- A
IAM policies
Why wrong: IAM policies control authentication and authorization, not web exploit detection.
- B
Security groups on the API Gateway
Why wrong: Security groups work at the instance level, not for API Gateway which is a managed service.
- C
AWS WAF
AWS WAF protects against web exploits at the application layer.
- D
Network ACLs on the VPC
Why wrong: NACLs operate at the subnet level and do not inspect application-layer traffic.
Question 170 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CCSP Exposes an API via Amazon API Gateway Practice Question
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of exposes an api via amazon api gateway. 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.
An organization exposes an API via Amazon API Gateway. They need to protect against common web exploits like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Which integration should they enable?
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
✓
AWS WAF
AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall) integrates with API Gateway to filter and monitor HTTP requests for common web exploits. Security groups operate at the network layer, not application layer.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
IAM policies
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies control authentication and authorization, not web exploit detection.
- ✗
Security groups on the API Gateway
Why it's wrong here
Security groups work at the instance level, not for API Gateway which is a managed service.
- ✓
AWS WAF
Why this is correct
AWS WAF protects against web exploits at the application layer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Network ACLs on the VPC
Why it's wrong here
NACLs operate at the subnet level and do not inspect application-layer traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CCSP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CCSP question test?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS WAF — AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall) integrates with API Gateway to filter and monitor HTTP requests for common web exploits. Security groups operate at the network layer, not application layer.
What should I do if I get this CCSP question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CCSP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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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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