ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
A company deploys a device that inspects HTTP and HTTPS traffic to block SQL injection and cross-site scripting attacks. This device is best described as a:
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
✓
Web application firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is specifically designed to protect web applications by filtering and monitoring HTTP/HTTPS traffic, often using rules like OWASP to block common attacks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Stateful firewall
Why it's wrong here
Stateful firewall does not deeply inspect application content.
- ✓
Web application firewall (WAF)
Why this is correct
WAF is purpose-built for web traffic and application-layer attacks.
- ✗
Honeypot
Why it's wrong here
Honeypot is a decoy, not a filtering device.
- ✗
Network-based IPS
Why it's wrong here
NIPS inspects general network traffic, not specifically web applications.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Access Control Fundamentals
Key term
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, or HTTPS, is the secure version of HTTP that encrypts data between a web browser and a website using SSL/TLS to protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.
Key term
Cross-site scripting
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, often to steal data or hijack sessions.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.