CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

Which of the following describes the best practice for placing rules in an ACL?

1. All rules should be broad to prevent errors

2. More granular rules should be first

3. All rules should be written in the same order

4. Denial rules should be at the bottom

The correct answer is: More granular rules should be first

The best practice for placing rules in an Access Control List (ACL) emphasizes the importance of specificity in security configurations. By placing more granular rules at the beginning of the list, you ensure that traffic that matches these specific criteria is addressed before broader rules can take effect. This approach minimizes the risk of any unwanted access that might occur if a broad rule precedes a more specific one. Granular rules are designed to handle specific traffic types or addresses, which can include a range of parameters such as source/destination IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers. When these granular rules are prioritized, they allow for precise control over network traffic and enhance the overall security posture of the network. As for the other options, broad rules can inadvertently allow unwanted traffic if placed first, and writing all rules in the same order lacks the necessary specificity that good security practices require. Similarly, while denial rules being at the bottom could be seen as logical, having them at the very end of an ACL can lead to unwanted access before those rules are evaluated. Placing granular rules first ensures that more detailed restrictions are enforced before any broader access is potentially granted.