Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which of the following actions should be prioritized in response to a firewall misconfiguration?

1. Test inbound and outbound traffic

2. Restrict all network access

3. Implement user training

4. Reconfigure the entire network

The correct answer is: Test inbound and outbound traffic

Prioritizing the action of testing inbound and outbound traffic is essential in response to a firewall misconfiguration because it allows you to identify and assess the immediate impact of the misconfiguration on your network security. This step helps to determine what traffic is mistakenly allowed or blocked due to the firewall's incorrect settings, which is critical for understanding the vulnerability that has been introduced. Testing inbound and outbound traffic provides insights into potential exploit pathways, unexpected access permitted through the firewall, or essential services that may be hindered. By analyzing the traffic, security teams can take informed actions to rectify the misconfiguration. This step is aimed at ensuring that legitimate traffic is flowing correctly while simultaneously identifying any unauthorized access that may have been granted. The other options, while potentially relevant to broader network management or security training, do not directly address the immediacy and specificity required to remediate a misconfigured firewall. For instance, restricting all network access may lead to unnecessary disruption of services, and implementing user training does not address the technical focus needed in this scenario. Reconfiguring the entire network would be an overly drastic measure without first understanding the specific nature of the problem posed by the misconfiguration. Therefore, testing the traffic serves as a critical first step in diagnosing and resolving the misconfiguration