ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
Which two of the following are characteristics of a stateful firewall? (Choose TWO.)
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
✓
Tracks connection state
A stateful firewall tracks the state of active connections and can block unsolicited inbound traffic. Packet filtering is stateless, and application inspection is typical of proxy firewalls.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Inspects application-layer data
Why it's wrong here
Application inspection is done by proxy or NGFW.
- ✓
Tracks connection state
Why this is correct
Correct. Stateful firewalls maintain a state table.
- ✗
Operates only at Layer 3
Why it's wrong here
Stateful firewalls operate at Layer 3 and 4.
- ✗
Filters packets based on static rules only
Why it's wrong here
Static rules are typical of packet filtering firewalls.
- ✓
Blocks unsolicited inbound traffic by default
Why this is correct
Correct. It allows only responses to outbound requests.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Security Components and Controls
Key term
Proxy
A proxy is an intermediary server that sits between a client and a destination server, forwarding requests and responses while providing security, privacy, and control.
Key term
Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules to protect trusted internal networks from untrusted external networks.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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