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CCSP Implementing a hybrid cloud architecture Practice Question
A company is implementing a hybrid cloud architecture. Which two components are essential for establishing a secure connection between on-premises and cloud environments? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse security controls (IAM, CASB, WAF) with network connectivity components, mistakenly thinking that any security tool is essential for hybrid cloud connectivity, when in fact only dedicated circuits and VPN gateways provide the actual secure link between environments.
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
✓
Direct connect or dedicated interconnect
A Direct Connect or dedicated interconnect provides a private, dedicated network connection from on-premises to the cloud provider, bypassing the public internet for lower latency and more consistent bandwidth. A VPN gateway establishes an encrypted tunnel over the public internet using protocols like IPsec (IKEv2) to secure data in transit. Together, these two components form the essential hybrid connectivity layer: the dedicated circuit for primary, high-throughput traffic and the VPN as a secure backup or for lower-cost, lower-bandwidth needs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Direct connect or dedicated interconnect
Why this is correct
Direct connect provides a dedicated private network connection for low latency and security.
- ✗
Identity and access management (IAM)
Why it's wrong here
IAM manages user identities and permissions, not network connectivity.
- ✗
Cloud access security broker (CASB)
Why it's wrong here
CASB is a security policy enforcement point, not a connectivity component.
- ✗
Web application firewall (WAF)
Why it's wrong here
WAF protects web applications, not provide connectivity.
- ✓
Virtual private network (VPN) gateway
Why this is correct
A VPN gateway enables secure encrypted tunnels over the internet.
Visual reference
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.