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200-201 Practice Question: Deploys a firewall to block unauthorized traffic
An organization deploys a firewall to block unauthorized traffic. This is an example of which type of security control?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between preventive and detective controls, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse a firewall's logging capability (detective) with its primary function of blocking traffic (preventive/technical).
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
✓
Technical
A firewall is a technical control because it uses software or hardware mechanisms—such as packet filtering, stateful inspection, or application-layer filtering—to enforce security policies and block unauthorized traffic. Technical controls are implemented through technology systems (e.g., routers, firewalls, IDS/IPS) rather than through physical barriers or administrative procedures.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Detective
Why it's wrong here
Detective controls identify incidents, but firewalls are preventive.
- ✗
Physical
Why it's wrong here
Physical controls protect physical assets, not network traffic.
- ✓
Technical
Why this is correct
Firewalls are technical controls that prevent unauthorized access.
- ✗
Administrative
Why it's wrong here
Administrative controls are policies and procedures, not devices.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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