- A
Use network ACLs to allow inbound traffic to web servers from 0.0.0.0/0 and deny all traffic to database servers
Why wrong: NACLs are stateless and do not allow source security group references; this approach is less effective.
- B
Assign a security group to web servers allowing HTTP/S from 0.0.0.0/0, and a separate security group for databases allowing traffic only from the web server security group
Security groups support referencing other security groups, enabling this granular control.
- C
Place web servers in a public subnet and database servers in a private subnet, and use a network ACL to block all traffic to the private subnet
Why wrong: Blocking all traffic to private subnet would also block legitimate traffic from web servers.
- D
Use AWS WAF to restrict access to database servers based on source IP
Why wrong: AWS WAF is for web ACLs, not for instance-level security groups.
350-701 Cloud Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of cloud security. 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 company is deploying a multi-tier application in AWS. The web servers must be accessible from the internet, but the database servers should only be reachable from the web servers. Which AWS security controls should be used to enforce this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Assign a security group to web servers allowing HTTP/S from 0.0.0.0/0, and a separate security group for databases allowing traffic only from the web server security group
Security groups act as virtual firewalls for EC2 instances, and network ACLs provide subnet-level filtering. Security groups are stateful and can be used to allow traffic from web servers to database servers based on source security group. NACLs are stateless and less granular for this purpose.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use network ACLs to allow inbound traffic to web servers from 0.0.0.0/0 and deny all traffic to database servers
Why it's wrong here
NACLs are stateless and do not allow source security group references; this approach is less effective.
- ✓
Assign a security group to web servers allowing HTTP/S from 0.0.0.0/0, and a separate security group for databases allowing traffic only from the web server security group
Why this is correct
Security groups support referencing other security groups, enabling this granular control.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Place web servers in a public subnet and database servers in a private subnet, and use a network ACL to block all traffic to the private subnet
Why it's wrong here
Blocking all traffic to private subnet would also block legitimate traffic from web servers.
- ✗
Use AWS WAF to restrict access to database servers based on source IP
Why it's wrong here
AWS WAF is for web ACLs, not for instance-level security groups.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-701 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-701 question test?
Cloud Security — This question tests Cloud Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Assign a security group to web servers allowing HTTP/S from 0.0.0.0/0, and a separate security group for databases allowing traffic only from the web server security group — Security groups act as virtual firewalls for EC2 instances, and network ACLs provide subnet-level filtering. Security groups are stateful and can be used to allow traffic from web servers to database servers based on source security group. NACLs are stateless and less granular for this purpose.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-701 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 350-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-701 exam.
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