- A
Create a single rule with both allow and deny actions based on source.
Why wrong: A rule has one action; you cannot have both allow and deny in one rule.
- B
Place the specific servers in a different zone and create a new policy for that zone.
Why wrong: This complicates design unnecessarily.
- C
Add a new allow rule above the deny rule that matches the specific traffic.
The allow rule will be evaluated first and permit the traffic before reaching the deny rule.
- D
Modify the existing deny rule to allow all traffic.
Why wrong: This would allow all traffic, not just the specific application.
Question 471 of 529
PCNSA Securing Traffic Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of securing traffic. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Traffic between two internal zones is being dropped due to a security policy rule that blocks any traffic. However, the administrator needs to allow specific inter-zone traffic for a critical application. The allowed traffic is sourced from a special IP range. How should the administrator configure the security policy to permit only this traffic while still blocking other traffic?
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
✓
Add a new allow rule above the deny rule that matches the specific traffic.
The correct approach is to add a new allow rule above the existing deny rule. In a security policy, rules are evaluated from top to bottom, and the first matching rule determines the action. By placing a more specific allow rule for the critical application's traffic (matching the special IP range) before the general deny rule, only that traffic is permitted, while all other traffic continues to be blocked by the deny rule. This is a standard method of creating an exception to a broader deny rule.
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.
- ✗
Create a single rule with both allow and deny actions based on source.
Why it's wrong here
A rule has one action; you cannot have both allow and deny in one rule.
- ✗
Place the specific servers in a different zone and create a new policy for that zone.
Why it's wrong here
This complicates design unnecessarily.
- ✓
Add a new allow rule above the deny rule that matches the specific traffic.
Why this is correct
The allow rule will be evaluated first and permit the traffic before reaching the deny rule.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Modify the existing deny rule to allow all traffic.
Why it's wrong here
This would allow all traffic, not just the specific application.
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.
Visual reference
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.
- →
Securing Traffic — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Securing Traffic practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSA question test?
Securing Traffic — This question tests Securing Traffic — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a new allow rule above the deny rule that matches the specific traffic. — The correct approach is to add a new allow rule above the existing deny rule. In a security policy, rules are evaluated from top to bottom, and the first matching rule determines the action. By placing a more specific allow rule for the critical application's traffic (matching the special IP range) before the general deny rule, only that traffic is permitted, while all other traffic continues to be blocked by the deny rule. This is a standard method of creating an exception to a broader deny rule.
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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