The answer is an AWS WAF web ACL associated with the Application Load Balancer, along with the AWS WAF service itself and the Shield Advanced subscription. This combination is required because Shield Advanced automatic application layer DDoS mitigation works by inspecting incoming traffic at Layer 7 through the web ACL’s rules, which must be explicitly attached to the ALB to filter malicious requests before they reach the application. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding that Shield Advanced does not operate independently at the application layer—it relies on WAF’s rule engine for automatic mitigation, and the web ACL must be directly associated with the resource. A common trap is assuming CloudFront or Route53 are mandatory, but they are not; the ALB alone suffices. Memory tip: think “WAF-ACL-ALB” as the three-legged stool for Layer 7 protection—each component is non-negotiable.
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.
Which THREE components are required to enable AWS Shield Advanced automatic application layer DDoS mitigation for an Application Load Balancer? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
AWS Shield Advanced subscription
Options A, B, and C are correct. Shield Advanced integrates with WAF for automatic mitigation, requires a web ACL, and must be associated with the ALB. Option D is wrong because CloudFront is not required. Option E is wrong because Route53 is not required.
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.
✓
AWS Shield Advanced subscription
Why this is correct
Required for Advanced features.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Amazon CloudFront distribution in front of the ALB
Why it's wrong here
CloudFront is not required for Shield Advanced to work with ALB.
✗
Amazon Route53 DNS configuration
Why it's wrong here
Route53 is not required for Shield Advanced mitigation.
✓
An AWS WAF rate-based rule
Why this is correct
Rate-based rules are used for automatic application layer DDoS mitigation.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
AWS WAF web ACL associated with the ALB
Why this is correct
Shield Advanced uses WAF rules for automatic mitigation.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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: AWS Shield Advanced subscription — Options A, B, and C are correct. Shield Advanced integrates with WAF for automatic mitigation, requires a web ACL, and must be associated with the ALB. Option D is wrong because CloudFront is not required. Option E is wrong because Route53 is not required.
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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