The correct conclusion is that the connection is likely an RDP connection disguised to evade detection. This is because the VPC Flow Log entry shows a source port of 443 (typically used for HTTPS) communicating to a destination port of 3389 (RDP), with the traffic accepted from a public IP to a private IP. When you analyze VPC Flow Logs for RDP attacks, anomalous source ports like 443 are a classic red flag, as attackers often use common service ports to mask malicious activity—here, disguising RDP traffic as legitimate HTTPS. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your ability to spot asymmetric port usage and understand that flow logs record source and destination ports independently; a common trap is assuming port 443 on the source side means the traffic is HTTPS. Remember the memory tip: “Source port lies, destination port defines”—always check the destination port (3389) to identify the true protocol, not the source port used for disguise.
SCS-C02 Security Logging and Monitoring Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security logging and monitoring. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst is reviewing a VPC Flow Log entry. The analyst wants to determine if this flow represents a potentially malicious RDP connection. Based on the log, which conclusion is most accurate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The connection is likely an RDP connection disguised to evade detection.
The log shows source port 443 (HTTPS) and destination port 3389 (RDP) from a public IP to a private IP. The use of port 443 as source for RDP is unusual and could indicate an attempt to disguise RDP traffic as HTTPS. Option A is wrong because port 443 is source, not destination. Option B is wrong because the traffic is from public to private, not outbound. Option D is wrong because the log shows ACCEPT, meaning traffic was allowed.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The connection is normal HTTPS traffic destined for the instance.
The ACCEPT field indicates the traffic was allowed.
✗
The connection represents outbound traffic from the instance.
Why it's wrong here
The source IP is public, indicating inbound traffic.
✓
The connection is likely an RDP connection disguised to evade detection.
Why this is correct
Using port 443 as source for RDP is suspicious.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SCS-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Security Logging and Monitoring — This question tests Security Logging and Monitoring — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The connection is likely an RDP connection disguised to evade detection. — The log shows source port 443 (HTTPS) and destination port 3389 (RDP) from a public IP to a private IP. The use of port 443 as source for RDP is unusual and could indicate an attempt to disguise RDP traffic as HTTPS. Option A is wrong because port 443 is source, not destination. Option B is wrong because the traffic is from public to private, not outbound. Option D is wrong because the log shows ACCEPT, meaning traffic was allowed.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SCS-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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