Palo Alto Networks NGFW-Engineer Certified Next-Generation Firewall Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 10 Q136 — 150
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Question 136
What is the purpose of App-ID Custom Applications?
A) To delete built-in applications
B) To define and identify proprietary or custom applications not included in the standard App-ID database
C) To disable application identification
D) To configure routing protocols
Answer: B
Explanation:
App-ID Custom Applications enable administrators to define and identify proprietary, custom-developed, or niche applications that are not included in Palo Alto Networks’ standard App-ID database. This capability extends App-ID’s application visibility and control to organization-specific applications, internal web applications, and specialized software unique to particular industries or businesses.
Custom applications are created by defining signatures based on application characteristics such as specific TCP or UDP ports, patterns in application traffic, transaction characteristics, or unique protocol behaviors. Administrators can create custom applications that override or supplement standard App-ID identification when default identification is insufficient or when internal applications need explicit classification for policy purposes.
The process of creating custom applications involves specifying application name and category, defining signatures using patterns or port-based criteria, setting application characteristics like risk level and whether the application can transfer files or evade firewall controls, and optionally defining parent-child relationships for related applications. Custom applications can be used in security policies just like standard applications, enabling consistent policy enforcement across all applications.
Option A is incorrect because custom applications extend rather than delete built-in applications; standard App-ID applications cannot be deleted. Option C is wrong as custom applications enhance application identification rather than disabling it. Option D is incorrect because routing protocols are configured separately in the network settings, not through custom application definition.
Understanding custom applications enables comprehensive application visibility and control that includes organization-specific applications alongside standard applications.
Question 137
Which feature provides automated security policy recommendations based on observed traffic?
A) Policy Optimizer
B) Static routing
C) DHCP server
D) Port forwarding
Answer: A
Explanation:
Policy Optimizer is a security policy management tool that analyzes actual traffic patterns, application usage, and security posture to provide automated recommendations for improving security policy effectiveness and efficiency. Policy Optimizer helps administrators identify unused rules, overly permissive rules, opportunities to consolidate rules, and rules that could benefit from Security Profile enforcement.
Policy Optimizer provides multiple recommendation types including unused rules that have not matched any traffic within a specified timeframe suggesting they may be obsolete, rules allowing all applications where specific applications could be permitted instead for improved security, rules without Security Profiles attached leaving traffic uninspected for threats, and opportunities to modernize port-based rules by replacing them with application-based rules.
The tool displays detailed analytics for each rule including hit count showing how many sessions matched the rule, last hit timestamp indicating when the rule was last used, applications observed in traffic matching the rule, and suggestions for rule improvements. Administrators can directly implement recommendations from the interface, streamlining policy optimization. Regular use of Policy Optimizer maintains an efficient, secure, and well-maintained rulebase.
Option B is incorrect because static routing defines traffic paths but does not provide security policy recommendations. Option C is wrong as DHCP server assigns IP addresses but does not analyze or recommend security policies. Option D is incorrect because port forwarding is a NAT technique unrelated to policy optimization.
Understanding Policy Optimizer capabilities enables maintenance of efficient, effective security policies that adapt to changing traffic patterns and remove unnecessary complexity.
Question 138
What is the maximum number of security policy rules supported in PAN-OS?
A) 1,000 rules
B) 5,000 rules
C) 10,000 rules
D) Varies by platform and memory configuration
Answer: D
Explanation:
The maximum number of security policy rules supported in PAN-OS varies by firewall platform and available memory configuration, with different models supporting different rule capacities based on their hardware resources and intended deployment scale. Entry-level models support fewer rules suitable for small deployments, while enterprise platforms support tens of thousands of rules for complex, large-scale environments.
Rule capacity considerations include not just the number of rules but also rule complexity with factors like address objects, address groups, application filters, and security profiles affecting overall system capacity. Firewalls with more memory and processing power can handle larger, more complex rulebases. Administrators should consult platform-specific documentation for maximum supported configurations.
Best practices for rule management include using Policy Optimizer to identify and remove unused rules, consolidating similar rules where possible, using address and application groups to reduce rule count, organizing rules logically with descriptive names and descriptions, and periodically reviewing rulebases to ensure they remain manageable. Excessive rule counts can impact management complexity and troubleshooting even when within platform limits.
Option A is incorrect because 1,000 rules is far below the capacity of most modern Palo Alto Networks platforms. Option B is wrong as 5,000 rules understates the capacity of enterprise platforms. Option C is incorrect because while some platforms support 10,000+ rules, capacity varies by model rather than having a universal limit.
Understanding rule capacity limitations helps administrators design scalable security policies appropriate for their platform while maintaining manageability.
Question 139
Which protocol is used for communication between the firewall and Panorama?
A) FTP
B) HTTPS (SSL/TLS)
C) Telnet
D) HTTP (unencrypted)
Answer: B
Explanation:
Communication between Palo Alto Networks firewalls and Panorama centralized management uses HTTPS with SSL/TLS encryption ensuring secure, authenticated communication of configuration data, logs, and management commands. The encrypted connection protects sensitive information including firewall configurations, security policies, and security logs from interception or tampering during transmission.
Firewall-to-Panorama communication includes multiple functions: configuration push where Panorama sends policy and configuration updates to managed firewalls, configuration pull where firewalls retrieve configurations from Panorama templates and device groups, log forwarding where firewalls send traffic and threat logs to Panorama’s logging service, and heartbeat communications maintaining connection status and synchronization.
Authentication ensures only authorized firewalls can connect to Panorama using either auto-generated serial number-based certificates or manually configured pre-shared keys. Administrators configure Panorama server addresses on firewalls, and firewalls initiate connections to Panorama. Certificate-based authentication provides stronger security than pre-shared keys and is recommended for production deployments. Regular certificate management ensures continued secure communication.
Option A is incorrect because FTP is a file transfer protocol not used for firewall management communication and lacks the security required for sensitive management traffic. Option C is wrong as Telnet provides unencrypted terminal access and is not used for Panorama communication due to security concerns. Option D is incorrect because unencrypted HTTP would expose management traffic to interception; HTTPS with encryption is required.
Understanding communication protocols between firewalls and Panorama ensures secure centralized management architecture with protected configuration and log data.
Question 140
What is the purpose of HIP (Host Information Profile) objects?
A) To configure firewall interfaces
B) To enforce security policies based on endpoint security compliance status
C) To manage routing tables
D) To configure SSL certificates
Answer: B
Explanation:
HIP (Host Information Profile) objects enable security policies to enforce access controls based on endpoint security compliance status by collecting information about endpoint security posture including installed antivirus software, OS patch levels, disk encryption status, firewall status, and other security attributes. HIP enables Zero Trust security models where access depends on device compliance, not just user identity or network location.
GlobalProtect collects HIP information from endpoints and reports it to the firewall or Panorama. Administrators define HIP objects specifying required security attributes such as minimum antivirus version, required OS patches, mandatory disk encryption, enabled host firewall, and absence of prohibited software. HIP profiles group multiple HIP objects defining comprehensive compliance requirements.
Security policies reference HIP profiles in match criteria, allowing or denying traffic based on endpoint compliance. For example, policies can permit access to sensitive applications only from compliant endpoints while restricting non-compliant devices to remediation resources. HIP can also trigger authentication or redirect non-compliant users to remediation portals. This approach enforces security standards across diverse endpoints including BYOD devices.
Option A is incorrect because firewall interface configuration is separate from HIP which focuses on endpoint compliance. Option C is wrong as routing table management is unrelated to HIP’s endpoint security posture assessment. Option D is incorrect because SSL certificate management is separate from HIP functionality.
Understanding HIP enables implementation of compliance-based access controls that ensure only secure, properly maintained endpoints access sensitive resources.
Question 141
Which CLI command displays the current running configuration?
A) show config running
B) display configuration
C) show running-config
D) get config
Answer: A
Explanation:
The command «show config running» displays the current running configuration on Palo Alto Networks firewalls, showing the active configuration as currently applied to the device. This command is essential for verifying configuration settings, troubleshooting issues, and documenting current firewall state through the command-line interface.
The running configuration represents the currently active configuration including all committed changes. Administrators can filter the output to specific configuration sections using additional parameters such as «show config running device-config» to view device-level settings, «show config running vsys vsys1» to view specific virtual system configuration, or pipe the output through filters to search for specific configuration elements.
The CLI provides complementary commands including «show config candidate» which displays configuration changes that have been made but not yet committed, «show config pushed-shared-policy» for Panorama-pushed policies, and various «show» commands for operational status. The running configuration can be compared against candidate configuration to identify uncommitted changes before applying them to the system.
Option B is incorrect because «display configuration» is not valid PAN-OS syntax; the correct command uses «show config running». Option C is wrong as «show running-config» is Cisco IOS syntax, not PAN-OS which uses «show config running». Option D is incorrect because «get config» is not the proper command for displaying running configuration in PAN-OS.
Understanding CLI commands for viewing configuration is essential for efficient firewall management, troubleshooting, and documentation through command-line interfaces.
Question 142
What is the purpose of QoS (Quality of Service) policies in Palo Alto Networks firewalls?
A) To configure user authentication
B) To prioritize and manage bandwidth allocation for different applications and traffic types
C) To manage SSL certificates
D) To configure static routes
Answer: B
Explanation:
QoS (Quality of Service) policies in Palo Alto Networks firewalls enable administrators to prioritize and manage bandwidth allocation for different applications and traffic types, ensuring that critical applications receive adequate bandwidth while preventing less important applications from consuming excessive network resources. QoS helps optimize network performance and user experience by controlling how bandwidth is distributed.
QoS configuration involves defining QoS policies that specify maximum bandwidth limits and guaranteed bandwidth allocations for applications, users, or traffic matching specific criteria. Policies can set per-session or aggregate bandwidth limits, assign priority classes determining how traffic is queued during congestion, and apply traffic shaping to smooth bursty traffic patterns. QoS is applied through security policy rules by attaching QoS profiles.
Common QoS use cases include guaranteeing bandwidth for business-critical applications like VoIP or video conferencing, limiting bandwidth consumption by non-business applications like streaming media or file sharing, preventing bandwidth hogging by individual users or applications, and implementing tiered service levels for different user groups. QoS ensures optimal performance for priority applications even during peak network utilization periods.
Option A is incorrect because user authentication is configured through User-ID and authentication profiles, not QoS which manages bandwidth. Option C is wrong as SSL certificate management is separate from QoS functionality. Option D is incorrect because static route configuration defines traffic paths but does not manage bandwidth allocation like QoS.
Understanding QoS capabilities enables optimization of network performance by ensuring appropriate bandwidth allocation aligned with business priorities.
Question 143
Which feature enables secure remote access to internal resources through the firewall?
A) Static NAT
B) GlobalProtect VPN
C) VLAN configuration
D) BGP routing
Answer: B
Explanation:
GlobalProtect VPN enables secure remote access to internal resources by providing SSL VPN and IPsec VPN connectivity for remote users accessing corporate networks through Palo Alto Networks firewalls. GlobalProtect extends security policies and threat prevention to remote endpoints while providing transparent, secure access to internal applications and data regardless of user location.
GlobalProtect consists of multiple components: the GlobalProtect portal authenticates users and provides client configuration, the GlobalProtect gateway terminates VPN connections and enforces security policies, and the GlobalProtect client software installed on endpoints establishes VPN tunnels. The solution supports multiple connection modes including pre-logon for domain authentication, user-initiated connections, and always-on connections that automatically establish VPN when outside the corporate network.
Security features include enforcement of HIP compliance checks before allowing access, application of security policies to remote user traffic identical to on-premises users, integration with User-ID for identity-based access controls, and split tunneling configurations controlling which traffic uses the VPN versus direct Internet access. GlobalProtect also collects endpoint telemetry enabling visibility into endpoint security posture.
Option A is incorrect because Static NAT translates IP addresses but does not provide secure remote access VPN capabilities. Option C is wrong as VLAN configuration segments networks but does not enable remote access connectivity. Option D is incorrect because BGP routing manages routing protocols but does not provide VPN remote access functionality.
Understanding GlobalProtect enables implementation of secure remote access solutions that extend security policies and threat prevention to mobile users.
Question 144
What is the purpose of Data Filtering Security Profiles?
A) To configure network interfaces
B) To prevent transmission of sensitive data patterns like credit card numbers or social security numbers
C) To manage routing protocols
D) To configure time-based access
Answer: B
Explanation:
Data Filtering Security Profiles prevent transmission of sensitive data patterns such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, national identification numbers, and custom data patterns by scanning allowed traffic for these patterns and blocking transmissions that match configured criteria. Data Filtering provides data loss prevention capabilities that protect sensitive information from unauthorized exfiltration.
Data Filtering profiles contain data patterns defining what information to protect using predefined patterns for common sensitive data types like credit card numbers following Luhn algorithm validation, social security numbers matching regional formats, and source code patterns, plus custom patterns created using regular expressions for organization-specific sensitive data. Alert and block thresholds specify how many pattern matches trigger action.
Administrators configure whether to alert on or block traffic containing sensitive data, define separate thresholds for each data type, specify which file types to scan, and configure logging for compliance and incident response. Data Filtering is particularly valuable for protecting against insider threats, accidental data exposure, and exfiltration of sensitive information. Integration with logs enables forensic investigation of data loss incidents.
Option A is incorrect because network interface configuration is separate from Data Filtering which protects sensitive data. Option C is wrong as routing protocol management is unrelated to Data Filtering’s data loss prevention capabilities. Option D is incorrect because time-based access is configured through security policy schedules, not Data Filtering profiles.
Understanding Data Filtering enables implementation of data loss prevention controls that protect sensitive information from unauthorized transmission.
Question 145
Which log type records threat prevention actions like blocked malware or exploit attempts?
A) Traffic logs
B) Threat logs
C) Config logs
D) System logs
Answer: B
Explanation:
Threat logs record security events where the firewall’s threat prevention capabilities detected and acted upon threats including viruses, spyware, vulnerability exploits, malicious URLs, and WildFire-detected malware. Threat logs provide critical security intelligence about attack attempts, successful blocks, and potential compromises requiring investigation or response.
Threat log entries include detailed information about the detected threat such as the threat type (virus, spyware, vulnerability, URL, WildFire, etc.), threat name or signature ID, severity level, action taken (alert, drop, reset), source and destination addresses, user identity, application carrying the threat, and session information. For WildFire submissions, logs include the verdict and malware analysis report links.
Security teams use threat logs for multiple purposes including identifying targeted attacks or reconnaissance activity, investigating potential compromises, measuring security posture through threat metrics, tuning security profiles to reduce false positives while maintaining protection, and generating compliance reports demonstrating threat prevention effectiveness. Threat log analysis is fundamental to security operations and incident response.
Option A is incorrect because Traffic logs record general network sessions and policy matches but not specific threat detections which appear in Threat logs. Option C is wrong as Config logs track administrative configuration changes, not threat prevention actions. Option D is incorrect because System logs record firewall system events like authentication and services, not threat detections.
Understanding log types and specifically Threat logs enables effective security monitoring, incident detection, and response to security events.
Question 146
What is the purpose of Panorama templates?
A) To create user accounts
B) To define reusable network and device configurations that can be pushed to multiple firewalls
C) To manage antivirus signatures
D) To configure syslog forwarding
Answer: B
Explanation:
Panorama templates define reusable network and device configurations including interfaces, zones, virtual routers, VLANs, QoS, and other device-level settings that can be centrally managed and pushed to multiple firewalls. Templates enable consistent configuration across firewall deployments while reducing administrative effort and configuration errors.
Templates support inheritance and stacking where base templates define common configurations shared across many firewalls while child templates override or supplement base configurations for specific deployment scenarios. For example, a base template might define standard interface configurations while child templates customize settings for specific locations or functions. Template stacks combine multiple templates in priority order.
Variables in templates enable dynamic configuration where certain values like IP addresses or interface names are specified per-firewall rather than hardcoded in the template. This flexibility allows templates to define configuration structure while accommodating device-specific details. Templates significantly reduce the complexity of managing large firewall deployments with many devices requiring similar but not identical configurations.
Option A is incorrect because user account creation is performed through administrative configuration, not templates which focus on network and device settings. Option C is wrong as antivirus signatures are delivered through content updates, not templates. Option D is incorrect because syslog forwarding is configured separately and can be managed through templates but is not the primary purpose of templates.
Understanding Panorama templates enables efficient centralized management of network and device configurations across multiple firewalls.
Question 147
Which feature enables administrators to temporarily allow or block traffic without modifying permanent security policies?
A) Response Actions in threat logs
B) Routing protocol changes
C) Interface configuration
D) Certificate management
Answer: A
Explanation:
Response Actions in threat logs enable administrators to temporarily allow or block traffic based on threat events without modifying permanent security policies, providing rapid incident response capabilities. When reviewing threat logs, administrators can create dynamic block lists or allow lists that immediately affect traffic matching the specified criteria.
Response actions are particularly valuable during active security incidents where immediate blocking is needed before permanent policy changes can be reviewed and implemented. For example, upon identifying a compromised internal host communicating with a command-and-control server, administrators can create a response action blocking that source IP immediately. Similarly, false positives can be temporarily allowed while permanent policy adjustments are coordinated.
Available response actions include blocking source or destination IP addresses for specified durations, creating exceptions for blocked threats that are confirmed false positives, and tagging addresses for use in Dynamic Address Groups within policies. Response actions expire automatically after configured timeframes, preventing temporary blocks from becoming permanent oversight. Actions are logged and can be converted to permanent policy rules when appropriate.
Option B is incorrect because routing protocol changes affect traffic paths but do not provide temporary threat-based blocking capabilities. Option C is wrong as interface configuration manages physical connectivity, not temporary threat response. Option D is incorrect because certificate management handles SSL/TLS certificates, unrelated to temporary threat blocking.
Understanding Response Actions enables rapid incident response and temporary traffic control during security events without permanent policy modifications.
Question 148
What is the purpose of log forwarding profiles?
A) To configure NAT rules
B) To define where and how logs are sent including external log collectors and syslog servers
C) To manage user authentication
D) To configure routing protocols
Answer: B
Explanation:
Log Forwarding profiles define where and how logs are sent from the firewall including external log collectors, syslog servers, SNMP managers, email destinations, and HTTP servers, enabling integration with security information and event management (SIEM) systems, log management platforms, and other security tools. Log forwarding ensures logs are preserved externally and available for centralized analysis.
Log Forwarding profiles specify multiple parameters including log types to forward (traffic, threat, authentication, etc.), match criteria filtering which logs to forward based on severity, applications, or other attributes, destinations such as syslog servers or Panorama, format specifications like syslog facility and format, and enhanced log fields including custom tags or user-defined fields for correlation.
Administrators create Log Forwarding profiles and attach them to security policy rules or security profile rules determining which logs are forwarded. Different rules can use different profiles enabling selective log forwarding based on policy requirements. For example, high-severity threats might forward to both SIEM and email while routine traffic logs only forward to Panorama. Log forwarding supports compliance requirements for log retention and analysis.
Option A is incorrect because NAT rule configuration is separate from log forwarding which handles log delivery to external systems. Option C is wrong as user authentication configuration is unrelated to log forwarding functionality. Option D is incorrect because routing protocols are configured in virtual routers, not through log forwarding profiles.
Understanding log forwarding enables integration with external log management platforms essential for centralized security monitoring and compliance.
Question 149
Which feature provides automated correlation of security events to identify coordinated attacks?
A) Static routing
B) Correlation objects and event correlation
C) DHCP server
D) Interface configuration
Answer: B
Explanation:
Correlation objects and event correlation capabilities in PAN-OS enable automated correlation of security events across different log types and time periods to identify coordinated attacks, multi-stage attack campaigns, and suspicious activity patterns that might not be apparent from individual events. Event correlation enhances threat detection by identifying relationships between seemingly unrelated security events.
Administrators define correlation objects specifying conditions that trigger alerts when multiple related events occur within defined timeframes. For example, a correlation rule might alert when a single source attempts to exploit multiple different vulnerabilities against various targets within an hour, suggesting reconnaissance or automated scanning. Correlation rules combine threat events, traffic patterns, and authentication activities.
Correlation use cases include detecting port scanning followed by exploitation attempts, identifying compromised credentials through unusual access patterns, detecting data exfiltration through correlation of large data transfers with threat indicators, and recognizing lateral movement within networks. Correlation objects generate separate correlation logs providing consolidated views of attack campaigns, enabling security teams to understand attack progression and respond comprehensively.
Option A is incorrect because static routing defines traffic paths but does not correlate security events. Option C is wrong as DHCP server assigns IP addresses, unrelated to security event correlation. Option D is incorrect because interface configuration manages network connectivity but does not provide event correlation capabilities.
Understanding event correlation enables detection of sophisticated attacks that span multiple stages or techniques, improving overall security posture.
Question 150
What is the purpose of Device Groups in Panorama?
A) To organize firewalls into logical groups for centralized policy management
B) To configure individual firewall interfaces
C) To manage content updates
D) To configure routing protocols on firewalls
Answer: A
Explanation:
Device Groups in Panorama organize firewalls into logical collections for centralized security policy management, enabling administrators to create and maintain policies that apply to multiple firewalls simultaneously. Device Groups dramatically reduce administrative overhead in large deployments by eliminating the need to configure identical policies on each firewall individually.
Device Groups support hierarchical inheritance where parent Device Groups define baseline policies inherited by child Device Groups which can add supplemental policies or override parent settings. This hierarchical structure enables efficient policy management across diverse firewall deployments with shared baseline requirements and location-specific customizations. Firewalls can belong to multiple Device Groups in the hierarchy.
Security policies, objects, and Security Profiles created within Device Groups are pushed to member firewalls during configuration commits from Panorama. Administrators define which firewalls belong to each Device Group based on organizational structure, geographic location, function, or other logical groupings. Device Groups work in conjunction with Panorama templates which handle network and device configuration while Device Groups manage security policies.
Option B is incorrect because individual firewall interfaces are configured through Panorama templates, not Device Groups which focus on security policy management. Option C is wrong as content updates are managed separately and can be scheduled through Panorama but are not the purpose of Device Groups. Option D is incorrect because routing protocol configuration is handled through templates, not Device Groups.
Understanding Device Groups is essential for implementing scalable centralized security policy management across multiple firewalls through Panorama.