The correct answer is to deploy Amazon CloudFront in front of the ALB with AWS Shield Advanced and enforce TLS 1.3. This solution works because CloudFront acts as a content delivery network that absorbs DDoS attacks at the edge, distributing traffic across AWS’s global network before it reaches the origin ALB, while AWS Shield Advanced provides enhanced detection and mitigation against large-scale volumetric attacks. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of edge-based DDoS mitigation versus origin-based defenses—a common trap is choosing AWS WAF or NACLs, which operate at the application or network layer respectively and cannot absorb traffic at the edge. Remember that for absorbing attacks at the edge, you need a global service like CloudFront or Global Accelerator paired with Shield Advanced, not just Shield Standard. Memory tip: “Edge first, origin last”—always push DDoS absorption to the closest edge location to the attacker.
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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 financial services company runs a critical application on Amazon EC2 instances behind an Application Load Balancer (ALB). The application is deployed across multiple Availability Zones. The company recently experienced a DDoS attack that overwhelmed the ALB and caused downtime. The security team wants to implement a solution that can absorb DDoS attacks at the edge and only forward legitimate traffic to the ALB. Additionally, the company needs to protect sensitive data in transit using TLS 1.3. What should the solutions architect do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy Amazon CloudFront in front of the ALB with AWS Shield Advanced and enforce TLS 1.3.
Option C is correct. AWS Shield Advanced provides DDoS protection and can be combined with CloudFront or Global Accelerator. Using CloudFront with Shield Advanced provides edge protection and can enforce TLS 1.3. Option A is incorrect because Shield Standard is free but provides limited protection; it may not be sufficient. Option B is incorrect because NACLs are not effective against DDoS attacks at the edge. Option D is incorrect because WAF is for web application filtering, not for absorbing DDoS traffic at the edge.
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.
✓
Deploy Amazon CloudFront in front of the ALB with AWS Shield Advanced and enforce TLS 1.3.
Why this is correct
CloudFront with Shield Advanced provides edge DDoS protection and TLS termination.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Use AWS WAF with rate-based rules and associate it with the ALB.
Why it's wrong here
WAF can filter requests but does not absorb DDoS traffic at the edge.
✗
Use an AWS Network Firewall and configure stateful rules to block malicious IPs.
Why it's wrong here
Network Firewall is for VPC traffic, not edge protection.
✗
Enable AWS Shield Standard and use security groups to restrict traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Shield Standard is basic; security groups cannot absorb DDoS.
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 SAP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy Amazon CloudFront in front of the ALB with AWS Shield Advanced and enforce TLS 1.3. — Option C is correct. AWS Shield Advanced provides DDoS protection and can be combined with CloudFront or Global Accelerator. Using CloudFront with Shield Advanced provides edge protection and can enforce TLS 1.3. Option A is incorrect because Shield Standard is free but provides limited protection; it may not be sufficient. Option B is incorrect because NACLs are not effective against DDoS attacks at the edge. Option D is incorrect because WAF is for web application filtering, not for absorbing DDoS traffic at the edge.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 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 SAP-C02 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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