ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
An organization deploys a network security device that inspects application-layer payloads, can block malicious HTTP requests, and uses OWASP rules. Which type of device is this?
⚠ Common exam trap
CC often tests the distinction between detection (IDS) and prevention (IPS/WAF) and between network-layer firewalls (NGFW) and application-layer firewalls (WAF), tempting candidates to pick NGFW because it sounds 'next-gen' and comprehensive.
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 Layer 7, inspects HTTP/HTTPS payloads, blocks malicious requests such as SQL injection and XSS, and commonly uses rule sets like the OWASP ModSecurity Core Rule Set. The question's emphasis on application-layer payload inspection, HTTP request blocking, and OWASP rules maps directly to WAF capabilities. WAFs are typically deployed in front of web servers or via cloud services (AWS WAF, Cloud Armor, Azure WAF).
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 Detection System (IDS)
Why it's wrong here
An IDS alerts on suspicious activity but does not block traffic.
- ✗
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
Why it's wrong here
An NGFW provides stateful filtering, application awareness and IPS capabilities, but OWASP rule sets and HTTP request blocking are the defining function of a web application firewall. An NGFW is correct when enforcing policy across many protocols and applications at the network perimeter, not protecting a specific web application.
- ✓
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Why this is correct
A Web Application Firewall operates at Layer 7, inspecting HTTP request payloads against rule sets such as the OWASP Core Rule Set to block SQL injection, cross-site scripting and similar attacks. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement for application-layer inspection and malicious HTTP request blocking, unlike packet-filtering or stateful firewalls.
- ✗
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Why it's wrong here
An IPS focuses on detecting and blocking intrusions through signature and anomaly matching across network traffic, but application-layer inspection with OWASP rules and HTTP payload blocking describes a web application firewall. An IPS is correct when you need to block exploits and malicious traffic at the network layer.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Security Foundations
Key term
AWS WAF
AWS WAF is a cloud-based web application firewall that helps protect your web applications from common web exploits like SQL injection and cross-site scripting by allowing you to define customizable rules.
Key term
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, or HTTPS, is the secure version of HTTP that encrypts data between a web browser and a website using SSL/TLS to protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.
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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.