The correct answer is that the ACL permits SSH traffic to 10.0.0.1 and blocks all other traffic with logging. This is because the access control list contains a permit statement for TCP port 22 directed at host 10.0.0.1, followed by an explicit deny ip any any log statement, which overrides the implicit deny at the end of every ACL by adding the log keyword to record all denied packets. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your ability to interpret ACL permit and deny with logging behavior, a common scenario where candidates mistakenly assume the implicit deny logs traffic—it does not, unless explicitly stated. A frequent trap is forgetting that the implicit deny is silent, so the explicit deny with log is required for logging. For a quick memory tip: “Permit the port, deny the rest, log the rest—never guess.”
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.
Exhibit
access-list 100 permit tcp any host 10.0.0.1 eq 22
access-list 100 deny ip any any log
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip access-group 100 in
Refer to the exhibit. What is the effect of this access control list on traffic entering the interface?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Allows SSH to 10.0.0.1 and blocks all other traffic with logging
Option B is correct because the ACL shown (likely an extended IP access list with a permit statement for TCP port 22 to host 10.0.0.1 followed by a deny ip any any log statement) permits SSH traffic to 10.0.0.1 and explicitly denies all other traffic while logging the denied packets. The implicit deny at the end of every ACL would block unmatched traffic, but the explicit deny with the 'log' keyword ensures that denied packets are logged, which matches the description in B.
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.
✗
Permits only TCP traffic to 10.0.0.1 on port 22
Why it's wrong here
This is incomplete; the deny and log are also effects.
✓
Allows SSH to 10.0.0.1 and blocks all other traffic with logging
Why this is correct
The permit allows SSH, the deny blocks all else with log.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Blocks all traffic except SSH and logs the denied packets
Why it's wrong here
The deny applies to all traffic, including SSH, but SSH is permitted first.
✗
Allows all TCP traffic to any host on port 22
Why it's wrong here
The permit statement specifies host 10.0.0.1 only.
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between the implicit deny (which does not log) and an explicit deny with the 'log' keyword, leading candidates to mistakenly think that all denied traffic is automatically logged.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco IOS, an extended ACL processes entries sequentially; the first match determines the action. The 'log' keyword on a deny statement causes the router to generate a syslog message for each denied packet, which is critical for monitoring and troubleshooting. Under the hood, the ACL is applied to the interface with the 'ip access-group' command, and the implicit 'deny ip any any' at the end does not generate logs unless explicitly written with 'log'.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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: Allows SSH to 10.0.0.1 and blocks all other traffic with logging — Option B is correct because the ACL shown (likely an extended IP access list with a permit statement for TCP port 22 to host 10.0.0.1 followed by a deny ip any any log statement) permits SSH traffic to 10.0.0.1 and explicitly denies all other traffic while logging the denied packets. The implicit deny at the end of every ACL would block unmatched traffic, but the explicit deny with the 'log' keyword ensures that denied packets are logged, which matches the description in B.
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.
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Question Discussion
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