Palo Alto Networks NGFW-Engineer Certified Next-Generation Firewall Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 3 Q31 — 45
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Question 31
An administrator needs to configure a security policy to allow HTTPS traffic to a web server while blocking HTTP traffic. Which combination of settings accomplishes this requirement?
A) Application filter for web-browsing only
B) Application filter for ssl and service set to application-default
C) Service set to TCP port 443 only without application
D) Allow all services with no application specified
Answer: B
Explanation:
Configuring an application filter for ssl with service set to application-default accomplishes the requirement to allow HTTPS while blocking HTTP. The ssl application identifies encrypted web traffic, and using application-default service ensures the firewall allows traffic only on ports typically associated with SSL/TLS connections. This approach leverages the firewall’s application identification capabilities to distinguish between encrypted and unencrypted web traffic, enforcing security policies based on application behavior rather than just port numbers. Application-default service prevents protocol misuse by ensuring applications use their standard ports.
Option A is incorrect because the web-browsing application includes both HTTP and HTTPS traffic, which would allow the unencrypted HTTP traffic that should be blocked. Web-browsing is too broad for this requirement that specifically needs to differentiate between encrypted and unencrypted web protocols.
Option C is incorrect because specifying only TCP port 443 without application identification relies on port-based filtering rather than true application awareness. This approach misses the security benefits of application identification and could allow non-SSL traffic on port 443 or miss SSL traffic on non-standard ports.
Option D is incorrect because allowing all services with no application specified creates an overly permissive policy that would allow both HTTP and HTTPS along with any other traffic. This configuration provides no control over which protocols are permitted.
Question 32
A security administrator notices that users are accessing prohibited websites through encrypted proxy services. Which feature should be configured to prevent this bypass technique?
A) URL Filtering only
B) SSL Forward Proxy decryption with URL Filtering
C) Application override policy
D) NAT policy only
Answer: B
Explanation:
Configuring SSL Forward Proxy decryption with URL Filtering prevents users from bypassing web filtering through encrypted proxy services. SSL Forward Proxy decrypts outbound SSL/TLS connections, allowing the firewall to inspect encrypted traffic and apply security policies including URL filtering to websites accessed through proxies. Without decryption, encrypted proxy traffic appears as generic SSL connections that cannot be inspected for policy violations. The combination of decryption and URL filtering ensures comprehensive web access control regardless of whether users attempt to use encryption to evade policies.
Option A is incorrect because URL Filtering alone cannot inspect the contents of encrypted connections to determine what websites are being accessed through encrypted proxies. Without decryption, the firewall sees only the proxy server connection, not the ultimate destination.
Option C is incorrect because application override policies force the firewall to classify traffic as a specific application without inspection, which would bypass security controls rather than enforce them. Override policies are used for troubleshooting or specific exceptions, not for preventing policy evasion.
Option D is incorrect because NAT policies translate addresses for routing purposes but do not provide content inspection or policy enforcement capabilities. NAT alone cannot prevent users from accessing prohibited sites through encrypted proxies.
Question 33
An organization wants to prevent sensitive data from leaving the network. Which feature identifies and blocks transmission of credit card numbers in network traffic?
A) URL Filtering
B) Data Filtering with data patterns
C) Application override
D) QoS policy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Data Filtering with data patterns identifies and blocks transmission of sensitive information like credit card numbers in network traffic. Data Filtering profiles can be configured with predefined or custom data patterns that match specific formats such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or custom regular expressions. When attached to security policies, these profiles inspect traffic for matching patterns and can alert or block transmissions containing sensitive data, providing data loss prevention capabilities. This feature protects against accidental or intentional data exfiltration.
Option A is incorrect because URL Filtering controls access to websites based on categories or specific URLs but does not inspect traffic content for sensitive data patterns. URL filtering operates at the web access control level rather than data content inspection.
Option C is incorrect because application override forces traffic classification without inspection, bypassing content security features. Override policies do not provide data pattern matching or data loss prevention capabilities.
Option D is incorrect because QoS policies prioritize traffic based on importance but do not inspect or filter content. Quality of Service manages bandwidth allocation rather than providing data protection or content filtering.
Question 34
A firewall administrator needs to create a rule allowing SSH access only from the IT management subnet to server zone. Which security policy configuration is correct?
A) Source: Any, Destination: Any, Application: SSH, Service: Any
B) Source: IT-Management-Subnet, Destination: Server-Zone, Application: SSH, Service: application-default
C) Source: Server-Zone, Destination: IT-Management-Subnet, Application: Any, Service: TCP-22
D) Source: Any, Destination: Any, Service: TCP-22, Application: Any
Answer: B
Explanation:
The correct configuration specifies Source as IT-Management-Subnet, Destination as Server-Zone, Application as SSH, and Service as application-default. This policy precisely defines the allowed traffic flow from the authorized management subnet to servers while using application identification for SSH rather than just port-based filtering. The application-default service ensures SSH uses its standard port, preventing protocol misuse. This configuration follows the principle of least privilege by restricting access to only the necessary source, destination, application, and service combination.
Option A is incorrect because specifying Any for source and destination creates an overly permissive policy that allows SSH from any location to any destination, violating security best practices. The requirement specifically limits SSH access to the IT management subnet.
Option C is incorrect because the source and destination are reversed, allowing SSH from servers to the management subnet rather than the required direction. Additionally, using Any for application defeats the purpose of application-based security policies.
Option D is incorrect because using Any for source, destination, and application with only port-based service specification creates an insecure, overly broad policy that relies on port numbers rather than application identification.
Question 35
An administrator is troubleshooting a security policy and wants to see which rule is matching specific traffic. Which tool provides this information in real-time?
A) ACC reports only
B) Traffic log with rule column
C) Configuration audit
D) System log
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Traffic log with rule column provides real-time information about which security policy rule is matching specific traffic. Traffic logs record every session processed by the firewall and include the rule column showing the name or number of the security policy rule that allowed or denied the traffic. Administrators can filter traffic logs by source, destination, application, or other criteria to identify which policy rule is processing specific traffic flows, making this essential for troubleshooting policy issues and verifying that intended rules are matching traffic correctly.
Option A is incorrect because ACC reports provide aggregated analytics and visualization of traffic patterns over time but do not show real-time, session-by-session rule matching information. ACC is useful for trend analysis but not for immediate troubleshooting of specific traffic.
Option C is incorrect because configuration audit tracks changes to firewall configuration rather than showing which policy rules match traffic. Configuration audit helps with change management and compliance but does not provide operational traffic information.
Option D is incorrect because system logs record firewall system events, administrative actions, and system status rather than details about traffic processing and policy rule matching. System logs are for operational and administrative monitoring, not traffic analysis.
Question 36
A company needs to implement security zones on their firewall. Which statement accurately describes zone-based security?
A) Zones are optional and not required for policies
B) Traffic within the same zone is automatically allowed
C) Traffic between zones requires explicit security policies
D) Zones cannot contain multiple interfaces
Answer: C
Explanation:
Traffic between zones requires explicit security policies accurately describes zone-based security in Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Zones are logical groupings of interfaces that represent different security domains, and the firewall requires security policy rules to explicitly define what traffic is allowed between zones. This default-deny approach means that traffic flowing from one zone to another is blocked unless a security policy specifically permits it, enforcing the principle of least privilege and ensuring that all inter-zone traffic is subject to security inspection and policy enforcement.
Option A is incorrect because zones are fundamental to Palo Alto Networks firewall operation and are required for creating security policies. Every interface must be assigned to a zone, and policies reference these zones to control traffic flow between security domains.
Option B is incorrect because traffic within the same zone, known as intrazone traffic, is not automatically allowed by default. Administrators must create explicit intrazone security policies to permit traffic between interfaces in the same zone if such communication is needed.
Option D is incorrect because zones can and typically do contain multiple interfaces. Zones are logical groupings, and multiple physical or virtual interfaces representing the same trust level or network segment are commonly placed in the same zone.
Question 37
An administrator wants to configure the firewall to identify applications regardless of port, protocol, or encryption. Which technology enables this capability?
A) Port-based filtering only
B) App-ID
C) Static IP addresses
D) MAC address filtering
Answer: B
Explanation:
App-ID is the technology that enables the firewall to identify applications regardless of port, protocol, or encryption. App-ID uses multiple identification techniques including application signatures, protocol decoding, SSL decryption, and behavioral analysis to accurately classify traffic based on application characteristics rather than just port numbers. This approach identifies applications even when they use non-standard ports, tunnel through other protocols, or employ encryption, providing accurate visibility and control. App-ID forms the foundation for application-based security policies that are more effective than traditional port-based approaches.
Option A is incorrect because port-based filtering identifies traffic solely by TCP or UDP port numbers, which is easily evaded by applications using non-standard ports or multiple applications sharing the same port. Port-based filtering cannot identify encrypted or tunneled applications.
Option C is incorrect because static IP addresses are configuration elements for network addressing and do not provide application identification capabilities. IP addresses identify endpoints but not the applications those endpoints are running.
Option D is incorrect because MAC address filtering operates at the data link layer to control device access based on hardware addresses, not application identification. MAC filtering identifies network adapters but cannot determine what applications those devices are using.
Question 38
A security team needs to prevent known malware from entering the network. Which security profile should be configured?
A) URL Filtering only
B) Antivirus profile
C) QoS profile
D) Authentication profile
Answer: B
Explanation:
An Antivirus profile should be configured to prevent known malware from entering the network. Antivirus profiles inspect traffic for malware signatures, detecting and blocking known malicious files before they reach endpoints. The profile can be configured to scan various protocols and file types, taking actions such as alert, allow, or block when malware is detected. Palo Alto Networks firewalls use WildFire integration and signature updates to maintain current malware detection capabilities, providing protection against both known and unknown threats when combined with other security features.
Option A is incorrect because URL Filtering controls access to websites based on categories but does not inspect files for malware content. URL filtering prevents access to known malicious sites but does not scan files for malware signatures.
Option C is incorrect because QoS profiles manage traffic prioritization and bandwidth allocation rather than security inspection. Quality of Service does not provide malware detection or prevention capabilities.
Option D is incorrect because authentication profiles validate user credentials and control access but do not inspect content for malware. Authentication determines who can access resources but does not protect against malicious code in allowed traffic.
Question 39
An organization wants to control bandwidth usage by application to ensure critical business applications receive priority. Which feature should be implemented?
A) URL Filtering
B) Quality of Service (QoS)
C) NAT policy
D) Antivirus profile
Answer: B
Explanation:
Quality of Service (QoS) should be implemented to control bandwidth usage by application and ensure critical business applications receive priority. QoS policies use the firewall’s App-ID capabilities to identify applications and then apply bandwidth guarantees, limits, or priority settings. Administrators can allocate minimum bandwidth for critical applications like VoIP or video conferencing, limit bandwidth for non-essential applications like streaming media, and configure priority levels to ensure important traffic receives preferential treatment during congestion. Application-based QoS ensures bandwidth management aligns with business priorities.
Option A is incorrect because URL Filtering controls access to websites based on categories but does not manage bandwidth allocation or prioritization. URL filtering is a security control rather than a traffic management mechanism.
Option C is incorrect because NAT policies translate IP addresses for routing purposes but do not control bandwidth usage or application priority. NAT enables connectivity but does not provide traffic management capabilities.
Option D is incorrect because Antivirus profiles inspect traffic for malware rather than managing bandwidth allocation. Antivirus is a security feature focused on threat prevention, not traffic prioritization.
Question 40
A firewall administrator needs to decrypt and inspect SSL traffic to identify threats in encrypted connections. Which decryption method should be used for outbound traffic to internet websites?
A) SSL Inbound Inspection
B) SSL Forward Proxy
C) No decryption needed
D) IPsec VPN only
Answer: B
Explanation:
SSL Forward Proxy should be used to decrypt and inspect outbound SSL traffic to internet websites. This decryption method works by the firewall acting as a proxy between internal clients and external servers, establishing separate SSL connections with both parties. The firewall presents a certificate to the client (signed by a trusted enterprise CA) and establishes its own connection to the destination server, allowing inspection of the decrypted traffic for threats, policy violations, or data loss. Forward proxy is specifically designed for outbound traffic scenarios where the organization controls the clients.
Option A is incorrect because SSL Inbound Inspection is designed for inbound connections to internal servers where the organization controls the server certificates, not for outbound traffic to external websites. Inbound inspection protects published services rather than client browsing.
Option C is incorrect because not decrypting SSL traffic leaves a significant blind spot where threats can hide in encrypted connections. Modern malware and data exfiltration techniques increasingly use encryption to evade detection, making SSL inspection essential for comprehensive security.
Option D is incorrect because IPsec VPN provides encrypted tunnels for remote access or site-to-site connectivity rather than SSL decryption for security inspection. VPNs and SSL inspection serve different purposes in network security architecture.
Question 41
An administrator wants to block users from uploading files to personal cloud storage sites while still allowing them to download files. Which security feature enables this granular control?
A) Application override
B) Custom application with URL filtering
C) App-ID with application functions
D) Port-based filtering
Answer: C
Explanation:
App-ID with application functions enables granular control to block uploads to cloud storage while allowing downloads. Application functions are sub-classifications within applications that identify specific capabilities or actions, such as file upload versus download. For popular cloud storage applications, Palo Alto Networks provides function definitions that allow administrators to create policies permitting certain functions like file-download while blocking others like file-upload. This granular control applies security policies to specific user behaviors rather than blocking entire applications.
Option A is incorrect because application override bypasses App-ID and forces the firewall to treat traffic as a specified application without inspection, which eliminates the ability to distinguish between upload and download functions. Override defeats the purpose of granular control.
Option B is incorrect because while custom applications can be created, they do not provide the granular function-level control needed to differentiate uploads from downloads within the same cloud storage service. URL filtering operates at the website access level, not application function level.
Option D is incorrect because port-based filtering cannot distinguish between upload and download operations that use the same protocols and ports. Traditional port filtering lacks the application awareness needed for function-level control.
Question 42
A company needs to ensure that only authorized users can access specific applications. Which feature should be configured in security policies?
A) Anonymous user access only
B) User-ID with user or group-based policies
C) IP address-based policies only
D) No authentication required
Answer: B
Explanation:
User-ID with user or group-based security policies should be configured to ensure only authorized users can access specific applications. User-ID integrates with directory services like Active Directory to map IP addresses to usernames, allowing security policies to reference specific users or groups rather than just IP addresses. This approach enables policies that grant application access based on user identity and group membership, providing granular access control that follows users regardless of their IP address or location. User-based policies align security with organizational roles and responsibilities.
Option A is incorrect because allowing only anonymous user access prevents identification of who is accessing applications and eliminates the ability to enforce user-specific access controls. Anonymous access is the opposite of what is needed for authorized user verification.
Option C is incorrect because IP address-based policies only provide location-based control and cannot verify user identity. IP addresses change, can be spoofed, and do not represent authenticated users, making them insufficient for ensuring only authorized individuals access applications.
Option D is incorrect because requiring no authentication provides no mechanism to verify user identity or enforce access controls based on authorization. Without authentication, the firewall cannot determine whether users are authorized to access specific applications.
Question 43
An administrator is configuring a NAT policy to allow internet users to access an internal web server. Which NAT type should be configured?
A) Source NAT only
B) Destination NAT
C) No NAT required
D) Dynamic IP and Port NAT
Answer: B
Explanation:
Destination NAT should be configured to allow internet users to access an internal web server. Destination NAT translates the public IP address used by external clients into the private IP address of the internal server, enabling inbound connections to reach the server. The NAT policy maps the public-facing address and optionally port to the internal server’s address, allowing the firewall to route incoming connections appropriately. Destination NAT is essential for publishing internal services to external users while maintaining private internal addressing.
Option A is incorrect because source NAT translates the source IP address of outbound connections, typically used when internal users access the internet. Source NAT alone does not enable inbound access to internal servers from external networks.
Option C is incorrect because NAT is required when internal servers use private IP addresses that are not routable on the internet. Without destination NAT, external users have no way to reach servers with private addresses.
Option D is incorrect because Dynamic IP and Port NAT is used for outbound connections where multiple internal hosts share public IP addresses through port translation. This NAT type is for client traffic, not for publishing servers to external users.
Question 44
A security team wants to identify and block command and control traffic from compromised hosts. Which security profile provides this capability?
A) URL Filtering profile only
B) Anti-Spyware profile
C) File Blocking profile only
D) QoS profile
Answer: B
Explanation:
An Anti-Spyware profile provides the capability to identify and block command and control traffic from compromised hosts. Anti-Spyware profiles detect and prevent communication between malware-infected systems and attacker-controlled servers by identifying C2 protocols, suspicious DNS queries, and known malicious domains. The profile can be configured with signatures that detect various spyware behaviors and C2 techniques, taking actions to block the traffic, reset connections, or generate alerts. Anti-spyware protection is crucial for preventing data exfiltration and limiting attacker control over compromised systems.
Option A is incorrect because URL Filtering alone focuses on controlling access to websites by category but lacks the specialized signatures and detection techniques needed to identify sophisticated command and control communications. URL filtering is one component but insufficient by itself.
Option C is incorrect because File Blocking profiles control which file types can be transferred but do not identify command and control traffic patterns or malicious communications. File blocking prevents specific file transfers but does not detect C2 protocols.
Option D is incorrect because QoS profiles manage bandwidth and traffic prioritization rather than detecting or blocking malicious command and control communications. Quality of Service is a traffic management feature, not a security inspection capability.
Question 45
An organization wants to prevent users from accessing newly registered domains that may be malicious. Which security feature should be enabled?
A) Static URL category blocking only
B) DNS Security with newly registered domains category
C) Application override
D) Port blocking only
Answer: B
Explanation:
DNS Security with newly registered domains category should be enabled to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious newly registered domains. DNS Security analyzes DNS queries in real-time and applies machine learning to identify suspicious domains including those registered recently, which are often used in phishing and malware campaigns. The newly registered domains category specifically targets domains created within a defined recent timeframe, blocking access before traditional reputation systems have data. This proactive approach prevents infections from emerging threats that exploit new domains.
Option A is incorrect because static URL category blocking relies on pre-categorized websites and cannot identify newly registered domains that have not yet been categorized. Static categories always lag behind the creation of new malicious domains.
Option C is incorrect because application override bypasses security inspection and forces traffic classification, which would actually disable security features rather than enhance protection against malicious domains. Override is not a security enforcement mechanism.
Option D is incorrect because port blocking operates at the transport layer and cannot identify malicious domains or prevent access based on domain registration timing. Port filtering lacks the application and threat intelligence needed to detect emerging domain-based threats.