- A
Attach the security policy to the backend service of the HTTPS Load Balancer
Cloud Armor policies are applied to backend services.
- B
Create a Cloud Armor security policy with a rule that denies traffic from the country
This rule blocks traffic based on geographic origin.
- C
Add a firewall rule in the VPC to deny traffic from the country
Why wrong: Firewall rules are not evaluated for load-balanced traffic; the security policy is used.
- D
Create a Cloud Armor security policy with a higher-priority rule that allows the specific IP ranges
Higher-priority rules (lower number) are evaluated first, so this allows the legitimate IPs before the deny rule.
- E
Use VPC Service Controls to restrict access from the country
Why wrong: VPC Service Controls restrict API access, not HTTP traffic.
PCNE Implementing VPC Instances Practice Question
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of implementing vpc instances. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 security team needs to block traffic from a specific geographic region (country) from reaching their HTTP Load Balancer. Additionally, they need to allow traffic from specific IP ranges that are known to be legitimate, even if they originate from that blocked region. Which THREE steps should they take? (Choose THREE.)
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
Attach the security policy to the backend service of the HTTPS Load Balancer
Cloud Armor allows you to create security policies with rules. Geo-blocking can be implemented by denying traffic based on geographic origin. To allow specific IP ranges from the blocked region, you need a rule with higher priority that allows those IPs before the deny rule. Attach the policy to the backend service of the HTTPS Load Balancer.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Attach the security policy to the backend service of the HTTPS Load Balancer
Why this is correct
Cloud Armor policies are applied to backend services.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
Create a Cloud Armor security policy with a rule that denies traffic from the country
Why this is correct
This rule blocks traffic based on geographic origin.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Add a firewall rule in the VPC to deny traffic from the country
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules are not evaluated for load-balanced traffic; the security policy is used.
- ✓
Create a Cloud Armor security policy with a higher-priority rule that allows the specific IP ranges
Why this is correct
Higher-priority rules (lower number) are evaluated first, so this allows the legitimate IPs before the deny rule.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Use VPC Service Controls to restrict access from the country
Why it's wrong here
VPC Service Controls restrict API access, not HTTP traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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Implementing VPC Instances — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNE question test?
Implementing VPC Instances — This question tests Implementing VPC Instances — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attach the security policy to the backend service of the HTTPS Load Balancer — Cloud Armor allows you to create security policies with rules. Geo-blocking can be implemented by denying traffic based on geographic origin. To allow specific IP ranges from the blocked region, you need a rule with higher priority that allows those IPs before the deny rule. Attach the policy to the backend service of the HTTPS Load Balancer.
What should I do if I get this PCNE question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCNE 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 PCNE exam.
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