- A
A rule that has not been reviewed for 18 months
Why wrong: Lack of review is a concern but the rule itself may not be risky.
- B
A rule that permits traffic from a specific IP to a database server on port 1433
Why wrong: This is specific and likely has a business justification.
- C
A rule that allows any source IP to access a critical server on port 443
Why wrong: While broad, it is limited to one port and may be justified.
- D
A rule that allows any service from the Internet to the internal network
This is a classic any-any rule that bypasses security.
Question 282 of 1,000
CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 IS auditor is reviewing the firewall rule base. Which of the following findings would be of MOST concern?
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
✓
A rule that allows any service from the Internet to the internal network
An allow rule from any to any (any-any) is overly permissive and poses a significant security risk. The other options are also problems but are less severe than a wide-open rule.
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.
- ✗
A rule that has not been reviewed for 18 months
Why it's wrong here
Lack of review is a concern but the rule itself may not be risky.
- ✗
A rule that permits traffic from a specific IP to a database server on port 1433
Why it's wrong here
This is specific and likely has a business justification.
- ✗
A rule that allows any source IP to access a critical server on port 443
Why it's wrong here
While broad, it is limited to one port and may be justified.
- ✓
A rule that allows any service from the Internet to the internal network
Why this is correct
This is a classic any-any rule that bypasses security.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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 CISA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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Protection of Information Assets — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISA question test?
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A rule that allows any service from the Internet to the internal network — An allow rule from any to any (any-any) is overly permissive and poses a significant security risk. The other options are also problems but are less severe than a wide-open rule.
What should I do if I get this CISA 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 CISA 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 CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.
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