The correct answer is the access list entry that uses the GLOBAL keyword to permit TCP traffic from 192.168.1.0/24 to any destination on port 443. This is correct because in ASA transparent mode, the firewall operates as a Layer 2 bridge, meaning it does not route traffic between interfaces; instead, all traffic must be explicitly allowed by a single global access list applied to the bridge group virtual interface (BVI). The GLOBAL access list controls all traffic passing through the bridge, and the entry must specify the source subnet, any destination, and the exact protocol and port—here, TCP and HTTPS port 443. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how transparent mode differs from routed mode, where ACLs are applied per interface. A common trap is to apply the ACL to the physical interface or to use an interface-specific keyword like INSIDE or OUTSIDE, which will not work in transparent mode. Remember the memory tip: “Transparent mode means one global rule for all traffic—no per-interface ACLs allowed.”
CCNP Security Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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 has deployed a Cisco ASA firewall in transparent mode. The internal network uses VLAN 10 and the external network uses VLAN 20. The ASA is configured with two bridge groups: BVI 10 for inside and BVI 20 for outside. The security policy must allow HTTPS traffic from inside to outside. Which access-list entry is correct?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
access-list GLOBAL extended permit tcp 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 any eq 443
In transparent mode, the ASA acts as a Layer 2 bridge, so traffic must be permitted by a global access list applied to the bridge group virtual interface (BVI). Option D correctly uses the GLOBAL access list to permit TCP traffic from the inside subnet (192.168.1.0/24) to any destination on port 443 (HTTPS), which satisfies the security policy.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
access-list INSIDE extended permit tcp 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 any eq 443
access-group INSIDE in interface inside
Why it's wrong here
Transparent mode does not use interface access-groups; global access-list is used.
✗
access-list GLOBAL extended permit ip 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 any
access-list GLOBAL extended permit tcp any any eq 443
Why it's wrong here
Permits HTTPS from any source, not specific to inside subnet.
✓
access-list GLOBAL extended permit tcp 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 any eq 443
Why this is correct
Correct: global access-list permits traffic from inside subnet to any on port 443.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that transparent mode uses interface-based ACLs like routed mode, when in fact transparent mode requires global ACLs applied to the BVI, and the 'GLOBAL' keyword is mandatory for Layer 2 traffic filtering.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In transparent firewall mode, the ASA uses bridge groups (BVIs) to forward traffic at Layer 2, and access lists are applied globally to the BVI using the 'access-group' command under the BVI interface configuration. The 'GLOBAL' access list is a reserved name that applies to all traffic traversing the ASA, regardless of direction, and is evaluated before any interface-specific ACLs. This design simplifies policy enforcement in transparent mode but requires careful source/destination filtering to avoid unintended access.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: access-list GLOBAL extended permit tcp 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 any eq 443 — In transparent mode, the ASA acts as a Layer 2 bridge, so traffic must be permitted by a global access list applied to the bridge group virtual interface (BVI). Option D correctly uses the GLOBAL access list to permit TCP traffic from the inside subnet (192.168.1.0/24) to any destination on port 443 (HTTPS), which satisfies the security policy.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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