This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 security assessment, it is discovered that an organization's DMZ hosts can initiate outbound connections to the internal network. Which architectural change would best mitigate the risk of a DMZ compromise spreading to the internal network?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the DMZ firewall to block all outbound connections from DMZ to the internal network, and use a reverse proxy for inbound services
Using a reverse proxy for inbound traffic and preventing DMZ hosts from initiating connections to internal networks enforces a trust direction. Option A is wrong because a stateful firewall alone does not enforce directionality if rules allow outbound from DMZ. Option B is wrong because DMZ hosts should not initiate internal connections. Option D is wrong because a VPN does not prevent DMZ-to-internal traffic.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Allow only specific IPs in the DMZ to connect to internal servers
Why it's wrong here
This reduces attack surface but still allows some connections, which is risky.
✗
Replace the DMZ firewall with a next-generation firewall that includes IPS
Why it's wrong here
NGFW with IPS can detect threats but does not prevent outbound connections from DMZ to internal.
✓
Configure the DMZ firewall to block all outbound connections from DMZ to the internal network, and use a reverse proxy for inbound services
Why this is correct
This ensures that DMZ hosts cannot be used as a pivot point into the internal network.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Move all DMZ services to a cloud provider and use a site-to-site VPN
Why it's wrong here
Moving to cloud does not solve the architectural issue; a VPN would still allow connectivity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Architecture — This question tests Security Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the DMZ firewall to block all outbound connections from DMZ to the internal network, and use a reverse proxy for inbound services — Using a reverse proxy for inbound traffic and preventing DMZ hosts from initiating connections to internal networks enforces a trust direction. Option A is wrong because a stateful firewall alone does not enforce directionality if rules allow outbound from DMZ. Option B is wrong because DMZ hosts should not initiate internal connections. Option D is wrong because a VPN does not prevent DMZ-to-internal traffic.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". 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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This CAS-004 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-004 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.