- A
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443; allow inbound from internet to server on 443 for license server response
Why wrong: The inbound rule for license server response is unnecessary if stateful inspection is used.
- B
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443 with stateful inspection
Stateful inspection automatically allows return traffic for the outbound connection.
- C
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443
Why wrong: This does not account for stateful inspection; return traffic may be blocked.
- D
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443 and 443; allow outbound from server to internet on any
Why wrong: Allowing all outbound and inbound 443 is unnecessarily permissive.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to allow inbound traffic from the internet to the server on TCP 8443 and outbound traffic from the server to the internet on TCP 443 with stateful inspection. This works because stateful inspection firewall rules track the state of active connections; when the server initiates an outbound HTTPS request on port 443, the firewall automatically permits the return traffic from the license server without needing a separate inbound rule. On the ISC2 CC exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how DMZ firewall rules with stateful inspection maintain security while enabling necessary services—a common trap is adding an unnecessary inbound rule for the license server’s reply, which violates the default-deny posture. Remember the memory tip: “Outbound initiates, stateful reciprocates.”
ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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.
A company's network uses a perimeter firewall and an internal firewall. The DMZ sits between them. A new application server needs to be accessible from the internet on TCP port 8443 and must be able to make outbound HTTPS connections to an external license server. Which firewall rules should be implemented? (Assume default deny)
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
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443 with stateful inspection
Option B is correct because it allows inbound traffic on TCP 8443 to the server and outbound traffic on TCP 443 from the server to the internet. Stateful inspection automatically tracks the outbound HTTPS connection and permits the return traffic (the license server's response) without needing an explicit inbound rule. This matches the requirement while maintaining a default-deny posture.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443; allow inbound from internet to server on 443 for license server response
Why it's wrong here
The inbound rule for license server response is unnecessary if stateful inspection is used.
- ✓
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443 with stateful inspection
Why this is correct
Stateful inspection automatically allows return traffic for the outbound connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443
Why it's wrong here
This does not account for stateful inspection; return traffic may be blocked.
- ✗
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443 and 443; allow outbound from server to internet on any
Why it's wrong here
Allowing all outbound and inbound 443 is unnecessarily permissive.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that return traffic for outbound connections requires an explicit inbound allow rule, when in fact stateful inspection automatically permits the reply packets.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Stateful firewalls maintain a connection table that records the state of each session. When the server initiates an outbound TCP SYN on port 443, the firewall creates an entry and permits the corresponding SYN-ACK and subsequent packets as part of the same session, even without an explicit inbound rule. In real-world deployments, failing to enable stateful inspection on the outbound rule (as in Option C) would cause asymmetric routing or dropped return traffic, often leading to timeout errors.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CC question test?
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443 with stateful inspection — Option B is correct because it allows inbound traffic on TCP 8443 to the server and outbound traffic on TCP 443 from the server to the internet. Stateful inspection automatically tracks the outbound HTTPS connection and permits the return traffic (the license server's response) without needing an explicit inbound rule. This matches the requirement while maintaining a default-deny posture.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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