
Overkill for same-VPC traffic; adds complexity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related ANS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the application to use TLS for communication. — Option C is correct because enabling TLS on the application ensures end-to-end encryption. Option A is wrong because AWS Certificate Manager does not automatically encrypt traffic; it provides certificates. Option B is wrong because VPNs are not needed for same-VPC traffic. Option D is wrong because VPC Flow Logs do not encrypt traffic.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related ANS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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