hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
Router# show ip access-lists
Extended IP access list BLOCK_MALICIOUS
10 deny tcp any host 203.0.113.5 eq 443
20 permit ip any any (2623 matches)
```Refer to the exhibit. An analyst configures an ACL to block traffic to a malicious host on port 443. After applying it inbound on the external interface, the analyst sees the ACL counters. What does the output indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that an ACL with 0 matches on a deny line is still blocking traffic, when in fact the counters prove the rule is not being hit, so the traffic is passing through unblocked.
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
✓
The ACL is not blocking traffic because the deny line has 0 matches.
The ACL counters show 0 matches for the deny line that is intended to block traffic to the malicious host on port 443. This indicates that no traffic matching the deny condition has been processed by the ACL, meaning the rule is not being triggered. Since the ACL is applied inbound on the external interface, traffic from the external network destined for the malicious host should match the deny line if it is correctly configured; the 0 matches suggest the ACL is not blocking the intended traffic.
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 ACL is working correctly; traffic to the malicious host is blocked.
Why it's wrong here
Deny line has no matches, so no traffic is being denied.
- ✓
The ACL is not blocking traffic because the deny line has 0 matches.
Why this is correct
Indicates the rule is not being hit; possible wrong direction.
- ✗
The ACL needs to be applied outbound to work.
Why it's wrong here
Could be, but the exhibit does not specify direction.
- ✗
The ACL is blocking all traffic because the permit line is never used.
Why it's wrong here
Permit line has matches; traffic is passing.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This 200-201 question is part of Courseiva's 979-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 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 200-201 exam.