hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: A security team discovers that an internal…
A security team discovers that an internal database server is sending large amounts of data to an unknown external IP address. The server is not supposed to communicate externally. Which security control should be implemented to prevent such data exfiltration?
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
✓
Configure a firewall to deny all outbound traffic from the database server except to specific authorized destinations
A firewall with restrictive egress rules blocks unauthorized outbound traffic, preventing data exfiltration. Option A (VPN) would not stop the traffic; it could even encrypt and tunnel it. Option B (IDS) can detect but not block. Option D (DLP) monitors content but may not effectively block at the network level.
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 VPN for all external communications
Why it's wrong here
A VPN would encrypt traffic but not prevent the server from sending data to unauthorized hosts.
- ✗
Install an intrusion detection system (IDS) on the network segment
Why it's wrong here
IDS is detective, not preventive; it would alert but not block.
- ✓
Configure a firewall to deny all outbound traffic from the database server except to specific authorized destinations
Why this is correct
Egress filtering blocks unauthorized outbound connections, preventing data exfiltration.
- ✗
Deploy a data loss prevention (DLP) system on the server
Why it's wrong here
DLP can detect sensitive data but may not block all exfiltration at the network level.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
IDS
An IDS is a security system that monitors network or system traffic for suspicious activity and alerts administrators to potential threats, but does not actively block them.
Key term
Security control
A security control is a safeguard or countermeasure designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems and data.
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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.