CCSP Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design Practice Question
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud concepts, architecture and design. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
Security Group Rule Analysis:
Rule 1: Inbound | TCP | Port 22 | 0.0.0.0/0 | Allow
Rule 2: Inbound | TCP | Port 443 | 0.0.0.0/0 | Allow
Rule 3: Inbound | TCP | Port 3389 | 192.168.1.0/24 | Allow
Rule 4: Outbound | All Traffic | 0.0.0.0/0 | Allow
Refer to the exhibit. A security auditor is reviewing the security group configuration for a web server. Which change would improve the security posture without breaking the application functionality?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Remove Rule 1 because SSH should not be open to the internet.
Option B is correct because SSH (port 22) should never be open to the internet (0.0.0.0/0) on a web server. Removing Rule 1 eliminates this unnecessary exposure while the web server's HTTP/HTTPS rules remain intact, preserving application functionality. This aligns with the principle of least privilege and reduces the attack surface.
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.
✗
Remove Rule 2 because HTTPS should be restricted to a specific IP range.
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS must be open to the internet for a public web server.
✓
Remove Rule 1 because SSH should not be open to the internet.
Why this is correct
Correct: Reduces attack surface without affecting web service.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Remove Rule 4 because outbound traffic should be restricted.
Why it's wrong here
Outbound access is often needed for updates and external dependencies.
✗
Remove Rule 3 because RDP should be allowed from anywhere.
Why it's wrong here
RDP should be restricted to trusted IPs, not opened to all.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that all common ports (like HTTPS or outbound traffic) must be restricted to improve security, when in fact the critical mistake is leaving management protocols (SSH, RDP) open to the internet.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SSH uses TCP port 22 and is a common vector for credential-stuffing and brute-force attacks when exposed to the internet. In cloud environments, security groups act as stateful firewalls; removing the inbound SSH rule does not affect outbound SSH if needed for management via a bastion host or VPN. A best practice is to restrict SSH to a specific management IP range or use AWS Systems Manager Session Manager for keyless access.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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 Concepts, Architecture and Design — This question tests Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove Rule 1 because SSH should not be open to the internet. — Option B is correct because SSH (port 22) should never be open to the internet (0.0.0.0/0) on a web server. Removing Rule 1 eliminates this unnecessary exposure while the web server's HTTP/HTTPS rules remain intact, preserving application functionality. This aligns with the principle of least privilege and reduces the attack surface.
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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