- A
Place the web server in a DMZ that is reachable from the internet.
The web server is the system that must face external traffic, so placing it in a DMZ keeps it separate from internal resources. This limits the damage if the public server is compromised.
- B
Put the database on the same subnet as the web server for faster communication.
Why wrong: Putting the database beside the public server increases exposure and makes lateral movement easier. Speed is not worth weakening isolation in this design.
- C
Place the database on an internal subnet that is not directly reachable from the internet.
Keeping the database on a protected internal subnet reduces direct attack surface. Only approved internal servers should be able to reach it through tightly controlled rules.
- D
Allow every tier to communicate freely to simplify troubleshooting.
Why wrong: Open communication between tiers removes the barriers that segmentation is meant to provide. Troubleshooting convenience should not override basic isolation.
- E
Use one flat VLAN for all three servers and rely on strong passwords.
Why wrong: A flat VLAN offers little containment if one system is compromised. Strong passwords help access control, but they do not replace network segmentation.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: a DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks.. 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 company is deploying a public web application with a front-end server, an application server, and a database. Which two design choices best reduce exposure of the backend systems? Select two.
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 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
Place the web server in a DMZ that is reachable from the internet.
Option A is correct because placing the web server in a DMZ (demilitarized zone) allows it to be reachable from the internet while isolating it from the internal network. This design ensures that even if the web server is compromised, an attacker cannot directly access the application server or database, as traffic must pass through a firewall with strict rules. The DMZ acts as a buffer zone, reducing the attack surface of backend systems.
Key principle: A DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks.
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 the web server in a DMZ that is reachable from the internet.
Why this is correct
The web server is the system that must face external traffic, so placing it in a DMZ keeps it separate from internal resources. This limits the damage if the public server is compromised.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
A DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks.
- ✗
Put the database on the same subnet as the web server for faster communication.
Why it's wrong here
Putting the database beside the public server increases exposure and makes lateral movement easier. Speed is not worth weakening isolation in this design.
- ✓
Place the database on an internal subnet that is not directly reachable from the internet.
Why this is correct
Keeping the database on a protected internal subnet reduces direct attack surface. Only approved internal servers should be able to reach it through tightly controlled rules.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
A DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks.
- ✗
Allow every tier to communicate freely to simplify troubleshooting.
Why it's wrong here
Open communication between tiers removes the barriers that segmentation is meant to provide. Troubleshooting convenience should not override basic isolation.
- ✗
Use one flat VLAN for all three servers and rely on strong passwords.
Why it's wrong here
A flat VLAN offers little containment if one system is compromised. Strong passwords help access control, but they do not replace network segmentation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that placing all servers in a single VLAN with strong passwords is sufficient security, but the trap here is that network segmentation (DMZ and internal subnets) is essential to limit lateral movement, and passwords alone cannot stop an attacker who exploits a vulnerability in the web server.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a typical three-tier architecture, the web server in the DMZ should only have outbound connections to the application server on a specific port (e.g., HTTP/HTTPS or a custom TCP port), and the application server should only connect to the database on its listening port (e.g., 3306 for MySQL or 1433 for MSSQL). Firewall rules should explicitly allow only these necessary flows, and the database should be placed on an internal subnet with no direct internet route, often using RFC 1918 private IP addresses. This segmentation is enforced by stateful inspection firewalls or security groups in cloud environments, which track connection states to prevent unsolicited inbound traffic.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks.
- Network segmentation limits the scope of a security breach.
- Backend systems like databases should be on internal, protected subnets.
- Firewalls enforce communication rules between network segments.
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
A DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. A DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review a DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Architecture — This question tests Security Architecture — A DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Place the web server in a DMZ that is reachable from the internet. — Option A is correct because placing the web server in a DMZ (demilitarized zone) allows it to be reachable from the internet while isolating it from the internal network. This design ensures that even if the web server is compromised, an attacker cannot directly access the application server or database, as traffic must pass through a firewall with strict rules. The DMZ acts as a buffer zone, reducing the attack surface of backend systems.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Review a DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
A DMZ isolates public-facing servers from internal networks.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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