Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer Practice Exam

What can be done to reduce the risk of external access to private VMs?

1. Implement a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

2. Change all VM instances to public IP addresses.

3. Create specific firewall rules restricting access.

4. Combine IAM roles with extended permissions.

The correct answer is: Create specific firewall rules restricting access.

Creating specific firewall rules to restrict access to private VMs is an effective method for reducing the risk of external access. By defining precise inbound and outbound traffic rules, an organization can allow only trusted sources to communicate with the private VMs while blocking unwanted access. This approach creates a security perimeter around the VMs, ensuring that only authorized traffic is permitted. Moreover, firewall rules can be fine-tuned based on various parameters, such as IP addresses, protocols, and ports, providing granular control over the network traffic. This ensures that even if private VMs are on a shared network, they remain protected from unauthorized intrusion. Utilizing VPNs enhances security by encrypting traffic and creating secure tunnels for remote access, but it may not inherently restrict external access unless combined with specific firewall rules. On the other hand, changing VM instances to public IP addresses would expose them to the internet and significantly increase risk rather than mitigate it. Lastly, while combining IAM roles with extended permissions can help manage user access, it does not directly address the external exposure of private VMs. Thus, the implementation of tailored firewall rules stands out as a proactive measure to safeguard private VMs from potential external threats.