- A
Preconfigured rules for OWASP ModSecurity CRS
Why wrong: These protect against web attacks, not IP-based access control.
- B
Geolocation-based access control
Why wrong: While it can block by country, it's not as precise as allowing specific IP ranges.
- C
Custom rules with source IP allow/deny lists
Cloud Armor custom rules can match on source IP ranges and allow or deny traffic accordingly.
- D
Adaptive protection
Why wrong: Adaptive protection uses ML to detect DDoS, not static IP allowlisting.
Question 536 of 985
PCSE Configuring Network Security Practice Question
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of configuring network security. 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.
An organization wants to allow only specific trusted IP ranges to access a web application behind a Cloud Load Balancer. Which Cloud Armor feature should be used?
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
✓
Custom rules with source IP allow/deny lists
Cloud Armor allows IP allow/deny lists using custom rules. Use a security policy with a rule that allows traffic from specified IP ranges and denies all other traffic.
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.
- ✗
Preconfigured rules for OWASP ModSecurity CRS
Why it's wrong here
These protect against web attacks, not IP-based access control.
- ✗
Geolocation-based access control
Why it's wrong here
While it can block by country, it's not as precise as allowing specific IP ranges.
- ✓
Custom rules with source IP allow/deny lists
Why this is correct
Cloud Armor custom rules can match on source IP ranges and allow or deny traffic accordingly.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Adaptive protection
Why it's wrong here
Adaptive protection uses ML to detect DDoS, not static IP allowlisting.
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 PCSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
- →
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: Custom rules with source IP allow/deny lists — Cloud Armor allows IP allow/deny lists using custom rules. Use a security policy with a rule that allows traffic from specified IP ranges and denies all other traffic.
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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