- A
The rule is placed after a deny rule.
Why wrong: Policy Tester tests a specific rule, not the entire order.
- B
The user-ID mapping is incorrect.
Why wrong: User-ID might be correct, but if the rule matches on user and IP, it should still match if the user is mapped correctly.
- C
The rule uses port 443 only.
Why wrong: The rule is supposed to allow HTTP and HTTPS, which include port 80.
- D
The rule has an application override that is not set to HTTP.
If the rule uses application override, traffic must be identified as the specified application; if not, the rule does not match.
Question 89 of 529
PCNSA Policy Evaluation and Management Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of policy evaluation and management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 administrator is using Policy Tester to validate a rule before deployment. The rule allows HTTP and HTTPS from user 'John' (IP 10.1.1.10) to server 192.168.1.100. The tester shows 'No match' for traffic from John's IP to the server on port 80. What could be the reason?
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
✓
The rule has an application override that is not set to HTTP.
Option D is correct because application override forces a specific application identification for traffic. If the rule uses application override but the override is not set to HTTP for HTTP traffic (port 80), the rule will not match, even though the traffic is HTTP. Option A is incorrect because rule ordering is irrelevant when testing a specific rule with Policy Tester; it evaluates the rule regardless of its position in the rulebase. Option B is incorrect because user-ID mapping correctness does not affect the match for HTTP traffic from the user; the issue is about application identification. Option C is incorrect because while a rule using only port 443 would not match HTTP on port 80, the question states the rule allows both HTTP and HTTPS, so the mismatch is due to application override, not port restriction.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The rule is placed after a deny rule.
Why it's wrong here
Policy Tester tests a specific rule, not the entire order.
- ✗
The user-ID mapping is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
User-ID might be correct, but if the rule matches on user and IP, it should still match if the user is mapped correctly.
- ✗
The rule uses port 443 only.
Why it's wrong here
The rule is supposed to allow HTTP and HTTPS, which include port 80.
- ✓
The rule has an application override that is not set to HTTP.
Why this is correct
If the rule uses application override, traffic must be identified as the specified application; if not, the rule does not match.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSA question test?
Policy Evaluation and Management — This question tests Policy Evaluation and Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The rule has an application override that is not set to HTTP. — Option D is correct because application override forces a specific application identification for traffic. If the rule uses application override but the override is not set to HTTP for HTTP traffic (port 80), the rule will not match, even though the traffic is HTTP. Option A is incorrect because rule ordering is irrelevant when testing a specific rule with Policy Tester; it evaluates the rule regardless of its position in the rulebase. Option B is incorrect because user-ID mapping correctness does not affect the match for HTTP traffic from the user; the issue is about application identification. Option C is incorrect because while a rule using only port 443 would not match HTTP on port 80, the question states the rule allows both HTTP and HTTPS, so the mismatch is due to application override, not port restriction.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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