Exact2Pass
Which statement applies to the default configuration of a Palo Alto Networks NGFW?
Security profiles are applied to all policies by default, eliminating implicit trust of any data traversing the firewall.
The default policy action for intrazone traffic is deny, eliminating implicit trust within a security zone.
The default policy action allows all traffic unless explicitly denied.
The default policy action for interzone traffic is deny, eliminating implicit trust between security zones.
The default configuration of a Palo Alto Networks NGFW includes a set of default security rules that determine how traffic is handled when no explicit rules are defined. Here's the explanation for each option:
Option A: Security profiles are applied to all policies by default, eliminating implicit trust of any data traversing the firewall
Security profiles (such as Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, and URL Filtering) are not applied to any policies by default. Administrators must explicitly apply them to security rules.
This statement is incorrect.
Option B: The default policy action for intrazone traffic is deny, eliminating implicit trust within a security zone
By default, traffic within the same zone (intrazone traffic) isallowed. For example, traffic between devices in the "trust" zone is permitted unless explicitly denied by an administrator.
This statement is incorrect.
Option C: The default policy action allows all traffic unless explicitly denied
Palo Alto Networks firewalls do not have an "allow all" default rule. Instead, they include a default "deny all" rule for interzone traffic and an implicit "allow" rule for intrazone traffic.
This statement is incorrect.
Option D: The default policy action for interzone traffic is deny, eliminating implicit trust between security zones
By default, traffic between different zones (interzone traffic) is denied. This aligns with the principle of zero trust, ensuring that no traffic is implicitly allowed between zones. Administrators must define explicit rules to allow interzone traffic.
This statement is correct.
References:
Palo Alto Networks documentation on Security Policy Defaults
Knowledge Base article on Default Security Rules
According to a customer’s CIO, who is upgrading PAN-OS versions, “Finding issues and then engaging with your support people requires expertise that our operations team can better utilize elsewhere on more valuable tasks for the business.” The upgrade project was initiated in a rush because the company did not have the appropriate tools to indicate that their current NGFWs were reaching capacity.
Which two actions by the Palo Alto Networks team offer a long-term solution for the customer? (Choose two.)
Recommend that the operations team use the free machine learning-powered AIOps for NGFW tool.
Suggest the inclusion of training into the proposal so that the operations team is informed andconfident in working on their firewalls.
Inform the CIO that the new enhanced security features they will gain from the PAN-OS upgrades will fix any future problems with upgrading and capacity.
Propose AIOps Premium within Strata Cloud Manager (SCM) to address the company’s issues from within the existing technology.
Free AIOps for NGFW Tool (Answer A):
Thefree AIOps for NGFW toolusesmachine learning-powered analyticsto monitor firewall performance, detect potential capacity issues, and provide insights for proactive management.
This tool helps operations teamsidentify capacity thresholds, performance bottlenecks, and configuration issues, reducing the reliance on manual expertise for routine tasks.
By using AIOps, the customer can avoid rushed upgrade projects in the future, as the tool providespredictive insights and recommendationsfor capacity planning.
AIOps Premium within Strata Cloud Manager (Answer D):
AIOps Premiumis a paid version available within Strata Cloud Manager (SCM), offering moreadvanced analyticsand proactive monitoring capabilities.
It helps address operational challenges byautomating workflowsand ensuring thehealth and performance of NGFWs, minimizing the need for constant manual intervention.
This aligns with the CIO's goal of freeing up the operations team for more valuable business tasks.
Why Not B:
While training may help the operations team gain confidence, the long-term focus should be on reducing their manual workload by providingautomated toolslike AIOps. The CIO’s concern indicates that relying on manual expertise for ongoing maintenance is not a scalable solution.
Why Not C:
Simply informing the CIO about enhanced features from a PAN-OS upgrade does not address thecapacity planning issuesor reduce the dependency on the operations team for manual issue resolution.
References from Palo Alto Networks Documentation:
AIOps for NGFW Overview
Strata Cloud Manager and AIOps Integration
Which two actions can a systems engineer take to discover how Palo Alto Networks can bring value to a customer's business when they show interest in adopting Zero Trust? (Choose two.)
Ask the customer about their internal business flows, such as how their users interact with applications and data across the infrastructure.
Explain how Palo Alto Networks can place virtual NGFWs across the customer's network to ensure assets and traffic are seen and controlled.
Use the Zero Trust Roadshow package to demonstrate to the customer how robust Palo Alto Networks capabilities are in meeting Zero Trust.
Ask the customer about their approach to Zero Trust, explaining that it is a strategy more than it is something they purchase.
To help a customer understand how Palo Alto Networks can bring value when adopting a Zero Trust architecture, the systems engineer must focus on understanding the customer's specific needs and explaining how the Zero Trust strategy aligns with their business goals. Here’s the detailed analysis of each option:
Option A: Ask the customer about their internal business flows, such as how their users interact with applications and data across the infrastructure
Understanding the customer's internal workflows and how their users interact with applications and data is a critical first step in Zero Trust. This information allows the systems engineer to identify potential security gaps and suggest tailored solutions.
This is correct.
Option B: Explain how Palo Alto Networks can place virtual NGFWs across the customer's network to ensure assets and traffic are seen and controlled
While placing NGFWs across the customer's network may be part of the implementation, this approach focuses on the product rather than the customer's strategy. Zero Trust is more about policies and architecture than specific product placement.
This is incorrect.
Option C: Use the Zero Trust Roadshow package to demonstrate to the customer how robust Palo Alto Networks capabilities are in meeting Zero Trust
While demonstrating capabilities is valuable during the later stages of engagement, the initial focus should be on understanding the customer's business requirements rather than showcasing products.
This is incorrect.
Option D: Ask the customer about their approach to Zero Trust, explaining that it is a strategy more than it is something they purchase
Zero Trust is not a product but a strategy that requires a shift in mindset. By discussing their approach, the systems engineer can identify whether the customer understands Zero Trust principles and guide them accordingly.
This is correct.
References:
Palo Alto Networks documentation on Zero Trust
Zero Trust Architecture Principles inNIST 800-207
What are the first two steps a customer should perform as they begin to understand and adopt Zero Trust principles? (Choose two)
Understand which users, devices, infrastructure, applications, data, and services are part of the network or have access to it.
Enable relevant Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions to automatically protect the customer's environment from both internal and external threats.
Map the transactions between users, applications, and data, then verify and inspect those transactions.
Implement VM-Series NGFWs in the customer’s public and private clouds to protect east-west traffic.
Zero Trust principles revolve around minimizing trust in the network and verifying every interaction. To adopt Zero Trust, customers should start by gaining visibility and understanding the network and its transactions.
A. Understand which users, devices, infrastructure, applications, data, and services are part of the network or have access to it.
The first step in adopting Zero Trust is understanding the full scope of the network. Identifying users, devices, applications, and data is critical for building a comprehensive security strategy.
C. Map the transactions between users, applications, and data, then verify and inspect those transactions.
After identifying all assets, the next step is to map interactions and enforce verification and inspection of these transactions to ensure security.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
B:Enabling CDSS subscriptions is important for protection but comes after foundational Zero Trust principles are established.
D:Implementing VM-Series NGFWs is part of enforcing Zero Trust, but it is not the first step. Visibility and understanding come first.
References:
Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust Overview
The PAN-OS User-ID integrated agent is included with PAN-OS software and comes in which two forms? (Choose two.)
Integrated agent
GlobalProtect agent
Windows-based agent
Cloud Identity Engine (CIE)
User-ID is a feature in PAN-OS that maps IP addresses to usernames by integrating with various directory services (e.g., Active Directory). User-ID can be implemented through agents provided by Palo Alto Networks. Here’s how each option applies:
Option A: Integrated agent
The integrated User-ID agent is built into PAN-OS and does not require an external agent installation. It is configured directly on the firewall and integrates with directory services to retrieve user information.
This is correct.
Option B: GlobalProtect agent
GlobalProtect is Palo Alto Networks' VPN solution and does not function as a User-ID agent. While it can be used to authenticate users and provide visibility, it is not categorized as a User-ID agent.
This is incorrect.
Option C: Windows-based agent
The Windows-based User-ID agent is a standalone agent installed on a Windows server. It collects user mapping information from directory services and sends it to the firewall.
This is correct.
Option D: Cloud Identity Engine (CIE)
The Cloud Identity Engine provides identity services in a cloud-native manner but isnot a User-ID agent. It synchronizes with identity providers like Azure AD and Okta.
This is incorrect.
References:
Palo Alto Networks documentation on User-ID
Knowledge Base article on User-ID Agent Options
When a customer needs to understand how Palo Alto Networks NGFWs lower the risk of exploitation by newly announced vulnerabilities known to be actively attacked, which solution and functionality delivers the most value?
Advanced URL Filtering uses machine learning (ML) to learn which malicious URLs are being utilized by the attackers, then block the resulting traffic.
Advanced Threat Prevention's command injection and SQL injection functions use inline deep learning against zero-day threats.
Single Pass Architecture and parallel processing ensure traffic is efficiently scanned against any enabled Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscription.
WildFire loads custom OS images to ensure that the sandboxing catches any activity that would affect the customer's environment.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of exploitation bynewly announced vulnerabilitiesis throughAdvanced Threat Prevention (ATP). ATP usesinline deep learningto identify and block exploitation attempts, even for zero-day vulnerabilities, in real time.
Why "Advanced Threat Prevention’s command injection and SQL injection functions use inline deep learning against zero-day threats" (Correct Answer B)?Advanced Threat Prevention leveragesdeep learning modelsdirectly in the data path, which allows it to analyze traffic in real time and detect patterns of exploitation, including newly discovered vulnerabilities being actively exploited in the wild. It specifically targets advanced tactics like:
Command injection.
SQL injection.
Memory-based exploits.
Protocol evasion techniques.
This functionality lowers the risk of exploitation byactively blocking attack attemptsbased on their behavior, even when a signature is not yet available. This approach makes ATP the most valuable solution for addressing new and actively exploited vulnerabilities.
Why not "Advanced URL Filtering uses machine learning (ML) to learn which malicious URLs are being utilized by the attackers, then block the resulting traffic" (Option A)?While Advanced URL Filtering is highly effective at blocking access to malicious websites, it does not provide the inline analysis necessary to prevent direct exploitation of vulnerabilities. Exploitation often happens within the application or protocol layer, which Advanced URL Filtering does not inspect.
Why not "Single Pass Architecture and parallel processing ensure traffic is efficiently scanned against any enabled Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscription" (Option C)?Single Pass Architecture improves performance by ensuring all enabled services (like Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, etc.) process traffic efficiently. However, it is not a feature that directly addresses vulnerability exploitation or zero-day attack detection.
Why not "WildFire loads custom OS images to ensure that the sandboxing catches anyactivity that would affect the customer's environment" (Option D)?WildFire is a sandboxing solution designed to detect malicious files and executables. While it is useful for analyzing malware, it does not provide inline protection against exploitation of newly announced vulnerabilities, especially those targeting network protocols or applications.
There are no Advanced Threat Prevention log events in a company's SIEM instance. However, the systems administrator has confirmed that the Advanced Threat Prevention subscription is licensed and that threat events are visible in the threat logs on the firewall.
Which action should the systems administrator take next?
Enable the company's Threat Prevention license.
Check with the SIEM vendor to verify that Advanced Threat Prevention logs are reaching the company's SIEM instance.
Have the SIEM vendor troubleshoot its software.
Ensure the Security policy rules that use Advanced Threat Prevention are set for log forwarding to the correct SIEM.
Understanding the Problem:
The issue is thatAdvanced Threat Prevention (ATP) logsare visible on the firewall but are not being ingested into the company’s SIEM.
This implies that the ATP subscription is working and generating logs on the firewall but the logs are not being forwarded properly to the SIEM.
Action to Resolve:
Log Forwarding Configuration:
Verify that the Security policy rules configured to inspect traffic using Advanced Threat Prevention are set toforward logsto the SIEM instance.
This is a common oversight. Even if the logs are generated locally, they will not be forwarded unless explicitly configured.
Configuration steps to verify in the Palo Alto Networks firewall:
Go toPolicies > Security Policiesand check the "Log Forwarding" profile applied.
Ensure the "Log Forwarding" profile includes the correct settings to forwardThreat Logsto the SIEM.
Go toDevice > Log Settingsand ensure the firewall is set to forward Threat logs to the desired Syslog or SIEM destination.
Why Not the Other Options?
A (Enable the Threat Prevention license):
The problem does not relate to the license; the administrator already confirmed the license is active.
B (Check with the SIEM vendor):
While verifying SIEM functionality is important, the first step is to ensure the logs are being forwarded correctly from the firewall to the SIEM. This is under the systems administrator’s control.
C (Have the SIEM vendor troubleshoot):
This step should only be takenafterconfirming the logs are forwarded properly from the firewall.
References from Palo Alto Networks Documentation:
Log Forwarding and Security Policy Configuration
Advanced Threat Prevention Configuration Guide
Which three descriptions apply to a perimeter firewall? (Choose three.)
Network layer protection for the outer edge of a network
Power utilization less than 500 watts sustained
Securing east-west traffic in a virtualized data center with flexible resource allocation
Primarily securing north-south traffic entering and leaving the network
Guarding against external attacks
Aperimeter firewallis traditionally deployed at the boundary of a network to protect it from external threats. It provides a variety of protections, including blocking unauthorized access, inspecting traffic flows, and safeguarding sensitive resources. Here is how the options apply:
Option A (Correct):Perimeter firewalls providenetwork layer protectionby filtering and inspecting traffic entering or leaving the network at the outer edge. This is one of their primary roles.
Option B:Power utilization is not a functional or architectural aspect of a firewall and is irrelevant when describing the purpose of a perimeter firewall.
Option C:Securing east-west traffic is more aligned withdata center firewalls, whichmonitor lateral (east-west) movement of traffic within a virtualized or segmented environment. A perimeter firewall focuses on north-south traffic instead.
Option D (Correct):A perimeter firewall primarily securesnorth-south traffic, which refers to traffic entering and leaving the network. It ensures that inbound and outbound traffic adheres to security policies.
Option E (Correct):Perimeter firewalls play a critical role inguarding against external attacks, such as DDoS attacks, malicious IP traffic, and other unauthorized access attempts.
References:
Palo Alto Networks Firewall Deployment Use Cases: https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com
Security Reference Architecture for North-South Traffic Control.
Which two methods are valid ways to populate user-to-IP mappings? (Choose two.)
XML API
Captive portal
User-ID
SCP log ingestion
Populating user-to-IP mappings is a critical function for enabling user-based policy enforcement in Palo Alto Networks firewalls. The following two methods are valid ways to populate these mappings:
Why "XML API" (Correct Answer A)?The XML API allows external systems to programmatically send user-to-IP mapping information to the firewall. This is a highly flexible method, particularly when user information is available from an external system that integrates via the API. This method is commonly used in environments where the mapping data is maintained in a centralized database or monitoring system.
Why "User-ID" (Correct Answer C)?User-ID is a core feature of Palo Alto Networks firewalls that allows for the dynamic identification of users and their corresponding IP addresses. User-ID agents can pull this data from various sources, such as Active Directory, Syslog servers, and more. This is one of the most common and reliable methods to maintain user-to-IP mappings.
Why not "Captive portal" (Option B)?Captive portal is a mechanism for authenticating users when they access the network. While it can indirectly contribute to user-to-IP mapping, it is not a direct method to populate these mappings. Instead, it prompts users to authenticate, after which User-ID handles the mapping.
Why not "SCP log ingestion" (Option D)?SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is a file transfer protocol and does not have any functionality related to populating user-to-IP mappings. Log ingestion via SCP is not a valid way to map users to IP addresses.
What are three valid Panorama deployment options? (Choose three.)
As a virtual machine (ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM)
With a cloud service provider (AWS, Azure, GCP)
As a container (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
On a Raspberry Pi (Model 4, Model 400, Model 5)
As a dedicated hardware appliance (M-100, M-200, M-500, M-600)
Panorama is Palo Alto Networks’ centralized management solution for managing multiple firewalls. It supports multiple deployment options to suit different infrastructure needs. The valid deployment options are as follows:
Why "As a virtual machine (ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM)" (Correct Answer A)?Panorama can be deployed as a virtual machine on hypervisors like VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM. This is a common option for organizations that already utilize virtualized infrastructure.
Why "With a cloud service provider (AWS, Azure, GCP)" (Correct Answer B)?Panorama is available for deployment in the public cloud on platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. This allows organizations to centrally manage firewalls deployed in cloud environments.
Why "As a dedicated hardware appliance (M-100, M-200, M-500, M-600)" (Correct Answer E)?Panorama is available as a dedicated hardware appliance with different models (M-100, M-200, M-500, M-600) to cater to various performance and scalability requirements. This is ideal for organizations that prefer physical appliances.
Why not "As a container (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift)" (Option C)?Panorama is not currently supported as a containerized deployment. Containers are more commonly used for lightweight and ephemeral services, whereas Panorama requires a robust and persistent deployment model.
Why not "On a Raspberry Pi (Model 4, Model 400, Model 5)" (Option D)?Panorama cannot be deployed on low-powered hardware like Raspberry Pi. The system requirements for Panorama far exceed the capabilities of Raspberry Pi hardware.
Which action can help alleviate a prospective customer's concerns about transitioning from a legacy firewall with port-based policies to a Palo Alto Networks NGFW with application-based policies?
Discuss the PAN-OS Policy Optimizer feature as a means to safely migrate port-based rules to application-based rules.
Assure the customer that the migration wizard will automatically convert port-based rules to application-based rules upon installation of the new NGFW.
Recommend deploying a new NGFW firewall alongside the customer's existing port-based firewall until they are comfortable removing the port-based firewall.
Reassure the customer that the NGFW supports the continued use of port-based rules, as PAN-OS automatically translates these policies into application-based policies.
A. Discuss the PAN-OS Policy Optimizer feature as a means to safely migrate port-based rules to application-based rules.
PAN-OS includes thePolicy Optimizertool, which helps migrate legacy port-based rules to application-based policies incrementally and safely. This tool identifies unused, redundant, or overly permissive rules and suggests optimized policies based on actual traffic patterns.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
B:The migration wizard does not automatically convert port-based rules to application-based rules. Migration must be carefully planned and executed using tools like the Policy Optimizer.
C:Running two firewalls in parallel adds unnecessary complexity and is not a best practice for migration.
D:While port-based rules are supported, relying on them defeats the purpose of transitioning to application-based security.
References:
Palo Alto Networks Policy Optimizer
In which two locations can a Best Practice Assessment (BPA) report be generated for review by a customer? (Choose two.)
PANW Partner Portal
Customer Support Portal
AIOps
Strata Cloud Manager (SCM)
The Best Practice Assessment (BPA) report evaluates firewall and Panorama configurations against Palo Alto Networks' best practice recommendations. It provides actionable insights to improve the security posture of the deployment. BPA reports can be generated from the following locations:
Why "PANW Partner Portal" (Correct Answer A)?Partners with access to the Palo Alto Networks Partner Portal can generate BPA reports for customers as part of their service offerings. This allows partners to assess and demonstrate compliance with best practices.
Why "Customer Support Portal" (Correct Answer B)?Customers can log in to the Palo Alto Networks Customer Support Portal to generate their own BPA reports. This enables organizations to self-assess and improve their firewall configurations.
Why not "AIOps" (Option C)?While AIOps provides operational insights and best practice recommendations, it does not generate full BPA reports. BPA and AIOps are distinct tools within the Palo Alto Networks ecosystem.
Why not "Strata Cloud Manager (SCM)" (Option D)?Strata Cloud Manager is designed for managing multiple Palo Alto Networks cloud-delivered services and NGFWs but does not currently support generating BPA reports. BPA is limited to the Partner Portal and Customer Support Portal.
What is used to stop a DNS-based threat?
DNS proxy
Buffer overflow protection
DNS tunneling
DNS sinkholing
DNS-based threats, such as DNS tunneling, phishing, or malware command-and-control (C2) activities, are commonly used by attackers to exfiltrate data or establish malicious communications. Palo Alto Networks firewalls provide several mechanisms to address these threats, and the correct method isDNS sinkholing.
Why "DNS sinkholing" (Correct Answer D)?DNS sinkholing redirects DNS queries for malicious domains to an internal or non-routable IP address, effectively preventing communication with malicious domains. When a user or endpoint tries to connect to a malicious domain, the sinkhole DNS entry ensures the traffic is blocked or routed to a controlled destination.
DNS sinkholing is especially effective for blocking malware trying to contact its C2 server or preventing data exfiltration.
Why not "DNS proxy" (Option A)?A DNS proxy is used to forward DNS queries from endpoints to an upstream DNS server. While it can be part of a network's DNS setup, it does not actively stop DNS-based threats.
Why not "Buffer overflow protection" (Option B)?Buffer overflow protection is a method used to prevent memory-related attacks, such as exploiting software vulnerabilities. It is unrelated to DNS-based threat prevention.
Why not "DNS tunneling" (Option C)?DNS tunneling is itself a type of DNS-based threat where attackers encode malicious traffic within DNS queries and responses. This option refers to the threat itself, not the method to stop it.
Which two compliance frameworks are included with the Premium version of Strata Cloud Manager (SCM)? (Choose two)
Payment Card Industry (PCI)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Center for Internet Security (CIS)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Strata Cloud Manager (SCM), part of Palo Alto Networks’ Prisma Access and Prisma SD-WAN suite, provides enhanced visibility and control for managing compliance and security policies across the network. In the Premium version of SCM, compliance frameworks are pre-integrated to help organizations streamline audits and maintain adherence to critical standards.
A. Payment Card Industry (PCI)
PCI DSS (Data Security Standard) compliance is essential for businesses that handle payment card data. SCM Premium provides monitoring, reporting, and auditing tools that align with PCI requirements, ensuring that sensitive payment data is processed securely across the network.
B. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
NIST is a comprehensive cybersecurity framework used in various industries, especially in the government sector. However, NIST is not specifically included in SCM Premium; organizationsmay need separate configurations or external tools to fully comply with NIST guidelines.
C. Center for Internet Security (CIS)
CIS benchmarks provide security best practices for securing IT systems and data. SCM Premium includes CIS compliance checks, enabling organizations to maintain a strong baseline security posture and proactively address vulnerabilities.
D. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
HIPAA is a framework designed to protect sensitive healthcare information. While Palo Alto Networks provides general solutions that can be aligned with HIPAA compliance, it is not explicitly included as a compliance framework in SCM Premium.
Key Takeaways:
The frameworks included in SCM Premium are PCI DSS and CIS.
Other frameworks like NIST and HIPAA may require additional configurations or are supported indirectly but not explicitly part of the Premium compliance checks.
References:
Palo Alto Networks Strata Cloud Manager Documentation
Palo Alto Networks Compliance Resources
A prospective customer has provided specific requirements for an upcoming firewall purchase, including the need to process a minimum of 200,000 connections per second while maintaining at least 15 Gbps of throughput with App-ID and Threat Prevention enabled.
What should a systems engineer do to determine the most suitable firewall for the customer?
Upload 30 days of customer firewall traffic logs to the firewall calculator tool on the Palo Alto Networks support portal.
Download the firewall sizing tool from the Palo Alto Networks support portal.
Use the online product configurator tool provided on the Palo Alto Networks website.
Use the product selector tool available on the Palo Alto Networks website.
Firewall Sizing Tool (Answer B):
Thefirewall sizing toolis the most accurate way to determine the suitable firewall model based on specific customer requirements, such as throughput, connections per second, and enabled features like App-ID and Threat Prevention.
By inputting traffic patterns, feature requirements, and performance needs, the sizing tool provides tailored recommendations.
Why Not A:
While uploading traffic logs to the calculator tool may help analyze traffic trends, it is not the primary method for determining firewall sizing.
Why Not C or D:
Theproduct configurator toolandproduct selector toolare not designed for detailed performance analysis based on real-world requirements like connections per second or enabled features.
References from Palo Alto Networks Documentation:
Firewall Sizing Guide