- A
PrivateLink for database access
Why wrong: PrivateLink provides private connectivity to services, not a security control for web attacks.
- B
AWS WAF integrated with Application Load Balancer
WAF filters web requests for SQL injection, XSS, etc.
- C
Security groups between application tiers
Security groups control traffic at the instance level.
- D
VPC peering with all VPCs
Why wrong: VPC peering connects VPCs, not a security control.
- E
Network ACLs for each subnet
Why wrong: NACLs are stateless and less precise for tier-to-tier traffic.
CCSP Deploying a multi-tier application on AWS Practice Question
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of deploying a multi-tier application on aws. 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.
A company is deploying a multi-tier application on AWS. They need to protect the application layer from common web attacks and also restrict traffic between tiers. Which TWO network security controls should they use?
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
AWS WAF integrated with Application Load Balancer
AWS WAF protects the application from web exploits, and security groups act as instance-level firewalls to control traffic between tiers. NACLs are subnet-level and less granular.
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.
- ✗
PrivateLink for database access
Why it's wrong here
PrivateLink provides private connectivity to services, not a security control for web attacks.
- ✓
AWS WAF integrated with Application Load Balancer
Why this is correct
WAF filters web requests for SQL injection, XSS, etc.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
Security groups between application tiers
Why this is correct
Security groups control traffic at the instance level.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
VPC peering with all VPCs
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering connects VPCs, not a security control.
- ✗
Network ACLs for each subnet
Why it's wrong here
NACLs are stateless and less precise for tier-to-tier 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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Visual reference
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
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: AWS WAF integrated with Application Load Balancer — AWS WAF protects the application from web exploits, and security groups act as instance-level firewalls to control traffic between tiers. NACLs are subnet-level and less granular.
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.
About these practice questions
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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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