Question 1hardmulti select
Full question →hardmulti selectObjective-mapped
An architect reviews a design where an internet-facing reverse proxy in a DMZ forwards HTTPS to a web application tier, and the web tier queries a database on a protected internal subnet. The current firewall plan allows the DMZ subnet to reach the database subnet on any TCP port, and the admins want to manage the proxy without exposing it to the user VLAN. Which two changes best improve the design? Select two.
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
Collapse the DMZ and internal database into the same VLAN so firewall rules are simpler.
This removes the trust boundary and makes compromise of one system much more dangerous for the others.
B
Best answer
Place the public reverse proxy in a DMZ separated from the internal network by a firewall.
This isolates the exposed service from internal resources and keeps internet-facing traffic in a controlled zone. A DMZ is appropriate for systems that must accept inbound requests from untrusted networks. It reduces the blast radius if the proxy is compromised and allows the organization to apply stricter internal controls behind the perimeter firewall.
C
Distractor review
Allow the database subnet to accept inbound connections from the internet for easier scaling.
This would expose the database directly to untrusted traffic and greatly increase attack surface.
D
Best answer
Restrict DMZ-to-database access to only the required application port and source host.
This follows least privilege by limiting the DMZ host to only the exact database communication needed. If an attacker compromises the DMZ system, narrow firewall rules reduce opportunities for lateral movement and exploitation. It also makes the rule set easier to audit because only one host and one port are authorized.
E
Distractor review
Disable stateful inspection on the firewall so return traffic is automatically trusted.
This weakens the firewall’s ability to track sessions and can permit unwanted traffic patterns.
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.
Related practice questions
Related SY0-701 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security+ social engineering questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ social engineering questions.
Security+ cryptography practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ cryptography.
Security+ IAM questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ IAM questions.
Security+ risk management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ risk management questions.
Security+ incident response questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ incident response questions.
Security+ malware questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ malware questions.
Security+ vulnerability management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ vulnerability management questions.
Security+ security operations questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ security operations questions.
Security+ zero trust questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ zero trust questions.
Security+ authentication factors questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ authentication factors questions.
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: Place the public reverse proxy in a DMZ separated from the internal network by a firewall. — The best architectural changes are to keep the public-facing reverse proxy in a DMZ and to tightly restrict what the DMZ host can reach on the internal database subnet. Together, those controls create a clear trust boundary and minimize the exposed attack surface. The proxy can still serve internet users, while the database remains shielded behind internal segmentation and only accepts the exact application traffic required for business function. Why others are wrong: Collapsing zones into one VLAN removes segmentation and creates a much larger compromise path. Allowing the database to accept internet traffic is almost always unacceptable because databases should not be directly exposed. Disabling stateful inspection reduces visibility and control over sessions. The correct approach is controlled exposure in the DMZ and explicit least-privilege rules between zones.
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.
Discussion
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.