The answer is to install a separate FTP proxy in the DMZ and adjust firewall rules to allow FTP traffic to that proxy. This solution works because it creates a dedicated, auditable chokepoint for secure FTP access through the proxy DMZ, allowing the security team to inspect, log, and filter FTP traffic without altering the existing HTTP/HTTPS proxy. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense-in-depth and the principle of least privilege, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly try to reconfigure the existing web proxy or open direct firewall ports. A common memory tip is to think of the DMZ as a “sterile waiting room”—the FTP proxy sits there, sanitizing and logging all file transfers before they reach your internal network, keeping the dirty work outside your clean internal zone.
ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of network security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 uses a proxy server for internet access. Employees can browse websites (HTTP/HTTPS), but they cannot connect to external FTP servers using FTP client software (e.g., FileZilla). The proxy is configured to allow HTTP and HTTPS only. The security team wants to allow FTP while maintaining security (e.g., logging and filtering). The FTP traffic is used for occasional file transfers with partners. Which of the following is the BEST solution to meet both requirements?
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
✓
Install a separate FTP proxy in the DMZ and adjust firewall rules to allow FTP traffic to that proxy.
Option A is correct because deploying a dedicated FTP proxy in the DMZ allows the security team to inspect, log, and filter FTP traffic while keeping the existing HTTP/HTTPS proxy unchanged. Firewall rules can be tightened to permit FTP only to that proxy, which then forwards connections to external FTP servers, maintaining a secure, auditable chokepoint without exposing internal clients directly to FTP.
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.
✓
Install a separate FTP proxy in the DMZ and adjust firewall rules to allow FTP traffic to that proxy.
Why this is correct
An FTP proxy can inspect and log FTP traffic, and being in the DMZ adds security; firewall rules can restrict access.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use SSH tunneling to encapsulate FTP traffic over SSH to a jump server.
Why it's wrong here
This bypasses proxy controls and does not provide logging at the proxy level; also adds complexity.
✗
Configure the proxy to allow FTP traffic by adding FTP as an allowed protocol.
Why it's wrong here
FTP is an insecure protocol and the proxy may not properly inspect it; also, FTP over proxy can be problematic.
✗
Enable FTP passive mode on the proxy.
Why it's wrong here
Passive mode is a client configuration, not a proxy setting; the proxy must still support FTP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that a standard HTTP/HTTPS proxy can be extended to handle FTP by simply enabling a setting, when in reality FTP requires a separate application-layer proxy due to its distinct control/data channel architecture and protocol semantics.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
An FTP proxy operates at the application layer, parsing FTP commands (USER, PASS, RETR, STOR) and managing separate control and data connections, often rewriting addresses to ensure proper routing through the DMZ. Unlike an HTTP proxy, which handles a single TCP stream per request, an FTP proxy must handle the dynamic port negotiation in active mode or the client-initiated data connection in passive mode, making a dedicated proxy essential. In real-world deployments, an FTP proxy like Squid with FTP support or a dedicated FTP proxy appliance can enforce file type restrictions, virus scanning, and user authentication while logging all transfers.
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.
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: Install a separate FTP proxy in the DMZ and adjust firewall rules to allow FTP traffic to that proxy. — Option A is correct because deploying a dedicated FTP proxy in the DMZ allows the security team to inspect, log, and filter FTP traffic while keeping the existing HTTP/HTTPS proxy unchanged. Firewall rules can be tightened to permit FTP only to that proxy, which then forwards connections to external FTP servers, maintaining a secure, auditable chokepoint without exposing internal clients directly to FTP.
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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