CAS-004 Security Architecture Practice Question
A security architect is designing a defense-in-depth strategy for a cloud-native application. Which TWO controls are most effective for protecting east-west traffic between microservices?
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
✓
Service mesh with mutual TLS
Micro-segmentation isolates traffic between services, and service mesh provides encrypted, authenticated communication. Both address east-west 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.
- ✓
Service mesh with mutual TLS
Why this is correct
Correct – service mesh encrypts and authenticates service-to-service communication.
- ✗
Intrusion detection system (IDS) on the gateway
Why it's wrong here
IDS on gateway monitors north-south traffic.
- ✓
Micro-segmentation of virtual networks
Why this is correct
Correct – micro-segmentation isolates east-west traffic.
- ✗
Web application firewall (WAF)
Why it's wrong here
WAF protects north-south HTTP traffic.
- ✗
Network access control lists (ACLs) at the perimeter
Why it's wrong here
Perimeter ACLs protect north-south traffic, not east-west.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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