- A
Database tier in a private subnet with security group allowing only the application tier
Correct; private subnet with no internet gateway and restricted security group provides strong isolation.
- B
Database tier in a separate VPC with VPC peering
Why wrong: Incorrect; while separate VPC adds isolation, it is more complex; but a private subnet within the same VPC is sufficient.
- C
Database tier in a public subnet with security group allowing only the application tier
Why wrong: Incorrect; public subnets have direct internet access, increasing risk.
- D
Database tier in the same subnet as the application tier
Why wrong: Incorrect; co-locating tiers increases exposure to lateral movement.
Question 939 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CCSP Practice Question: A security architect is designing a VPC for a…
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 security architect is designing a VPC for a three-tier web application. Which of the following VPC subnet designs provides the most secure isolation for the database tier?
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
✓
Database tier in a private subnet with security group allowing only the application tier
Placing the database tier in an isolated private subnet without direct internet access and with strict security group rules minimizes exposure.
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.
- ✓
Database tier in a private subnet with security group allowing only the application tier
- ✗
Database tier in a separate VPC with VPC peering
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; while separate VPC adds isolation, it is more complex; but a private subnet within the same VPC is sufficient.
- ✗
Database tier in a public subnet with security group allowing only the application tier
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; public subnets have direct internet access, increasing risk.
- ✗
Database tier in the same subnet as the application tier
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; co-locating tiers increases exposure to lateral movement.
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 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. Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Visual reference
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: Database tier in a private subnet with security group allowing only the application tier — Placing the database tier in an isolated private subnet without direct internet access and with strict security group rules minimizes exposure.
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.
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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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