The correct answer is to restrict network access to the database to only authorized applications. This compensating control for plaintext database storage immediately reduces risk by enforcing network segmentation, ensuring that only trusted systems can communicate with the database while encryption cannot be applied. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize compensating controls over ideal but impractical solutions—a common trap is choosing encryption or file-level controls, which require downtime or fail to address database-level confidentiality. Remember that when a critical system cannot be patched or encrypted, isolation through network access restriction is the fastest way to shrink the attack surface. For a memory tip, think of it as "lock the door, don't rebuild the room"—you contain the exposure by controlling who can reach the data, not by changing the data itself.
CAS-004 Governance, Risk and Compliance Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of governance, risk and compliance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
During a compliance audit, an organization's security team discovers that sensitive data in a legacy database is stored in plaintext. The database is critical for operations and cannot be taken offline for patching until the next maintenance window in three months. Which of the following is the BEST compensating control to reduce risk immediately?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Restrict network access to the database to only authorized applications
Option D is correct because network access restrictions limit exposure while the database remains unencrypted. Option A is wrong because encryption would require downtime or performance impact. Option B is wrong because file-level encryption does not apply to database storage. Option C is wrong because signing does not address confidentiality.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Restrict network access to the database to only authorized applications
Why this is correct
Network restrictions reduce attack surface without downtime.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use file-level encryption on the database storage volume
Why it's wrong here
File-level encryption may not be feasible without downtime.
✗
Implement transparent database encryption (TDE)
Why it's wrong here
TDE would require downtime or performance impact.
✗
Apply a digital signature to the database files
Why it's wrong here
Signing ensures integrity, not confidentiality.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CAS-004 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Governance, Risk and Compliance — This question tests Governance, Risk and Compliance — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Restrict network access to the database to only authorized applications — Option D is correct because network access restrictions limit exposure while the database remains unencrypted. Option A is wrong because encryption would require downtime or performance impact. Option B is wrong because file-level encryption does not apply to database storage. Option C is wrong because signing does not address confidentiality.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CAS-004 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "immediately / without restart". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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