The answer is that the traffic is denied because of rule 2. This occurs because security policy rule order evaluation follows a top-down, first-match model; once HTTPS traffic, identified as application ssl, matches rule 2’s deny action, the firewall immediately applies that action and stops processing further rules. Rule 3, which allows web-browsing, is never evaluated because rule 2 matched first, regardless of whether later rules would have permitted the traffic. On the PCNSA exam, this concept tests your understanding of rule precedence and the critical importance of rule placement—a common trap is assuming a more specific allow rule later in the policy will override an earlier deny. Remember the memory tip: “First match wins, so order your denies before your allows.”
PCNSA Core Concepts Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of core concepts. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
show security-policy
1. From trust -> untrust, source any, destination any, application any, service any, action allow, schedule none, log start none, log end yes
2. From trust -> untrust, source any, destination any, application ssl, service application-default, action deny, schedule none, log start no, log end yes
3. From trust -> untrust, source any, destination any, application web-browsing, service application-default, action allow, schedule none, log start no, log end yes
Refer to the exhibit. A user in the trust zone attempts to access https://www.example.com. The traffic matches rule 2 first. What is the expected behavior?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The traffic is denied because of rule 2.
Option B is correct. HTTPS traffic is identified as application ssl, which matches rule 2 (deny). Since rule 2 has no schedule, it matches immediately, and the traffic is denied. Rule 3 (allow for web-browsing) is not evaluated because rule 2 matched first. Option A is wrong because rule 2 matches. Option C is wrong because there is a deny rule. Option D is wrong because the session is not allowed; it is denied.
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 traffic is allowed due to the implicit allow at the end.
Why it's wrong here
Once a deny rule matches, the session is blocked; there is no implicit allow after a deny.
✓
The traffic is denied because of rule 2.
Why this is correct
Rule 2 matches SSL application and has a deny action.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The traffic is allowed because rule 3 allows web-browsing.
Why it's wrong here
Rule 2 matches first and denies the traffic, so rule 3 is not evaluated.
✗
The traffic is allowed because no explicit deny is configured.
Why it's wrong here
There is an explicit deny in rule 2.
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.
Core Concepts — This question tests Core Concepts — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The traffic is denied because of rule 2. — Option B is correct. HTTPS traffic is identified as application ssl, which matches rule 2 (deny). Since rule 2 has no schedule, it matches immediately, and the traffic is denied. Rule 3 (allow for web-browsing) is not evaluated because rule 2 matched first. Option A is wrong because rule 2 matches. Option C is wrong because there is a deny rule. Option D is wrong because the session is not allowed; it is denied.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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