The answer is to remove the public IP address and use a bastion service like Azure Bastion or AWS Systems Manager Session Manager to access the VM via RDP over HTTPS. This is the best way to secure RDP access to a cloud VM without a VPN because it eliminates the exposed attack surface entirely—the RDP port is no longer reachable from the internet, and all administrative traffic is tunneled through an authenticated, encrypted HTTPS session managed by the cloud provider. On the CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-004 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the principle of least exposure and the difference between security controls that reduce risk versus those that merely obscure it. A common trap is choosing to change the RDP port or enable MFA, but these leave the port open to brute force; the exam expects you to recognize that only removing the public endpoint and using a managed bastion service provides true protection. Memory tip: “No public IP, no problem—bastion is the bridge.”
CV0-004 Security Practice Question
This CV0-004 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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 small business uses a public cloud IaaS to host a single Windows virtual machine (VM) running a line-of-business application. The VM has a public IP address and is in a network security group that allows RDP (port 3389) from the internet (0.0.0.0/0). The administrator frequently connects from home and various client sites. The administrator is concerned about brute force attacks on the RDP service. The business does not have a VPN server. What is the best way to secure the RDP access without changing the public IP address or blocking all external access?
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
✓
Remove the public IP address and use a bastion service like Azure Bastion or AWS Systems Manager Session Manager to access the VM via RDP over HTTPS.
Option C is correct because using Azure Bastion or AWS Systems Manager Session Manager allows RDP access without exposing a public RDP port. Option A is wrong because changing the port is security through obscurity and does not prevent brute force. Option B is wrong because enabling MFA on the VM itself is not straightforward without domain join, and still leaves port open. Option D is wrong because disabling password and using only certificates still leaves the port open to brute force on the certificate challenges.
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.
✓
Remove the public IP address and use a bastion service like Azure Bastion or AWS Systems Manager Session Manager to access the VM via RDP over HTTPS.
Why this is correct
This eliminates direct public exposure of RDP and provides secure, audited access.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the RDP port to a non-standard port (e.g., 3390).
Why it's wrong here
Changing the port is not a strong security control; attackers can scan for open ports.
✗
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the local Windows user accounts.
Why it's wrong here
MFA for local accounts is complex and the RDP port remains open to brute force.
✗
Disable password authentication and require smart card certificates for RDP.
Why it's wrong here
Certificate-based auth improves authentication but does not block brute force on the RDP service itself.
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 CV0-004 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 CV0-004 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 — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove the public IP address and use a bastion service like Azure Bastion or AWS Systems Manager Session Manager to access the VM via RDP over HTTPS. — Option C is correct because using Azure Bastion or AWS Systems Manager Session Manager allows RDP access without exposing a public RDP port. Option A is wrong because changing the port is security through obscurity and does not prevent brute force. Option B is wrong because enabling MFA on the VM itself is not straightforward without domain join, and still leaves port open. Option D is wrong because disabling password and using only certificates still leaves the port open to brute force on the certificate challenges.
What should I do if I get this CV0-004 question wrong?
Identify which CV0-004 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.
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Question Discussion
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