AZ-802 Practice Question: Implement and Manage On-Prem and Hybrid Networking
You are tasked with securing network traffic in a Windows Server 2022 environment using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. Which TWO actions are required to allow traffic only from a specific trusted application while blocking all other incoming connections?
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
✓
Create an inbound rule that allows connections for the specific application executable.
Securing a server involves both positive and negative enforcement. By creating a specific inbound rule for the trusted application, you permit necessary traffic, while a default deny policy ensures that no other unsolicited traffic reaches the server. This combination effectively implements the principle of least privilege, reducing the attack surface by ensuring that only authorized communication flows are allowed through the firewall boundaries.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create an inbound rule that allows connections for the specific application executable.
Why this is correct
Creating an inbound rule tied to the application executable allows the firewall to whitelist traffic only for that specific process. This provides granular control, ensuring that only the intended service can listen for and receive incoming network requests, effectively shielding the system from unauthorized connection attempts on other ports.
- ✗
Configure the firewall to drop all outbound traffic by default.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking all outbound traffic by default is an extreme measure that can break critical server functions like Windows Update, DNS resolution, and NTP time synchronization. Unless the server is in an air-gapped environment, this strategy is generally impractical and detrimental to the standard operation of the Windows operating system.
- ✓
Modify the default inbound policy to block all connections.
Why this is correct
Changing the default inbound behavior to 'Block' is the foundational step in a 'deny by default' security posture. This ensures that any incoming traffic not explicitly permitted by a specific firewall rule is automatically dropped, which is essential for protecting the server against unauthorized access and reconnaissance attempts.
- ✗
Enable IPsec encryption for the specific application rule.
Why it's wrong here
While IPsec provides encryption, it is not required to simply allow or block traffic for a specific application. Enabling IPsec adds unnecessary overhead and complexity to the firewall configuration unless the business requirement specifically dictates that the traffic must be encrypted for security or compliance reasons within the network.
- ✗
Disable the Windows Firewall and use a third-party appliance.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the Windows Firewall removes a critical layer of defense-in-depth on the host itself. Relying solely on a perimeter appliance leaves the server vulnerable to lateral movement if an attacker gains access to the local network segment. Host-based firewalls are a mandatory component of a secure infrastructure.
Visual reference
About these practice questions
This AZ-802 question is part of Courseiva's 116-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
This AZ-802 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 AZ-802 exam.