The correct choice is to deploy a forward proxy with SSL/TLS interception capabilities. This design change directly addresses the root cause of the problem: encrypted traffic that bypasses the CASB’s inspection. By decrypting the traffic at the proxy, the CASB can apply data loss prevention (DLP) policies to the plaintext content, then re-encrypt it before forwarding to the SaaS application. On the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to maintain visibility and control over data in transit without breaking application functionality. A common trap is assuming the CASB itself can perform SSL interception natively, but it typically requires a dedicated forward proxy for decryption. Remember the key: for encrypted traffic DLP, you must intercept before you inspect. Memory tip: “Proxy first, then policy.”
CCSP Cloud Data Security Practice Question
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud data security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 multinational corporation uses a cloud CASB to enforce data loss prevention (DLP) policies across SaaS applications. The security team discovers that sensitive data is being exfiltrated via encrypted traffic that the CASB cannot inspect. What is the most effective design change to mitigate this risk?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy a forward proxy with SSL/TLS interception capabilities.
Option C is correct because a forward proxy with SSL/TLS interception capabilities allows the CASB to decrypt, inspect, and re-encrypt traffic, enabling DLP policy enforcement on data in transit. This design change addresses the root cause—encrypted traffic bypassing inspection—without breaking application functionality or security.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Implement user training to prevent data exfiltration.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Training alone cannot prevent exfiltration over encrypted channels; technical controls are needed.
✗
Block all encrypted traffic at the network perimeter.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This would break many legitimate applications and is not a viable solution.
✓
Deploy a forward proxy with SSL/TLS interception capabilities.
Why this is correct
Correct: This enables decryption and inspection of traffic while maintaining end-to-end security.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable TLS/SSL encryption for all sensitive data transfers.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Disabling encryption exposes data to interception and is a security risk.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that blocking or disabling encryption is a valid DLP solution, when in fact the correct approach is to use interception that maintains encryption end-to-end while enabling inspection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SSL/TLS interception works by having the forward proxy terminate the client's TLS connection, inspect the plaintext, and then establish a new TLS connection to the destination server. This requires deploying a trusted root CA certificate on all client devices to avoid certificate warnings. In a CASB context, this is often implemented as a reverse proxy or inline proxy that integrates with the CASB's DLP engine to scan content such as credit card numbers or PII in HTTP headers and payloads.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Cloud Data Security — This question tests Cloud Data Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy a forward proxy with SSL/TLS interception capabilities. — Option C is correct because a forward proxy with SSL/TLS interception capabilities allows the CASB to decrypt, inspect, and re-encrypt traffic, enabling DLP policy enforcement on data in transit. This design change addresses the root cause—encrypted traffic bypassing inspection—without breaking application functionality or security.
What should I do if I get this CCSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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