This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud security operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. The following is an excerpt from a cloud infrastructure configuration file (Terraform HCL):
resource "aws_instance" "web" {
ami = "ami-0c55b159cbfafe1f0"
instance_type = "t2.micro"
user_data = <<-EOF
#!/bin/bash
apt-get update
apt-get install -y nginx
systemctl enable nginx
systemctl start nginx
EOF
vpc_security_group_ids = [aws_security_group.web_sg.id]
}
resource "aws_security_group" "web_sg" {
name = "web_sg"
description = "Allow HTTP traffic"
ingress {
from_port = 80
to_port = 80
protocol = "tcp"
cidr_blocks = ["0.0.0.0/0"]
}
egress {
from_port = 0
to_port = 0
protocol = "-1"
cidr_blocks = ["0.0.0.0/0"]
}
}
A cloud security engineer reviews the Terraform configuration above. Which of the following is a security best practice that has been violated?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The security group allows unrestricted inbound traffic on port 80
Option A is correct because the security group allows unrestricted inbound traffic on port 80 from any source (0.0.0.0/0), violating the principle of least privilege. Option B (public AMI) is not necessarily a violation. Option C (plain text user_data) is a minor concern but not a best practice violation per se; secrets should not be in user_data. Option D (no SSH access) is acceptable if not needed.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The user_data script should not be in plain text
Why it's wrong here
While plain text can expose scripts, it is not a direct security violation if no secrets are included.
✗
The security group does not allow SSH access
Why it's wrong here
SSH access may not be required; not a best practice violation.
✓
The security group allows unrestricted inbound traffic on port 80
Why this is correct
Allowing inbound HTTP from anywhere broadens the attack surface.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The instance uses a public AMI
Why it's wrong here
Using a public AMI is common and not a security violation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. 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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CCSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Cloud Security Operations — This question tests Cloud Security Operations — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The security group allows unrestricted inbound traffic on port 80 — Option A is correct because the security group allows unrestricted inbound traffic on port 80 from any source (0.0.0.0/0), violating the principle of least privilege. Option B (public AMI) is not necessarily a violation. Option C (plain text user_data) is a minor concern but not a best practice violation per se; secrets should not be in user_data. Option D (no SSH access) is acceptable if not needed.
What should I do if I get this CCSP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CCSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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