The correct architecture places the web server in the DMZ and the file server on the internal network, allowing only HTTP/HTTPS from the web server to the file server. This design enforces the principle of least privilege by isolating the public-facing web server in a DMZ architecture while keeping the internal file server behind a second firewall, preventing direct external access to sensitive data. For the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense in depth and network segmentation, often appearing as a trick where candidates mistakenly place both servers in the DMZ or open excessive ports. A common trap is assuming the file server must also reside in the DMZ for convenience, but that would expose it to the internet. Remember the memory tip: “Web in the DMZ, files inside—only HTTP rides the tide.”
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. 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.
An organization is redesigning its DMZ to host a public web server and an internal file server. Which architecture provides the strongest security?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Place the web server in the DMZ and the file server on the internal network; allow only HTTP/HTTPS from web server to file server.
Option D is correct because it follows the principle of least privilege and defense in depth by placing the public-facing web server in the DMZ, where it can be accessed from the internet, while the internal file server remains on the internal network, isolated from direct external access. Only HTTP/HTTPS traffic is allowed from the web server to the file server, typically enforced by a stateful firewall or an application-layer gateway, which minimizes the attack surface and prevents lateral movement if the web server is compromised.
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.
✗
Place both servers in the DMZ with no firewall between them.
Why it's wrong here
The file server would be exposed to the internet.
✗
Place the web server on the internal network and the file server in the DMZ with a VPN.
Why it's wrong here
The file server in DMZ would be directly accessible from internet.
✗
Place both servers on the internal network with a stateful firewall inspecting traffic.
Why it's wrong here
The web server should be in DMZ to isolate external access.
✓
Place the web server in the DMZ and the file server on the internal network; allow only HTTP/HTTPS from web server to file server.
Why this is correct
This isolates the file server and limits exposure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume placing both servers in the DMZ (Option A) is simpler and sufficient, but they overlook that the DMZ is a semi-trusted zone and internal servers should never be directly exposed to the internet or to compromised DMZ hosts without strict access controls.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a properly designed DMZ, the web server is placed in a separate network segment (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24) with a firewall allowing inbound HTTP/HTTPS (ports 80/443) from the internet and outbound HTTP/HTTPS to the internal file server (e.g., 10.0.0.0/24) via a specific rule, often using a reverse proxy or application firewall to inspect payloads. The file server should only accept connections from the web server's IP address and port, and ideally use mutual TLS (mTLS) or IPsec to ensure authenticity and integrity. Real-world scenarios like the 2017 Equifax breach highlight the danger of allowing unrestricted traffic from a DMZ host to internal resources, as attackers exploited a web application vulnerability to pivot to internal databases.
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.
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Place the web server in the DMZ and the file server on the internal network; allow only HTTP/HTTPS from web server to file server. — Option D is correct because it follows the principle of least privilege and defense in depth by placing the public-facing web server in the DMZ, where it can be accessed from the internet, while the internal file server remains on the internal network, isolated from direct external access. Only HTTP/HTTPS traffic is allowed from the web server to the file server, typically enforced by a stateful firewall or an application-layer gateway, which minimizes the attack surface and prevents lateral movement if the web server is compromised.
What should I do if I get this SSCP 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A security engineer is designing a DMZ to host public-facing services. Which two security best practices should be applied? (Choose two.)
easy
A.Use the same firewall rule set for DMZ and internal network
B.Place web servers on the internal network
C.Enable full mesh connectivity between DMZ hosts
✓ D.Use a screened subnet with two firewalls
✓ E.Allow inbound traffic from internet to DMZ on required ports only
Why D: 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.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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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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