CCSP Cloud Concepts, Architecture, and Design Practice Question
A startup wants to deploy a new web application without purchasing servers, and it accepts that its workloads will share physical hardware with other tenants. The founders want the lowest possible upfront cost and the ability to release resources when the product is discontinued. Which cloud deployment model matches these requirements?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is equating shared physical hardware with inadequate security, when multi-tenancy is a defining economic trait of the public cloud rather than a disqualifying weakness.
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
✓
Public cloud
The public cloud model is defined by provider ownership, multi-tenant shared infrastructure, self-service provisioning, and consumption-based billing. Those traits deliver the lowest barrier to entry and allow the startup to stop paying when the product ends. Private and community clouds require dedicated or consortium arrangements, while hybrid assumes a pre-existing private footprint to integrate.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Private cloud
Why it's wrong here
A private cloud is provisioned for exclusive use by a single organization, which means dedicated hardware and a capital or long-term operational commitment. That directly contradicts the goal of avoiding server purchases and releasing resources at will. It offers stronger isolation, but the startup's stated priorities are lowest upfront cost and easy exit, not exclusivity.
- ✓
Public cloud
Why this is correct
A public cloud is owned by a provider and offers self-service, on-demand resources to any customer over the network, with no capital purchase and pay-per-use billing. Sharing physical infrastructure with other tenants is inherent to the model and is what enables the low entry cost. Resources can be released when the product is discontinued, matching every stated requirement.
- ✗
Community cloud
Why it's wrong here
A community cloud is shared by several organizations with common concerns such as compliance or mission, and it is typically governed by those organizations jointly. The startup has no such consortium, and joining one would add governance overhead and cost rather than reduce upfront spend. It does not match a single startup wanting rapid, self-service deployment.
- ✗
Hybrid cloud
Why it's wrong here
A hybrid cloud combines two or more distinct deployment models bound by technology that enables data and application portability. It presupposes an existing private or community footprint to integrate with, which the startup does not have. Introducing that complexity raises cost and operational burden, so it does not deliver the lowest possible upfront spend.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.