The answer is to deploy FortiWeb in reverse proxy mode in front of the web server. This approach is correct because reverse proxy mode allows FortiWeb to terminate the client connection, inspect all incoming traffic at the application layer, and apply deep packet inspection specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection and cross-site scripting payloads before they reach the backend server. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to layer security appliances effectively—FortiGate handles network-level threats, while FortiWeb is purpose-built for OWASP Top 10 web application attacks. A common trap is choosing to place FortiWeb behind the FortiGate or in transparent mode, but reverse proxy mode is the only option that enables full HTTP parsing, signature matching, and behavioral analysis for SQLi and XSS. Remember the memory tip: “Reverse proxy, reverse the attack”—the proxy sits in front, reversing the traffic flow so threats never touch the web server.
NSE7 Advanced Threat Protection Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced threat protection. 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.
An organization wants to protect a public-facing web application against SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. They have a FortiGate and a FortiWeb. What is the BEST deployment approach?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy FortiWeb in reverse proxy mode in front of the web server
Option C is correct because FortiWeb is purpose-built for web application security and provides deep inspection and protection against OWASP Top 10 threats like SQLi and XSS.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 and rely on firewall policies
FortiGate WAF has limited capabilities compared to FortiWeb.
✓
Deploy FortiWeb in reverse proxy mode in front of the web server
Why this is correct
FortiWeb provides comprehensive WAF features like signature-based detection, anomaly detection, and bot mitigation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use FortiGate IPS signatures for SQL injection and XSS
Why it's wrong here
IPS may not cover all variations of web attacks as effectively as a WAF.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Advanced Threat Protection — This question tests Advanced Threat Protection — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy FortiWeb in reverse proxy mode in front of the web server — Option C is correct because FortiWeb is purpose-built for web application security and provides deep inspection and protection against OWASP Top 10 threats like SQLi and XSS.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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