- A
Default-deny with allow rules for HTTP, HTTPS, and SMTP
Default-deny blocks everything; allow rules enable only required services.
- B
Stateful inspection without default policy
Why wrong: Stateful inspection still needs a default policy to be effective.
- C
Stateless packet filtering with a rule per service
Why wrong: Stateless filtering lacks context, but the key is the default policy.
- D
Default-allow with deny rules for unwanted services
Why wrong: Default-allow would permit all traffic except explicitly denied, which is less secure.
Question 418 of 1,000
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. 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.
A network administrator wants to block all inbound traffic except for web and email services. Which firewall rule configuration would achieve this?
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
✓
Default-deny with allow rules for HTTP, HTTPS, and SMTP
A default-deny rule blocks all traffic by default, and then explicit allow rules for specific services (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP) permit desired inbound traffic.
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.
- ✓
Default-deny with allow rules for HTTP, HTTPS, and SMTP
Why this is correct
Default-deny blocks everything; allow rules enable only required services.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Stateful inspection without default policy
Why it's wrong here
Stateful inspection still needs a default policy to be effective.
- ✗
Stateless packet filtering with a rule per service
Why it's wrong here
Stateless filtering lacks context, but the key is the default policy.
- ✗
Default-allow with deny rules for unwanted services
Why it's wrong here
Default-allow would permit all traffic except explicitly denied, which is less secure.
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 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. 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. 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.
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 SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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Network and Communications Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Default-deny with allow rules for HTTP, HTTPS, and SMTP — A default-deny rule blocks all traffic by default, and then explicit allow rules for specific services (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP) permit desired inbound traffic.
What should I do if I get this SSCP 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 SSCP 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 SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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