- A
Place both the web server and the database server in the same DMZ segment and rely on host-based firewalls for protection.
Why wrong: Placing the database server in the same DMZ as the web server exposes it to any attacker who compromises the web server, and host-based firewalls can be misconfigured or bypassed. The database should be in a more secure internal zone.
- B
Place the web server in the DMZ and the database server on the internal network. Configure the firewall to allow inbound traffic from the web server to the database server on the required port only.
This architecture follows the principle of defense in depth. The DMZ provides an additional security layer for the web server, while the database is isolated on the internal network with a restrictive firewall rule that limits access to only the web server, reducing the attack surface.
- C
Connect both servers to a single internal VLAN and use a reverse proxy to forward external traffic to the web server.
Why wrong: Putting both servers on the same internal VLAN removes network segmentation. If the web server is compromised, the attacker gains direct access to the database. A reverse proxy helps protect the web server but does not isolate the database.
- D
Use a site-to-site VPN to connect the web server and database server, and place both behind a single NAT gateway.
Why wrong: A site-to-site VPN is typically used to connect separate networks securely, not to segment internal resources. Placing both behind NAT still exposes the database if the web server is breached, because there is no firewall rule limiting database access to only the web server.
Network Segmentation: DMZ for Web, Internal Subnet for Database
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company is redesigning its network to host a public-facing web application that accesses a confidential database. The security team needs to minimize the risk of a direct attack against the database server while still allowing the web server to retrieve and update data. Which network architecture best achieves this objective?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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 the DMZ and the database server on the internal network. Configure the firewall to allow inbound traffic from the web server to the database server on the required port only.
Option B is correct because it implements a tiered network architecture where the web server resides in the DMZ (a semi-trusted zone) and the database server is placed on the internal network, isolated from direct internet access. The firewall is configured with a stateful rule that permits only the web server's IP and the specific database port (e.g., TCP 3306 for MySQL or 1433 for MSSQL), preventing any direct inbound connections from the internet to the database. This minimizes the attack surface by ensuring that even if the web server is compromised, the database is not directly reachable from external hosts.
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 both the web server and the database server in the same DMZ segment and rely on host-based firewalls for protection.
Why it's wrong here
Placing the database server in the same DMZ as the web server exposes it to any attacker who compromises the web server, and host-based firewalls can be misconfigured or bypassed. The database should be in a more secure internal zone.
When this WOULD be correct
This option would be correct in a scenario where both servers host non-sensitive data and the primary goal is to simplify network design while still providing basic isolation from the internal network. For example, a public-facing web application with a read-only, non-confidential database that can tolerate some risk.
- ✓
Place the web server in the DMZ and the database server on the internal network. Configure the firewall to allow inbound traffic from the web server to the database server on the required port only.
Why this is correct
This architecture follows the principle of defense in depth. The DMZ provides an additional security layer for the web server, while the database is isolated on the internal network with a restrictive firewall rule that limits access to only the web server, reducing the attack surface.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Connect both servers to a single internal VLAN and use a reverse proxy to forward external traffic to the web server.
Why it's wrong here
Putting both servers on the same internal VLAN removes network segmentation. If the web server is compromised, the attacker gains direct access to the database. A reverse proxy helps protect the web server but does not isolate the database.
When this WOULD be correct
This architecture would be correct if the question asked for a solution to protect a web application from external threats while keeping both servers on the same internal network, with the requirement that no direct inbound access to the web server is allowed and all external traffic must be terminated at the reverse proxy.
- ✗
Use a site-to-site VPN to connect the web server and database server, and place both behind a single NAT gateway.
Why it's wrong here
A site-to-site VPN is typically used to connect separate networks securely, not to segment internal resources. Placing both behind NAT still exposes the database if the web server is breached, because there is no firewall rule limiting database access to only the web server.
When this WOULD be correct
This option would be correct if the question required secure connectivity between two geographically separate networks (e.g., branch office and headquarters) while hiding both servers behind a single public IP for outbound internet access, with no need for DMZ isolation.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The SY0-701 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Place the web server in the DMZ and the database server on the internal network. Configure the firewall to allow inbound traffic from the web server to the database server on the required port only.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This architecture follows the principle of defense in depth. The DMZ provides an additional security layer for the web server, while the database is isolated on the internal network with a restrictive firewall rule that limits access to only the web server, reducing the attack surface.
✗Place both the web server and the database server in the same DMZ segment and rely on host-based firewalls for protection.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Placing both servers in the same DMZ segment exposes the database to the same untrusted network as the web server, increasing the attack surface. Host-based firewalls alone are insufficient to prevent a direct attack on the database if the web server is compromised.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This option would be correct in a scenario where both servers host non-sensitive data and the primary goal is to simplify network design while still providing basic isolation from the internal network. For example, a public-facing web application with a read-only, non-confidential database that can tolerate some risk.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think that host-based firewalls provide adequate protection and that placing servers together simplifies management, overlooking the principle of defense in depth and the need to isolate sensitive databases from untrusted zones.
✗Connect both servers to a single internal VLAN and use a reverse proxy to forward external traffic to the web server.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Placing both servers on a single internal VLAN with a reverse proxy does not isolate the database from direct external access; if the web server is compromised, the attacker can pivot directly to the database on the same VLAN, violating the principle of defense in depth.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This architecture would be correct if the question asked for a solution to protect a web application from external threats while keeping both servers on the same internal network, with the requirement that no direct inbound access to the web server is allowed and all external traffic must be terminated at the reverse proxy.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think a reverse proxy provides sufficient security by hiding the web server's IP, and they may overlook that the database remains on the same flat network segment, making it vulnerable to lateral movement after a web server compromise.
✗Use a site-to-site VPN to connect the web server and database server, and place both behind a single NAT gateway.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A site-to-site VPN connects two networks securely, but placing both servers behind a single NAT gateway does not isolate the database from direct internet exposure, failing to minimize the risk of direct attack against the database server.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This option would be correct if the question required secure connectivity between two geographically separate networks (e.g., branch office and headquarters) while hiding both servers behind a single public IP for outbound internet access, with no need for DMZ isolation.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think VPN provides sufficient security and overlook the need for network segmentation, or they confuse site-to-site VPN with remote access VPN, believing it inherently protects the database from direct attack.
Analysis generated from the official SY0-701blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume placing both servers in the DMZ is sufficient because they think the DMZ itself provides isolation, but they overlook that the DMZ is still a single security zone where lateral movement between hosts is not restricted, making the database vulnerable if the web server is breached.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This architecture is a classic example of defense-in-depth using a three-tier DMZ design, where the web server acts as a bastion host that must be explicitly allowed to initiate outbound connections to the database. Under the hood, the firewall uses stateful inspection to track the TCP session from the web server to the database, ensuring that only established responses are allowed back, and no unsolicited inbound traffic reaches the database. In a real-world scenario, this prevents SQL injection attacks from directly exfiltrating data to the internet, as the database server has no default route to the internet and its outbound traffic is typically blocked by egress filtering.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Security Architecture — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security Architecture practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SY0-701 questions
1,152 questions across all exam domains
- →
Security+ SY0-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SY0-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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.
General Security Concepts practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to General Security Concepts.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Program Management and Oversight practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Program Management and Oversight.
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.
Practice this exam
Start a free SY0-701 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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 the DMZ and the database server on the internal network. Configure the firewall to allow inbound traffic from the web server to the database server on the required port only. — Option B is correct because it implements a tiered network architecture where the web server resides in the DMZ (a semi-trusted zone) and the database server is placed on the internal network, isolated from direct internet access. The firewall is configured with a stateful rule that permits only the web server's IP and the specific database port (e.g., TCP 3306 for MySQL or 1433 for MSSQL), preventing any direct inbound connections from the internet to the database. This minimizes the attack surface by ensuring that even if the web server is compromised, the database is not directly reachable from external hosts.
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: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on SY0-701
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A small company is deploying a public web application with a front-end server, an API server, and a database. The web server must be reachable from the internet, the API must be reachable only from the web server, and the database must never be accessible from user subnets. Which design best meets the requirement?
medium- A.Place all three servers on the same internal VLAN and use host firewalls only.
- ✓ B.Place the web server in a DMZ, the API server in an internal subnet, and the database in a separate restricted subnet.
- C.Place the database in the DMZ so the web server can connect to it with fewer firewall rules.
- D.Use a single NAT gateway for all servers and rely on public IP filtering at the edge.
Why B: Option B is correct because it implements a layered security architecture: the web server resides in a DMZ (demilitarized zone) to be publicly accessible, the API server is placed in an internal subnet with firewall rules allowing only traffic from the web server, and the database is isolated in a restricted subnet with no access from user subnets. This design enforces the principle of least privilege and prevents direct internet exposure of the API and database, which is critical for protecting sensitive data.
Variation 2. 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.
easy- ✓ A.Place the web server in a DMZ that is reachable from the internet.
- B.Put the database on the same subnet as the web server for faster communication.
- ✓ C.Place the database on an internal subnet that is not directly reachable from the internet.
- D.Allow every tier to communicate freely to simplify troubleshooting.
- E.Use one flat VLAN for all three servers and rely on strong passwords.
Why A: 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.
Variation 3. A small company is redesigning its network for a public web application. The web front end must be reachable from the internet, but the database should never be exposed directly to external or general user traffic. Which architecture is the best choice?
medium- A.Place both the web server and database in the same internal subnet and rely on host firewalls.
- ✓ B.Place the web server in a DMZ and keep the database in a private internal subnet with only required application traffic allowed.
- C.Place the database in the DMZ so the web server can query it directly without internal routing.
- D.Keep both systems public but restrict access with NAT and strong administrator passwords.
Why B: Option B is correct because it implements a layered security architecture: the web server resides in a DMZ (demilitarized zone) where it is reachable from the internet, while the database is placed in a private internal subnet with strict firewall rules that only allow the required application traffic (e.g., TCP port 3306 for MySQL or 1433 for MSSQL) from the web server. This ensures the database is never directly exposed to external or general user traffic, reducing the attack surface and preventing direct internet-based attacks on the database.
Keep practising
More SY0-701 practice questions
- An HR analyst must send a salary file to an external auditor. The auditor only needs names, departments, and salary tota…
- An investigator receives a suspect laptop drive that may be used in court. Which approach best supports a forensically s…
- An investigator must collect data from a suspected insider-threat laptop so the evidence could be used in an HR and lega…
- An NDR tool shows a production web server sending small, periodic DNS queries to random-looking subdomains under a domai…
- An investigator needs to make a forensic image of a suspect laptop without changing the original drive contents. Which t…
- An operations team manages Linux servers over SSH. The security team wants to stop direct management access from employe…
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SY0-701 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.