Quick Answer
The cloud service provider is responsible for patching the hypervisor. This is because the hypervisor is a core component of the underlying cloud infrastructure, which the CSP exclusively controls and manages to ensure isolation between tenants. In the shared responsibility model, the CSP secures the virtualization layer, while the customer secures everything above it, such as guest operating systems and applications. On the Certified Cloud Security Professional CCSP exam, this distinction tests your understanding of the boundary between provider-managed and customer-managed controls, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a trap answer suggests the customer must patch the hypervisor. Remember, the customer lacks administrative access to the hypervisor, making CSP responsibility non-negotiable. A useful memory tip: think of the hypervisor as the “floor” of the cloud building—the landlord (CSP) fixes the floor, while you furnish your own room.
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of legal, risk and compliance. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 cloud service provider (CSP) offers a shared responsibility model. According to this model, who is responsible for patching the hypervisor?
The customer.
Why wrong: Customers are responsible for patching their own virtual machines, not the hypervisor.
The regulatory authority.
Why wrong: Regulators set standards but do not manage infrastructure.
The cloud service provider.
The CSP manages the hypervisor as part of the shared responsibility model.
A third-party auditor.
Why wrong: Auditors verify compliance but do not perform patching.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The cloud service provider.
Option A is correct because the hypervisor is part of the underlying infrastructure, which the CSP manages. Option B is wrong because the customer does not have access to patch the hypervisor. Option C is wrong because a third party is not involved. Option D is wrong because the hypervisor is not typically managed by a regulatory body.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The customer.
Why it's wrong here
Customers are responsible for patching their own virtual machines, not the hypervisor.
The regulatory authority.
Why it's wrong here
Regulators set standards but do not manage infrastructure.
The cloud service provider.
Why this is correct
The CSP manages the hypervisor as part of the shared responsibility model.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
A third-party auditor.
Why it's wrong here
Auditors verify compliance but do not perform patching.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CCSP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Legal, Risk and Compliance — This question tests Legal, Risk and Compliance — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: The cloud service provider. — Option A is correct because the hypervisor is part of the underlying infrastructure, which the CSP manages. Option B is wrong because the customer does not have access to patch the hypervisor. Option C is wrong because a third party is not involved. Option D is wrong because the hypervisor is not typically managed by a regulatory body.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CCSP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 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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