- A
Web Proxy with content filtering
A proxy can enforce URL whitelists/blacklists.
- B
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Why wrong: IPS focuses on attack detection, not website filtering.
- C
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Why wrong: VPN provides encryption, not content control.
- D
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Why wrong: NAT does not filter web access.
Question 441 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A network administrator needs to ensure that…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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 network administrator needs to ensure that internal users can access only approved external websites. Which technology should be implemented?
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
✓
Web Proxy with content filtering
A web proxy with content filtering intercepts HTTP/HTTPS requests from internal users and applies policy rules (e.g., URL whitelists, category blocking) to allow only approved external websites. This technology operates at the application layer, inspecting the full URL and content, making it the correct choice for granular access control.
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.
- ✓
Web Proxy with content filtering
Why this is correct
A proxy can enforce URL whitelists/blacklists.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Why it's wrong here
IPS focuses on attack detection, not website filtering.
- ✗
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Why it's wrong here
VPN provides encryption, not content control.
- ✗
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Why it's wrong here
NAT does not filter web access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that an IPS or firewall can perform URL filtering, but these devices typically filter based on IP/port/application signatures, not full URL paths or content categories, which is the specific function of a web proxy with content filtering.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A web proxy can be configured as a forward proxy, using explicit proxy settings or transparent interception (e.g., via WCCP or policy-based routing). Content filtering often leverages URL databases (e.g., from BrightCloud or WebRoot) and can inspect SSL/TLS traffic via man-in-the-middle decryption, applying policies based on categories like 'Social Media' or 'Malware'. In real-world deployments, administrators must also handle HTTPS certificate inspection and bypass rules for trusted sites.
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.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Web Proxy with content filtering — A web proxy with content filtering intercepts HTTP/HTTPS requests from internal users and applies policy rules (e.g., URL whitelists, category blocking) to allow only approved external websites. This technology operates at the application layer, inspecting the full URL and content, making it the correct choice for granular access control.
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
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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