ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
A security engineer is configuring a network security device that can block malicious HTTP requests based on application-layer inspection. Which device type is most suitable?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse an IPS with a WAF: both can block malicious traffic, but only a WAF is purpose-built for HTTP application-layer request inspection, and the question explicitly specifies HTTP requests.
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) operates at the application layer (Layer 7) and is specifically designed to inspect HTTP/HTTPS traffic, blocking malicious requests such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other OWASP Top 10 attacks. It understands HTTP semantics like headers, cookies, methods, and payloads, making it the right tool for application-layer request filtering.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Why it's wrong here
An IPS can inspect application-layer payloads and block malicious HTTP requests, but the stem specifies a device whose primary role is blocking based on HTTP inspection; a web application firewall targets HTTP semantics directly. IPS is tempting because it blocks intrusions generally, and would suit broader network threat prevention.
- ✗
Network-based Intrusion Detection System (NIDS)
Why it's wrong here
A NIDS inspects traffic and raises alerts but sits passively, so it cannot block the malicious HTTP requests. It is tempting because it performs the same deep application-layer inspection, and it would be correct if the requirement were only to detect and log suspicious requests for later analysis.
- ✓
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Why this is correct
A Web Application Firewall inspects HTTP request contents at the application layer, matching signatures and rules against payloads, URLs and headers. This lets it block malicious HTTP requests, which a packet-filtering firewall or traditional IPS cannot do at that layer.
- ✗
Stateful firewall
Why it's wrong here
A stateful firewall tracks connections and permits or denies by port and session state, but it does not parse HTTP payloads to identify malicious requests. It is tempting because it does block traffic, and it would be correct if the requirement were to filter by IP address, protocol and connection state rather than application content.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Security Foundations
Key term
Access Control List
An Access Control List is a set of rules that decides which traffic is allowed or denied entry to a network or device.
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 and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.