This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which TWO of the following controls are examples of defense in depth?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Network firewall
Defense in depth uses multiple layers. Firewalls and anti-malware are typical layers. Option A (firewall) is a network layer, Option C (anti-malware) is a host layer. Option B (single sign-on) is a convenience feature, not a security layer. Option D (strong password policy) is a procedural control but not a layered defense. Option E (encryption) is a control but defense in depth focuses on overlapping controls; encryption alone is not a layer in the same sense. However, encryption can be considered a layer, but typically defense in depth includes network, host, and application layers. For this question, firewall and anti-malware are clearest.
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.
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Single sign-on
Why it's wrong here
Single sign-on simplifies authentication but does not add a security layer.
✗
Encryption at rest
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is a control, but defense in depth typically refers to multiple protective layers, not just encryption.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Anti-malware software
Why this is correct
Anti-malware is a host-based security layer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Strong password policy
Why it's wrong here
A password policy is a procedural control, not a technical layer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Network firewall — Defense in depth uses multiple layers. Firewalls and anti-malware are typical layers. Option A (firewall) is a network layer, Option C (anti-malware) is a host layer. Option B (single sign-on) is a convenience feature, not a security layer. Option D (strong password policy) is a procedural control but not a layered defense. Option E (encryption) is a control but defense in depth focuses on overlapping controls; encryption alone is not a layer in the same sense. However, encryption can be considered a layer, but typically defense in depth includes network, host, and application layers. For this question, firewall and anti-malware are clearest.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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