This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of securing traffic and app-id. 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.
An engineer wants to block all peer-to-peer file sharing traffic using App-ID. What security policy action should be used?
Drop.
Why wrong: Drop also blocks, but is less preferred because it does not send a reset, potentially causing timeouts.
Reset-both.
Why wrong: Reset-both is a specific type of deny that resets both sides; while it works, 'deny' is the standard recommended action.
Allow with antivirus profile.
Why wrong: Allowing the traffic would permit it, not block it.
Deny.
Correct: Deny blocks the traffic and sends a TCP reset.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Deny.
The standard action to block traffic in a security policy rule is 'deny'. 'Drop' also blocks but does not send a TCP reset, while 'deny' sends a reset. 'Allow' would permit the traffic, and 'reset-both' is a type of deny, but 'deny' is the typical best practice.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Drop.
Why it's wrong here
Drop also blocks, but is less preferred because it does not send a reset, potentially causing timeouts.
Reset-both.
Why it's wrong here
Reset-both is a specific type of deny that resets both sides; while it works, 'deny' is the standard recommended action.
Allow with antivirus profile.
Why it's wrong here
Allowing the traffic would permit it, not block it.
Deny.
Why this is correct
Correct: Deny blocks the traffic and sends a TCP reset.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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
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
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 PCNSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Securing Traffic and App-ID — This question tests Securing Traffic and App-ID — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
The correct answer is: Deny. — The standard action to block traffic in a security policy rule is 'deny'. 'Drop' also blocks but does not send a TCP reset, while 'deny' sends a reset. 'Allow' would permit the traffic, and 'reset-both' is a type of deny, but 'deny' is the typical best practice.
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 PCNSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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