- A
permit tcp 10.10.10.25 host 10.10.20.20 eq 8443
This rule allows only the required web-server-to-application-server connection on the specified port. It uses a very narrow source and destination definition, which is the safest way to permit the business flow. The ACL should allow the needed application traffic and nothing broader than that.
- B
permit tcp host 10.10.20.20 any eq 8443
Why wrong: This rule is written in the wrong direction and is far too broad. It permits traffic sourced from the application server to any destination, which does not match the required flow. ACLs must be precise about source, destination, and direction.
- C
deny ip 10.10.10.0/24 10.10.20.0/24
This rule blocks all remaining DMZ-originated traffic toward the internal subnet after the specific permit has been evaluated. That matches the stated requirement to stop any other DMZ-to-internal communication. Using a deny rule after the allowed exception is a standard way to enforce default deny.
- D
permit ip any any
Why wrong: This would allow all traffic through the interface and completely defeat the purpose of the segmentation boundary. A rule like this is useful only when the goal is unrestricted access, which is the opposite of the scenario. Default deny should remain in place for all other flows.
- E
permit udp 10.10.10.0/24 host 10.10.20.20 eq 8443
Why wrong: The application requires TCP, not UDP, so this rule would not allow the intended service to function. It also uses a broad subnet rather than the specific web host. Protocol and addressing must match the actual application flow.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is a pair of ACL entries: permit tcp host 10.10.10.25 host 10.10.20.20 eq 8443 followed by deny ip 10.10.10.0 0.0.0.255 10.10.20.0 0.0.0.255. This works because the permit entry uses the host keyword to specify the exact source and destination IPs, and the eq keyword to match only TCP port 8443, implementing the principle of least privilege by allowing only the required DMZ-to-internal traffic. The subsequent deny entry then blocks all other traffic between the two subnets, ensuring that any unauthorized DMZ-to-internal traffic is rejected. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this tests your understanding of ACL placement and order—specifically that ACLs are processed top-down and that an explicit deny all is required at the end, though here the implicit deny rule would catch anything not permitted. A common trap is forgetting to use the host keyword or mistakenly applying the ACL outbound instead of inbound on the DMZ-facing interface. Memory tip: “Permit the needle, deny the haystack”—allow the single specific flow first, then block the entire subnet range.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. 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 router interface connects the DMZ subnet 10.10.10.0/24 to the internal network. A web server at 10.10.10.25 must reach an application server at 10.10.20.20 on TCP 8443, and all other DMZ-to-internal traffic must be blocked. Which two ACL entries should be applied inbound on the DMZ-facing interface? Select two.
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
permit tcp 10.10.10.25 host 10.10.20.20 eq 8443
Option A is correct because it permits TCP traffic from the specific web server (10.10.10.25) to the application server (10.10.20.20) on destination port 8443, which is the only allowed DMZ-to-internal communication. This entry uses the 'host' keyword to specify the exact source IP and the 'eq' keyword to match the required destination port, implementing the principle of least privilege.
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.
- ✓
permit tcp 10.10.10.25 host 10.10.20.20 eq 8443
Why this is correct
This rule allows only the required web-server-to-application-server connection on the specified port. It uses a very narrow source and destination definition, which is the safest way to permit the business flow. The ACL should allow the needed application traffic and nothing broader than that.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
permit tcp host 10.10.20.20 any eq 8443
Why it's wrong here
This rule is written in the wrong direction and is far too broad. It permits traffic sourced from the application server to any destination, which does not match the required flow. ACLs must be precise about source, destination, and direction.
- ✓
deny ip 10.10.10.0/24 10.10.20.0/24
Why this is correct
This rule blocks all remaining DMZ-originated traffic toward the internal subnet after the specific permit has been evaluated. That matches the stated requirement to stop any other DMZ-to-internal communication. Using a deny rule after the allowed exception is a standard way to enforce default deny.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
permit ip any any
Why it's wrong here
This would allow all traffic through the interface and completely defeat the purpose of the segmentation boundary. A rule like this is useful only when the goal is unrestricted access, which is the opposite of the scenario. Default deny should remain in place for all other flows.
- ✗
permit udp 10.10.10.0/24 host 10.10.20.20 eq 8443
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a single permit statement is sufficient, but candidates forget that an explicit deny entry is needed to block all other traffic when the requirement specifies 'all other traffic must be blocked', as the implicit deny alone does not satisfy the explicit blocking requirement in the question.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
This would allow all traffic through the interface and completely defeat the purpose of the segmentation boundary. A rule like this is useful only when the goal is unrestricted access, which is the opposite of the scenario. Default deny should remain in place for all other flows.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco IOS ACLs, the order of entries is critical because they are processed sequentially until a match is found; the explicit deny entry (Option C) must be placed after the permit entry to block all other traffic from the 10.10.10.0/24 subnet to the 10.10.20.0/24 subnet. The 'inbound' direction on the DMZ-facing interface means the ACL evaluates traffic entering the router from the DMZ, so the source is the DMZ subnet and the destination is the internal network. The implicit deny all at the end of every ACL ensures that any traffic not matching a permit statement is dropped, but an explicit deny is often used for documentation and clarity.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
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: permit tcp 10.10.10.25 host 10.10.20.20 eq 8443 — Option A is correct because it permits TCP traffic from the specific web server (10.10.10.25) to the application server (10.10.20.20) on destination port 8443, which is the only allowed DMZ-to-internal communication. This entry uses the 'host' keyword to specify the exact source IP and the 'eq' keyword to match the required destination port, implementing the principle of least privilege.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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