The correct answer is to restrict SSH through a bastion host or VPN and remove direct internet access to the cloud VM. This is the best security change because exposing SSH directly to the internet creates a massive attack surface for brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks, whereas a bastion host (jump box) or VPN provides a single, authenticated, and audited entry point for management traffic. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense in depth and cloud network segmentation, often appearing as a multiple-choice question where a trap option suggests simply changing the SSH port or using a strong password—both of which still leave the VM exposed to the internet. The core principle is that administrative access should never be directly internet-facing; instead, it must be funneled through a controlled intermediary. For a quick memory tip, think “Bastion blocks brute force”—the bastion host or VPN acts as a gatekeeper, isolating the VM from the public internet and ensuring all SSH traffic is logged and verified.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Exhibit
Cloud deployment summary:
- Public API runs on an IaaS virtual machine
- Database runs on a managed PaaS service
- Object storage holds user uploads
- Provider responsibility: datacenter, hardware, hypervisor, managed DB platform
- Customer responsibility: guest OS, IAM, network rules, application code
Finding: TCP/22 on the API VM is reachable from 0.0.0.0/0.
Based on the exhibit, what is the best security change to address the exposed management access on the cloud VM?
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.
Cloud deployment summary:
- Public API runs on an IaaS virtual machine
- Database runs on a managed PaaS service
- Object storage holds user uploads
- Provider responsibility: datacenter, hardware, hypervisor, managed DB platform
- Customer responsibility: guest OS, IAM, network rules, application code
Finding: TCP/22 on the API VM is reachable from 0.0.0.0/0.
A
Ask the provider to patch the guest operating system on the VM.
Why wrong: The cloud provider does not manage the guest operating system in an IaaS virtual machine.
B
Move SSH to a public IP on the VM so administrators can reach it more easily.
Why wrong: Making SSH more directly reachable increases exposure and does not reduce the attack surface.
C
Restrict SSH through a bastion host or VPN and remove direct internet access to the VM.
In IaaS, the customer owns network controls. A bastion or VPN keeps management traffic private and limited to approved admins.
D
Enable object storage versioning to protect the VM from unauthorized logins.
Why wrong: Object storage versioning helps with file recovery, not with controlling administrative access to a server.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Restrict SSH through a bastion host or VPN and remove direct internet access to the VM.
Option C is correct because exposing SSH directly to the internet on a cloud VM creates a significant attack surface, allowing brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks. A bastion host (jump box) or VPN provides a controlled, authenticated entry point, while removing direct internet access to the VM ensures management traffic is isolated and audited. This aligns with the principle of defense in depth and the AWS/cloud best practice of using a bastion host for administrative access.
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.
✗
Ask the provider to patch the guest operating system on the VM.
Why it's wrong here
The cloud provider does not manage the guest operating system in an IaaSvirtual machine.
✗
Move SSH to a public IP on the VM so administrators can reach it more easily.
Why it's wrong here
Making SSH more directly reachable increases exposure and does not reduce the attack surface.
✓
Restrict SSH through a bastion host or VPN and remove direct internet access to the VM.
Why this is correct
In IaaS, the customer owns network controls. A bastion or VPN keeps management traffic private and limited to approved admins.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable object storage versioning to protect the VM from unauthorized logins.
Why it's wrong here
Object storage versioning helps with file recovery, not with controlling administrative access to a server.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that patching (Option A) or moving the service to a public IP (Option B) solves exposure issues, when the real security flaw is the lack of network segmentation and a controlled access point like a bastion host or VPN.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A bastion host typically resides in a public subnet with a security group that allows only inbound SSH from a restricted set of IPs (e.g., corporate VPN range) and forwards traffic to private VM instances. Under the hood, SSH tunneling or agent forwarding can be used to maintain session integrity, and cloud providers like AWS recommend using Systems Manager Session Manager for agent-based access without opening any inbound ports. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured security group allowing 0.0.0.0/0 on port 22 can lead to a compromise within hours due to automated scanning and brute-force tools.
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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
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: Restrict SSH through a bastion host or VPN and remove direct internet access to the VM. — Option C is correct because exposing SSH directly to the internet on a cloud VM creates a significant attack surface, allowing brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks. A bastion host (jump box) or VPN provides a controlled, authenticated entry point, while removing direct internet access to the VM ensures management traffic is isolated and audited. This aligns with the principle of defense in depth and the AWS/cloud best practice of using a bastion host for administrative access.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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