- A
Conduct a penetration test to assess the risk
Why wrong: Penetration testing is not necessary; the rule is no longer needed and should be removed.
- B
Remove the rule immediately and verify no impact
Since the business request is completed, the rule should be removed to reduce risk.
- C
Document the rule with a risk acceptance signed by management
Why wrong: Risk acceptance is not appropriate because the business need no longer exists; the rule should be removed.
- D
Modify the rule to allow only specific ports and protocols
Why wrong: Modifying the rule is unnecessary because the business need has ended; the rule should be removed.
Question 275 of 1,000
CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. 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.
During a review of firewall rule sets, an IS auditor identifies a rule that allows 'any-any' traffic from an internal subnet to the DMZ. The rule was implemented six months ago based on a business request that has since been completed. The firewall administrator explains that the rule was kept for convenience. Which of the following is the BEST audit recommendation?
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
✓
Remove the rule immediately and verify no impact
Keeping a rule after the business need has ended violates the principle of least privilege. The best recommendation is to remove the rule immediately, as retaining it increases risk without justification.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Conduct a penetration test to assess the risk
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing is not necessary; the rule is no longer needed and should be removed.
- ✓
Remove the rule immediately and verify no impact
Why this is correct
Since the business request is completed, the rule should be removed to reduce risk.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Document the rule with a risk acceptance signed by management
Why it's wrong here
Risk acceptance is not appropriate because the business need no longer exists; the rule should be removed.
- ✗
Modify the rule to allow only specific ports and protocols
Why it's wrong here
Modifying the rule is unnecessary because the business need has ended; the rule should be removed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISA questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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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 — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove the rule immediately and verify no impact — Keeping a rule after the business need has ended violates the principle of least privilege. The best recommendation is to remove the rule immediately, as retaining it increases risk without justification.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISA questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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