The correct choice is to deploy the web tier in a public subnet, the database tier in a private subnet, and use SSL/TLS for encryption. This architecture directly satisfies PCI DSS requirements by isolating the database from direct internet access while keeping the web tier publicly reachable, and by encrypting data in transit with SSL/TLS, with encryption at rest applied to the database storage. On the CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-004 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network segmentation and compliance controls within a multi-tier cloud architecture—a common trap is placing the database in a public subnet for convenience, which violates isolation mandates. Remember the memory tip: “Public web, private data, TLS the gate” to quickly recall that the web tier faces the internet, the database stays hidden, and encryption protects the path between them.
CV0-004 Deployment Practice Question
This CV0-004 practice question tests your understanding of deployment. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A company is deploying a multi-tier application in a cloud environment. The application must comply with PCI DSS, which requires encryption of data at rest and in transit. The database tier must be isolated from direct internet access, while the web tier must be accessible from the internet. Which of the following deployment architectures best meets these requirements?
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
✓
Deploy web tier in a public subnet, database tier in a private subnet, and use SSL/TLS for encryption.
Option D is correct because it separates the web tier into a public subnet for internet accessibility and the database tier into a private subnet for isolation, meeting PCI DSS requirements. SSL/TLS encryption ensures data in transit is protected, and encryption at rest can be applied to the database storage. This architecture aligns with cloud best practices for multi-tier applications requiring compliance.
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.
✗
Place all tiers in the same subnet and use security groups to restrict traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Same subnet cannot fully isolate database from internet.
✗
Use a single instance for web and database, and place it behind a load balancer.
Why it's wrong here
Single instance is not scalable or secure.
✗
Use a VPN connection from the web tier to the database tier and disable encryption.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is still required for data at rest and in transit.
✓
Deploy web tier in a public subnet, database tier in a private subnet, and use SSL/TLS for encryption.
Why this is correct
Public subnet for web, private for database, and encryption satisfies PCI DSS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that security groups alone provide sufficient isolation, but network segmentation via separate subnets is required for PCI DSS compliance, and encryption must be explicitly enabled for both data at rest and in transit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In cloud environments, private subnets use network ACLs and route tables to block direct internet access, while public subnets have an internet gateway. SSL/TLS (e.g., TLS 1.2 or 1.3) encrypts data in transit between the web and database tiers, and encryption at rest (e.g., AES-256) is applied to database volumes via services like AWS EBS encryption or Azure Disk Encryption. PCI DSS Requirement 3 and 4 mandate encryption of stored cardholder data and transmission over open networks, respectively, making subnet segmentation and TLS critical.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Deployment — This question tests Deployment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy web tier in a public subnet, database tier in a private subnet, and use SSL/TLS for encryption. — Option D is correct because it separates the web tier into a public subnet for internet accessibility and the database tier into a private subnet for isolation, meeting PCI DSS requirements. SSL/TLS encryption ensures data in transit is protected, and encryption at rest can be applied to the database storage. This architecture aligns with cloud best practices for multi-tier applications requiring compliance.
What should I do if I get this CV0-004 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
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Question Discussion
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