- A
Both rules must have the same priority
Why wrong: Same priority causes unpredictable behavior; they should have different priorities.
- B
The deny rule must have a lower priority number than the allow rule
Correct. Lower priority number means higher precedence, so the deny rule is evaluated first.
- C
Priority does not matter for deny rules
Why wrong: Priority matters for all rules.
- D
The deny rule must have a higher priority number than the allow rule
Why wrong: Higher priority number means lower precedence; the allow rule would override the deny.
Question 515 of 1,000
PCNE Implementing VPC Instances Practice Question
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of implementing vpc instances. 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.
An engineer needs to configure Cloud Armor to block requests from a specific IP address (10.1.2.3) while allowing all other traffic. They create a security policy with a deny rule for that IP and an allow rule for all traffic. What priority should the deny rule have relative to the allow rule?
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
✓
The deny rule must have a lower priority number than the allow rule
In Cloud Armor, rules are evaluated from lowest to highest priority (lower number = higher priority). The deny rule must have a lower priority number than the allow rule to be evaluated first and block the IP before the allow rule applies. Typically, the allow-all rule has highest priority (e.g., 2147483647).
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.
- ✗
Both rules must have the same priority
Why it's wrong here
Same priority causes unpredictable behavior; they should have different priorities.
- ✓
The deny rule must have a lower priority number than the allow rule
Why this is correct
Correct. Lower priority number means higher precedence, so the deny rule is evaluated first.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Priority does not matter for deny rules
Why it's wrong here
Priority matters for all rules.
- ✗
The deny rule must have a higher priority number than the allow rule
Why it's wrong here
Higher priority number means lower precedence; the allow rule would override the deny.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. 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. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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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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: The deny rule must have a lower priority number than the allow rule — In Cloud Armor, rules are evaluated from lowest to highest priority (lower number = higher priority). The deny rule must have a lower priority number than the allow rule to be evaluated first and block the IP before the allow rule applies. Typically, the allow-all rule has highest priority (e.g., 2147483647).
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.
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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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