PCSE Practice Question: Configuring Access Within a Cloud Solution Environment
A company wants to implement a zero-trust access model for SSH access to Compute Engine instances. They need to ensure that only authorized users can connect and that all connections are logged. Which two services should they use? (Choose TWO.)
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
✓
Identity-Aware Proxy (IAP)
Identity-Aware Proxy (IAP) allows zero-trust TCP forwarding for SSH and RDP without a bastion host. Cloud Audit Logs record all IAP tunnel connections. Cloud NAT is for outbound internet, Cloud VPN is for network connectivity, and Cloud Shell is a browser-based terminal but does not provide zero-trust access control.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Identity-Aware Proxy (IAP)
Why this is correct
Provides zero-trust SSH access via TCP forwarding.
- ✗
Cloud NAT
Why it's wrong here
For outbound internet, not SSH access.
- ✗
Cloud Shell
Why it's wrong here
Not a zero-trust solution for SSH.
- ✗
Cloud VPN
Why it's wrong here
Network-level VPN, not zero-trust.
- ✓
Cloud Audit Logs
Why this is correct
Logs all IAP connections for auditing.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCSE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PCSE exam.