- A
Place the web server in a DMZ.
A DMZ is a screened network segment designed for systems that must be reachable from outside while still being separated from the internal network. It is a standard place for public-facing web servers.
- B
Keep the database on an internal network segment and restrict access to the web server only.
The database should not be directly reachable from the internet. Limiting its access to the web server with ACLs or firewall rules supports segmentation and reduces exposure.
- C
Place both the web server and the database on the same internet-facing subnet.
Why wrong: Putting both systems on the same exposed subnet increases the risk that an attacker can reach the database directly. That defeats the purpose of segmentation.
- D
Expose the database port to the internet so administrators can connect faster.
Why wrong: Directly exposing the database is a common and serious security mistake. Administrative convenience should never justify public access to a backend data store.
- E
Use the guest wireless VLAN for both systems.
Why wrong: Guest wireless networks are meant for untrusted endpoints and should not host production servers. This would create an inappropriate trust zone for sensitive systems.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 web application must be reachable from the internet, but its database should be isolated from direct internet access. Which two placements or controls are most appropriate? 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
Place the web server in a DMZ.
Placing the web server in a DMZ (Option A) allows it to be reachable from the internet while the internal firewall restricts inbound traffic to only necessary ports (e.g., TCP 80/443). Keeping the database on an internal network segment (Option B) and configuring firewall rules to allow traffic only from the web server’s IP address ensures the database is isolated from direct internet access, preventing external attacks on the database service.
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 the web server in a DMZ.
Why this is correct
A DMZ is a screened network segment designed for systems that must be reachable from outside while still being separated from the internal network. It is a standard place for public-facing web servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Keep the database on an internal network segment and restrict access to the web server only.
Why this is correct
The database should not be directly reachable from the internet. Limiting its access to the web server with ACLs or firewall rules supports segmentation and reduces exposure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Place both the web server and the database on the same internet-facing subnet.
Why it's wrong here
Putting both systems on the same exposed subnet increases the risk that an attacker can reach the database directly. That defeats the purpose of segmentation.
- ✗
Expose the database port to the internet so administrators can connect faster.
Why it's wrong here
Directly exposing the database is a common and serious security mistake. Administrative convenience should never justify public access to a backend data store.
- ✗
Use the guest wireless VLAN for both systems.
Why it's wrong here
Guest wireless networks are meant for untrusted endpoints and should not host production servers. This would create an inappropriate trust zone for sensitive systems.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think placing both systems in the DMZ is acceptable, but they overlook that the database must be on an internal segment with strict access controls, not just any segment with internet exposure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a typical three-tier architecture, the web server in the DMZ communicates with the database on an internal network via a firewall rule that allows only the web server’s private IP and specific database ports (e.g., TCP 3306 for MySQL or 1433 for MSSQL). The internal firewall should also implement stateful inspection to ensure that only established connections from the web server are permitted, and the database should have a host-based firewall (e.g., iptables or Windows Firewall) as a secondary layer. In real-world scenarios, this design prevents attackers from directly scanning or exploiting the database even if the web server is compromised, as lateral movement is restricted.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
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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: Place the web server in a DMZ. — Placing the web server in a DMZ (Option A) allows it to be reachable from the internet while the internal firewall restricts inbound traffic to only necessary ports (e.g., TCP 80/443). Keeping the database on an internal network segment (Option B) and configuring firewall rules to allow traffic only from the web server’s IP address ensures the database is isolated from direct internet access, preventing external attacks on the database service.
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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