hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: Is implementing a zero trust architecture (ZTA)
An organization is implementing a zero trust architecture (ZTA). The security architect proposes using a software-defined perimeter (SDP) to replace the traditional VPN for remote access. Which of the following best describes the primary security benefit of SDP over VPN in a zero trust model?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse the 'direct' connection behavior of some SDP implementations with a security benefit, when in fact the core advantage is hiding infrastructure from unauthorized users, not reducing latency or enabling peer-to-peer connections.
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
✓
It prevents unauthorized users from discovering the application infrastructure.
In a zero trust architecture, the primary security benefit of a software-defined perimeter (SDP) over a traditional VPN is that it hides the application infrastructure from unauthorized users. SDP uses a controller-based model where devices must authenticate and be authorized before they can even see the application servers, effectively creating a 'black cloud' that prevents discovery and reduces the attack surface. This aligns with the zero trust principle of 'never trust, always verify' and eliminates the network-level visibility that VPNs inherently provide to any connected client.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It provides deep packet inspection to detect malicious traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Deep packet inspection is a separate security function, not inherent to SDP.
- ✗
It enforces multi-factor authentication for every session.
Why it's wrong here
MFA can be added to both VPN and SDP; it is not unique to SDP.
- ✗
It reduces latency by establishing direct peer-to-peer connections.
Why it's wrong here
SDP often uses a broker to initiate connections, which may add latency compared to a persistent VPN tunnel.
- ✓
It prevents unauthorized users from discovering the application infrastructure.
Why this is correct
SDP uses a 'black cloud' approach where the application server is invisible until the user is authenticated and authorized, reducing the attack surface.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.