This CC practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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.
A company's security policy requires that all privileged access to critical servers be logged and monitored. The IT team has implemented a jump server (bastion host) for administrators to connect to critical servers. All SSH connections to the jump server are logged, and from there, administrators connect to target servers. The security team notices that some administrators are bypassing the jump server and connecting directly to critical servers from their workstations. The direct connections are not logged. The security team needs to enforce the policy without disrupting operations. Which of the following is the BEST solution?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a host-based firewall on each critical server to block direct connections.
A host-based firewall on each critical server can enforce the security policy by blocking direct SSH connections (TCP port 22) from any source other than the jump server's IP address. This ensures that all administrative access must go through the jump server, where logging is already in place, without disrupting legitimate operations through the authorized path.
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.
✓
Implement a host-based firewall on each critical server to block direct connections.
Why this is correct
Specifically blocks unauthorized direct connections while allowing jump server traffic.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Send a warning email to all administrators reminding them of the policy.
Why it's wrong here
Not enforceable; relies on voluntary compliance and does not prevent bypassing.
✗
Disable direct SSH access to critical servers at the network firewall level.
Why it's wrong here
Blocks all direct traffic but may impact legitimate remote management if not carefully configured.
✗
Revoke local administrator rights on workstations.
Why it's wrong here
Does not prevent direct SSH connections; administrators can still connect from their workstations.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between network-based controls (like a perimeter firewall) and host-based controls, where candidates mistakenly choose a network firewall solution without realizing it does not block internal direct connections from the same subnet.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A host-based firewall, such as iptables on Linux or Windows Defender Firewall, operates at the OS level and can filter traffic based on source IP, destination port, and interface. By creating an inbound rule that allows SSH (TCP/22) only from the jump server's IP address and denies all other sources, the policy is enforced even if an administrator attempts a direct connection from a workstation on the same VLAN. This approach is granular and does not affect other services or legitimate traffic through the jump server.
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 security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a host-based firewall on each critical server to block direct connections. — A host-based firewall on each critical server can enforce the security policy by blocking direct SSH connections (TCP port 22) from any source other than the jump server's IP address. This ensures that all administrative access must go through the jump server, where logging is already in place, without disrupting legitimate operations through the authorized path.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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