easyMultiple Choice
CCSP Practice Question: A cloud architect needs to protect data in…
A cloud architect needs to protect data in transit between an on-premises data center and a cloud virtual private cloud (VPC). Which solution is MOST appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that TLS or SSL is sufficient for all data-in-transit scenarios, but the trap here is that TLS is application-layer and cannot secure non-HTTP traffic or provide a site-to-site tunnel, whereas IPsec is the correct network-layer solution for connecting entire networks.
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
✓
VPN with IPsec
An IPsec VPN is the most appropriate solution for protecting data in transit between an on-premises data center and a cloud VPC because it provides network-layer encryption and authentication for all IP traffic between the two sites. IPsec operates at Layer 3, securing the entire tunnel without requiring per-application configuration, and is designed specifically for site-to-site connectivity. This ensures confidentiality, integrity, and replay protection for all data traversing the public internet or a direct connect link.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SSL certificate on web server
Why it's wrong here
A web server certificate secures browser-to-server HTTPS sessions, terminating at that host, so it cannot encrypt the site-to-site path between the data centre and the VPC. It would be correct for protecting public web traffic, not a dedicated network tunnel.
- ✗
TLS for each application
Why it's wrong here
Per-application TLS encrypts only the individual application flows that implement it, leaving other traffic on the link in clear text and requiring each service to be configured. It suits securing specific APIs, whereas a network-level tunnel encrypts all traffic between the sites.
- ✓
VPN with IPsec
Why this is correct
IPsec operates at the network layer, encrypting every packet between the on-premises gateway and the VPC's virtual private gateway. This satisfies the requirement to protect data in transit across the public internet, providing confidentiality and integrity for site-to-site traffic without application changes.
- ✗
Direct Connect without encryption
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect provides a private dedicated circuit but carries traffic unencrypted, so data in transit remains readable on the path. It is tempting because it removes internet exposure, yet the requirement is encryption, which a VPN tunnel over the connection supplies.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CCSP 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 CCSP exam.