- A
Use the same firewall rule set for DMZ and internal network
Why wrong: Different zones require separate rules; a single set would either be too permissive for internal or too restrictive for DMZ.
- B
Place web servers on the internal network
Why wrong: Web servers should be in the DMZ, not the internal network, to segregate public-facing services.
- C
Enable full mesh connectivity between DMZ hosts
Why wrong: Hosts in the DMZ should be isolated to limit lateral movement if one is compromised.
- D
Use a screened subnet with two firewalls
A screened subnet (DMZ) between two firewalls provides defense in depth for public services.
- E
Allow inbound traffic from internet to DMZ on required ports only
Restricting inbound traffic to only necessary ports reduces the attack surface.
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. 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.
A security engineer is designing a DMZ to host public-facing services. Which two security best practices should be applied? (Choose two.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Use a screened subnet with two firewalls
A screened subnet with two firewalls creates a buffer zone, and allowing inbound traffic only on required ports minimizes exposure. Placing web servers on the internal network would expose them, sharing rules with the internal network increases risk, and full mesh connectivity between DMZ hosts facilitates lateral movement.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use the same firewall rule set for DMZ and internal network
Why it's wrong here
Different zones require separate rules; a single set would either be too permissive for internal or too restrictive for DMZ.
- ✗
Place web servers on the internal network
Why it's wrong here
Web servers should be in the DMZ, not the internal network, to segregate public-facing services.
- ✗
Enable full mesh connectivity between DMZ hosts
Why it's wrong here
Hosts in the DMZ should be isolated to limit lateral movement if one is compromised.
- ✓
Use a screened subnet with two firewalls
Why this is correct
A screened subnet (DMZ) between two firewalls provides defense in depth for public services.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
Allow inbound traffic from internet to DMZ on required ports only
Why this is correct
Restricting inbound traffic to only necessary ports reduces the attack surface.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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. Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets. 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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SSCP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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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 — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a screened subnet with two firewalls — A screened subnet with two firewalls creates a buffer zone, and allowing inbound traffic only on required ports minimizes exposure. Placing web servers on the internal network would expose them, sharing rules with the internal network increases risk, and full mesh connectivity between DMZ hosts facilitates lateral movement.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SSCP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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