The answer is to increase the rate limit threshold in the associated AWS WAF rate-based rule. This adjustment directly addresses the core issue of false positives by raising the request count per IP that triggers throttling, allowing legitimate traffic to pass while still blocking high-volume attack traffic. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how AWS WAF rate-based rules integrate with Shield Advanced for DDoS mitigation—a common trap is confusing the rule-level threshold with a web ACL-level setting, which does not exist. Remember that rate limits are configured per rule, not on the ACL itself, and disabling the rule removes all protection. A useful memory tip: think of the threshold as a “tolerance dial”—turn it up just enough to keep good traffic flowing without letting the attack through.
ANS-C01 Network Security, Compliance and Governance Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network security, compliance and governance. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 uses AWS Shield Advanced for DDoS protection. During an attack, they notice that legitimate traffic is being throttled. Which configuration change should be made to reduce false positives while maintaining protection?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Increase the rate limit threshold in the associated AWS WAF rate-based rule.
Option A is correct because adjusting the rate limit threshold in the AWS WAF rate-based rule associated with Shield Advanced can reduce false positives. Option B is wrong because disabling the rule removes protection. Option C is wrong because increasing the threshold on the web ACL is not a direct setting; rate limits are set per rule. Option D is wrong because Shield Advanced does not use a separate rate limit setting.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Reduce the rate limit in the Shield Advanced configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Shield Advanced does not have a configurable rate limit.
✓
Increase the rate limit threshold in the associated AWS WAF rate-based rule.
Why this is correct
A higher threshold allows more legitimate traffic before throttling.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Disable the AWS WAF rate-based rule for the duration of the attack.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling removes protection.
✗
Increase the sensitivity of the AWS WAF web ACL.
Why it's wrong here
Web ACLs don't have a sensitivity setting.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related ANS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Network Security, Compliance and Governance — This question tests Network Security, Compliance and Governance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Increase the rate limit threshold in the associated AWS WAF rate-based rule. — Option A is correct because adjusting the rate limit threshold in the AWS WAF rate-based rule associated with Shield Advanced can reduce false positives. Option B is wrong because disabling the rule removes protection. Option C is wrong because increasing the threshold on the web ACL is not a direct setting; rate limits are set per rule. Option D is wrong because Shield Advanced does not use a separate rate limit setting.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related ANS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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