Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A web application needs to be internet-facing. The web tier must accept public traffic, the application tier should be reachable only from the web tier, and the database must be reachable only from the application tier. Which design best supports this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Put all three tiers on one private subnet and rely on host firewalls.
Host firewalls can help, but a flat design weakens segmentation and makes policy harder to enforce consistently.
B
Best answer
Use a three-tier layout with a DMZ, an application zone, and a database zone separated by firewalls.
This design creates clear trust boundaries and lets each tier communicate only with the next tier as required.
C
Distractor review
Place the database in the DMZ so the web tier has lower latency.
Databases should not be exposed in the DMZ because that would unnecessarily increase exposure to public traffic.
D
Distractor review
Use NAT for the database server and allow inbound access from the internet.
NAT does not secure the database, and direct inbound internet access violates the stated access boundary.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a three-tier layout with a DMZ, an application zone, and a database zone separated by firewalls. — A three-tier architecture with a DMZ, application zone, and database zone is the best fit because it enforces layered segmentation. The web tier can face the internet while the application and database tiers remain progressively more restricted behind internal firewalls. This reduces the blast radius if the public web server is compromised and supports least privilege between tiers. It is a classic security architecture pattern for reducing exposure without breaking application flow. Why others are wrong: A flat private subnet makes policy enforcement weaker and easier to bypass. Putting the database in the DMZ exposes sensitive data services where they do not belong. NAT changes addressing but does not create a meaningful security boundary or satisfy the requirement that only specific tiers communicate with each other.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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