- A
Use a VPC endpoint for the database and attach the serverless function to the VPC
This keeps traffic within the AWS network and avoids internet exposure.
- B
Store database credentials in environment variables with encryption
Why wrong: While secrets management is important, this does not address network access.
- C
Configure a database proxy and connect via a NAT gateway
Why wrong: A NAT gateway still uses internet routing; a VPC endpoint is more secure.
- D
Assign a public IP to the serverless function and allow its IP in the database firewall rule
Why wrong: Lambda functions cannot have public IPs; this approach would expose the database.
Question 262 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CCSP Practice Question: A company uses serverless functions to process…
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of ccsp exam topics. 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 uses serverless functions to process sensitive data. The functions need to access a database in a private subnet. What is the most secure way to enable this access without exposing the database to the internet?
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
✓
Use a VPC endpoint for the database and attach the serverless function to the VPC
Placing the serverless function inside a virtual private cloud (VPC) via VPC integration and using a VPC endpoint or private connectivity allows secure, private access to the database instance without internet traversal.
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.
- ✓
Use a VPC endpoint for the database and attach the serverless function to the VPC
Why this is correct
This keeps traffic within the AWS network and avoids internet exposure.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Store database credentials in environment variables with encryption
Why it's wrong here
While secrets management is important, this does not address network access.
- ✗
Configure a database proxy and connect via a NAT gateway
- ✗
Assign a public IP to the serverless function and allow its IP in the database firewall rule
Why it's wrong here
Lambda functions cannot have public IPs; this approach would expose the database.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Cloud Service Model Comparison
| Model | You Manage | Provider Manages | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| IaaS | OS, runtime, apps, data | Hardware, hypervisor, networking | EC2, Azure VMs, GCP Compute Engine |
| PaaS | Apps and data | OS, runtime, middleware, hardware | Elastic Beanstalk, Azure App Service |
| SaaS | Data and settings only | Everything else | Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Workday |
| FaaS / Serverless | Function code only | Infra, scaling, runtime | Lambda, Azure Functions, Cloud Run |
| CaaS | Containers and apps | Kubernetes, OS, hardware | EKS, AKS, GKE |
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: Use a VPC endpoint for the database and attach the serverless function to the VPC — Placing the serverless function inside a virtual private cloud (VPC) via VPC integration and using a VPC endpoint or private connectivity allows secure, private access to the database instance without internet traversal.
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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