- A
Create a custom rule with a deny action for the malicious IP list using a CEL expression
You can use a deny list rule to block specific IP addresses.
- B
Create a single rule that combines SQLi detection, IP blocking, and rate limiting using CEL
Why wrong: Rate limiting cannot be combined with other conditions in a single rule; it requires a separate rule.
- C
Enable the preconfigured rule set for SQL injection (OWASP ModSecurity CRS)
This provides preconfigured rules to block SQLi.
- D
Enable Cloud Armor Managed Protection Plus for automatic IP reputation
Why wrong: Managed Protection Plus includes adaptive protection but does not automatically block custom IP lists.
- E
Create a rate limiting rule with a threshold of 2000 requests per minute per IP
Rate limiting is a separate rule type with action 'rateBasedThrottle'.
PCSE Configuring Network Security Practice Question
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of configuring network security. 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 security team is configuring Cloud Armor to protect a web application. They need to block requests that contain SQL injection patterns, block requests from a known malicious IP list, and limit requests from any single IP to 2000 requests per minute. Which THREE actions must 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
Create a custom rule with a deny action for the malicious IP list using a CEL expression
To implement these requirements, you need to enable the preconfigured SQL injection rule set, create a custom rule with an IP allow/deny list for the malicious IPs, and create a rate limiting rule. Cloud Armor does not have a built-in list of malicious IPs; you must provide the list. The rate limiting is configured as a separate rule with action 'rateBasedThrottle'.
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.
- ✓
Create a custom rule with a deny action for the malicious IP list using a CEL expression
Why this is correct
You can use a deny list rule to block specific IP addresses.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Create a single rule that combines SQLi detection, IP blocking, and rate limiting using CEL
Why it's wrong here
Rate limiting cannot be combined with other conditions in a single rule; it requires a separate rule.
- ✓
Enable the preconfigured rule set for SQL injection (OWASP ModSecurity CRS)
Why this is correct
This provides preconfigured rules to block SQLi.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Enable Cloud Armor Managed Protection Plus for automatic IP reputation
Why it's wrong here
Managed Protection Plus includes adaptive protection but does not automatically block custom IP lists.
- ✓
Create a rate limiting rule with a threshold of 2000 requests per minute per IP
Why this is correct
Rate limiting is a separate rule type with action 'rateBasedThrottle'.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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 PCSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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Configuring Network Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCSE question test?
Configuring Network Security — This question tests Configuring Network Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a custom rule with a deny action for the malicious IP list using a CEL expression — To implement these requirements, you need to enable the preconfigured SQL injection rule set, create a custom rule with an IP allow/deny list for the malicious IPs, and create a rate limiting rule. Cloud Armor does not have a built-in list of malicious IPs; you must provide the list. The rate limiting is configured as a separate rule with action 'rateBasedThrottle'.
What should I do if I get this PCSE 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 PCSE 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 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.
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