- A
Security groups with source referencing the web server security group for app tier, and app server security group for DB tier
Correct: Security groups can reference each other, providing dynamic, stateful filtering.
- B
NACLs on each subnet with rules referencing source IP ranges
Why wrong: NACLs are stateless and require explicit return rules; using IP ranges is less precise than security group references.
- C
A single NACL applied to all subnets with layer 7 filtering
Why wrong: NACLs operate at layer 3/4, not layer 7, and cannot filter based on security group.
- D
Route tables with deny rules to restrict inter-subnet traffic
Why wrong: Route tables determine paths, not firewall rules; they do not filter traffic.
Question 28 of 1,000
hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CCSP Practice Question: A cloud security engineer is configuring network…
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of ccsp exam topics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A cloud security engineer is configuring network security for a multi-tier application in AWS. The web servers must be accessible from the internet on port 443, the application servers should only receive traffic from the web servers, and the database servers should only accept traffic from the application servers on port 3306. Which combination of security controls should be used?
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
✓
Security groups with source referencing the web server security group for app tier, and app server security group for DB tier
Security groups are stateful and allow return traffic automatically. For inbound control, security groups with source references provide the required micro-segmentation.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Security groups with source referencing the web server security group for app tier, and app server security group for DB tier
Why this is correct
Correct: Security groups can reference each other, providing dynamic, stateful filtering.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
NACLs on each subnet with rules referencing source IP ranges
Why it's wrong here
NACLs are stateless and require explicit return rules; using IP ranges is less precise than security group references.
- ✗
A single NACL applied to all subnets with layer 7 filtering
Why it's wrong here
NACLs operate at layer 3/4, not layer 7, and cannot filter based on security group.
- ✗
Route tables with deny rules to restrict inter-subnet traffic
Why it's wrong here
Route tables determine paths, not firewall rules; they do not filter traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CCSP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CCSP question test?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Security groups with source referencing the web server security group for app tier, and app server security group for DB tier — Security groups are stateful and allow return traffic automatically. For inbound control, security groups with source references provide the required micro-segmentation.
What should I do if I get this CCSP question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CCSP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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