Why would an enterprise architect use a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) connector instead of a service connection for private application access?
It controls traffic from the mobile endpoint to any of the organization's internal resources.
It functions as the attachment point for IPSec-based connections to remote site or branch networks.
It supports traffic sourced from on-premises or public cloud-based resources to mobile users and remote networks.
It automatically discovers private applications and suggests Security policy rules for them.
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
AZero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) connectoris used instead of aservice connectionforprivate application accessbecause it providesautomatic application discovery and policy enforcement.
Discovers Private Applications
TheZTNA connectorautomatically identifiespreviously unknown or unmanagedprivate applications running in adata center or cloud environment.
Suggests Security Policy Rules
After discovering applications, itsuggests appropriate security policiesto control user access, ensuringZero Trust principlesare followed.
Granular Access Control
It enforcesleast-privilege accessand appliesidentity-based security policiesfor private applications.
(A) Controls traffic from the mobile endpoint to any of the organization's internal resources
This describesZTNA enforcement, butdoes not explain why a ZTNA connector is preferred over a service connection.
(B) Functions as the attachment point for IPsec-based connections to remote site or branch networks
This describes aservice connection, which is different from aZTNA connector.
(C) Supports traffic sourced from on-premises or public cloud-based resources to mobile users and remote networks
This aligns more withPrisma Access service connections, not ZTNA connectors.
Zero Trust Architectures– ZTNA ensures that private applications arediscovered, classified, and protected.
Firewall Deployment & Security Policies– ZTNA connectors automateprivate application security.
Threat Prevention & WildFire– Provides additional security layers for private apps.
Why is ZTNA Connector the Right Choice?Other Answer Choices AnalysisReferences and Justification:Thus,ZTNA Connector (D) is the correct answer, as itautomatically discovers private applications and suggests security policy rules for them.
Which subscription sends non-file format-based traffic that matches Data Filtering Profile criteria to a cloud service to render a verdict?
Enterprise DLP
SaaS Security Inline
Advanced URL Filtering
Advanced WildFire
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheEnterprise Data Loss Prevention (Enterprise DLP) subscriptionis responsible for sendingnon-file format-based trafficthat matchesData Filtering Profile criteriato acloud servicefor further inspection and verdict determination.
Monitors and Prevents Sensitive Data Loss–
Detects sensitive data patterns(e.g.,PII, credit card numbers, social security numbers) innon-file-based trafficsuch as HTTP, SMTP, and FTP.
Preventsaccidental or intentional data leaksfrom corporate environments.
Cloud-Based Verdict Analysis–
Enterprise DLPforwards suspicious traffic to a cloud-based analysis engineto classify and enforce policies onstructured and unstructured data.
Works acrossSaaS, web, and emailenvironments.
B. SaaS Security Inline❌
Incorrect, becauseSaaS Security Inline focuses on SaaS application traffic controlrather thanDLP for non-file-based traffic.
C. Advanced URL Filtering❌
Incorrect, becauseAdvanced URL Filtering focuses on web-based threat protection(e.g.,malicious URLs, phishing sites), notDLP inspection.
D. Advanced WildFire❌
Incorrect, becauseWildFire is designed to analyze files for malware, notdata loss prevention in non-file-based traffic.
Firewall Deployment– Enterprise DLP integrates withNGFW policies to prevent data leaks.
Security Policies– Enforcesdata protection policies across multiple traffic types.
VPN Configurations– InspectsVPN traffic for sensitive data leaks.
Threat Prevention– Works alongsideIPS to prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.
WildFire Integration– While WildFire analyzes files,Enterprise DLP inspects non-file-based data patterns.
Zero Trust Architectures– Ensuresstrict controls over sensitive data movement.
Why Enterprise DLP is the Correct Answer?Why Other Options Are Incorrect?References to Firewall Deployment and Security Features:Thus, the correct answer is:✅A. Enterprise DLP
When using the perfect forward secrecy (PFS) key exchange, how does a firewall behave when SSL Inbound Inspection is enabled?
It acts as meddler-in-the-middle between the client and the internal server.
It acts transparently between the client and the internal server.
It decrypts inboundand outbound SSH connections.
It decrypts traffic between the client and the external server.
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS)is a cryptographic feature inSSL/TLS key exchangethat ensures each session uses a unique key that isnot derived from previous sessions. This prevents attackers from decrypting historical encrypted traffic even if they obtain the server’s private key.
WhenSSL Inbound Inspectionis enabled on a Palo Alto NetworksNext-Generation Firewall (NGFW), the firewalldecrypts inbound encrypted trafficdestined for an internal server to inspect it for threats, malware, or policy violations.
Meddler-in-the-Middle (MITM) Role– Since PFSprevents session key reuse, the firewallcannot use static keysfor decryption. Instead, it must act as aman-in-the-middle (MITM)between theclient and the internal server.
Decryption Process–
The firewallterminates the SSL session from the external client.
It thenestablishes a new encrypted sessionbetween itself and the internal server.
This allows the firewall todecrypt, inspect, and then re-encrypt trafficbefore forwarding it to the server.
Security Implications–
This approach ensuresthreat detection and policy enforcementbefore encrypted traffic reaches critical internal servers.
However, itbreaks end-to-end encryptionsince the firewall acts as an intermediary.
B. It acts transparently between the client and the internal server.❌
Incorrect, because SSL Inbound Inspection requires the firewall toactively terminate and re-establish SSL connections, making it anon-transparent MITM.
C. It decrypts inbound and outbound SSH connections.❌
Incorrect, becauseSSL Inbound Inspection applies only to SSL/TLS traffic, not SSH connections. SSH decryption requires a different feature (e.g., SSH Proxy).
D. It decrypts traffic between the client and the external server.❌
Incorrect, becauseSSL Inbound Inspectionis designed to inspecttraffic destined for an internal server, not external connections.SSL Forward Proxywould be used for outbound traffic decryption.
Firewall Deployment– SSL Inbound Inspection is used inenterprise environmentsto monitor encrypted traffic heading to internal servers.
Security Policies– Decryption policies control which inbound SSL sessions are decrypted.
VPN Configurations– PFS is commonly used inIPsec VPNs, ensuring that keys change per session.
Threat Prevention– Enables deep inspection ofSSL/TLS trafficto detect malware, exploits, and data leaks.
WildFire Integration– Extracts potentially malicious files from encrypted traffic foradvanced sandboxing and malware detection.
Panorama– Providescentralized management of SSL decryption logs and security policies.
Zero Trust Architectures– Ensures encrypted traffic iscontinuously inspected, aligning withZero Trust security principles.
Firewall Behavior with PFS and SSL Inbound InspectionWhy Other Options Are Incorrect?References to Firewall Deployment and Security Features:Thus, the correct answer is:✅A. It acts as meddler-in-the-middle between the client and the internal server.
What should be reviewed when log forwarding from an NGFW to Strata Logging Service becomes disconnected?
Device certificates
Decryption profile
Auth codes
Software warranty
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
When log forwarding from aPalo Alto Networks NGFWto theStrata Logging Service (formerly Cortex Data Lake)becomes disconnected, the primary aspect to review isdevice certificates. This is because the firewall usescertificatesfor mutual authentication with the logging service. If these certificates are missing, expired, or invalid, the firewall will fail to establish a secure connection, preventing log forwarding.
Authentication Requirement– The NGFW uses a Palo Alto Networks-issued device certificate for authentication before it can send logs to the Strata Logging Service.
Expiration Issues– If the certificate has expired, the NGFW will be unable to authenticate, causing a disconnection.
Misconfiguration or Revocation– If the certificate is not properly installed, revoked, or incorrectly assigned, the logging service will reject log forwarding attempts.
Cloud Trust Relationship– The firewall relies on secure cloud-based authentication, where certificates validate the NGFW’s identity before log ingestion.
Check Certificate Status
Navigate toDevice > Certificatesin the NGFW web interface.
Verify the presence of a validPalo Alto Networks device certificate.
Look for expiration dates and renew if necessary.
Reinstall Certificates
If the certificate is missing or invalid, reinstall it by retrieving the correct device certificate from thePalo Alto Networks Customer Support Portal (CSP).
Ensure Correct Certificate Chain
Verify that the correct root CA certificate is installed and trusted by the firewall.
Confirm Connectivity to Strata Logging Service
Ensure that outbound connections to the logging service are not blocked due to misconfigured security policies, firewalls, or proxies.
(B) Decryption Profile– SSL/TLS decryption settings affect traffic inspection but have no impact on log forwarding.
(C) Auth Codes– Authentication codes are used during theinitial device registrationwith Strata Logging Service but do not impact ongoing log forwarding.
(D) Software Warranty– The firewall’swarrantydoes not influence log forwarding; however, anactive support licenseis required for continuous access to Strata Logging Service.
Firewall Deployment– Certificates are fundamental to secure NGFW cloud communication.
Security Policies– Proper authentication ensures logs are securely transmitted.
Threat Prevention & WildFire– Logging failures could impact threat visibility and WildFire analysis.
Panorama– Uses the same authentication mechanisms for centralized logging.
Zero Trust Architectures– Requires strict identity verification, including valid certificates.
Key Reasons Why Device Certificates Are CriticalHow to Verify and Fix Certificate IssuesOther Answer Choices AnalysisReferences and Justification:Thus,Device Certificates (A)is the correct answer, as log forwarding depends on a valid, authenticated certificate to establish connectivity with Strata Logging Service.
In which mode should an ION device be configured at a newly acquired site to allow site traffic to be audited without steering traffic?
Access
Control
Disabled
Analytics
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
AnION device(used in Prisma SD-WAN) must be configured inAnalytics modeat a newly acquired site toaudit traffic without steering it. This mode allows administrators tomonitor network behaviorwithout activelymodifying traffic paths.
Passively Observes Traffic
TheION device monitors and logs site trafficfor analysis.
No active controlover routing or traffic flow is applied.
Useful for Network Auditing Before Full Deployment
Analytics mode providesvisibility into site trafficbefore committing toSD-WAN policy changes.
Helpsidentify optimization opportunitiesandtroubleshoot connectivitybefore enabling traffic steering.
(A) Access Mode– Enablesactive routing and steeringof traffic, which isnot desiredfor passive auditing.
(B) Control Mode–Actively controls traffic flowsand enforces policies, not suitable for observation-only setups.
(C) Disabled Mode– Thedevice would not functionin this mode, making it useless for traffic monitoring.
Firewall Deployment– Prisma SD-WAN ION devices must be placed in Analytics mode for initial audits.
Zero Trust Architectures– Helps assess security risks before enabling active controls.
Why Analytics Mode is the Correct Choice?Other Answer Choices AnalysisReferences and Justification:Thus,Analytics Mode (D) is the correct answer, as it allows auditing of site traffic without traffic steering.
Which two policies in Strata Cloud Manager (SCM) will ensure the personal data of employees remains private while enabling decryption for mobile users in Prisma Access? (Choose two.)
SSH Decryption
SSL Inbound Inspection
SSL Forward Proxy
No Decryption
The Answer Is:
C, DExplanation:
InStrata Cloud Manager (SCM), policies need to balanceprivacywhile ensuringsecure decryption for mobile users in Prisma Access. The correct approach involves:
SSL Forward Proxy (C)– Enablesdecryption of outbound SSL traffic, allowing security inspection while ensuring unauthorized data does not leave the network.
No Decryption (D)–Excludes personal data from being decrypted, ensuring compliance withprivacy regulations(e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and protecting sensitive employee information.
SSL Forward Proxy (C)
Decrypts outbound SSL trafficfrom mobile users.
Inspects traffic for malware, data exfiltration, and compliance violations.
Ensurescorporate security policiesare enforced on user traffic.
No Decryption (D)
Ensuresprivacy-sensitive traffic(e.g., online banking, healthcare portals) remainsuntouched.
Exclusionscan be defined based oncategories, user groups, or destinations.
Helps maintainregulatory compliancewhile still securing other traffic.
(A) SSH Decryption– Not relevant in this context, as SSH traffic is typically used for administrative access rather than mobile user web browsing.
(B) SSL Inbound Inspection– Used forinbound traffic to company-hosted servers, not for securing outbound traffic from mobile users.
Firewall Deployment– SSL Forward Proxy enables traffic visibility, No Decryption protects privacy.
Security Policies– Defines what traffic should or should not be decrypted.
Threat Prevention & WildFire– Decryption helps detect hidden threats while excluding sensitive personal data.
Zero Trust Architectures– Ensuresleast-privilege access while maintaining privacy compliance.
Why These Two Policies?Other Answer Choices AnalysisReferences and Justification:Thus,SSL Forward Proxy (C) and No Decryption (D) are the correct answers, as they balance security and privacy for mobile users in Prisma Access.
An IT security administrator is maintaining connectivity and security between on-premises infrastructure, private cloud, and public cloud environments in Strata Cloud Manager (SCM).
Which set of practices must be implemented to effectively manage certificates and ensure secure communication across these segmented environments?
Use a centralized certificate management solution. Regularly renew and update certificates. Employ strong encryption protocols.
Use self-signed certificates for all environments.
Renew certificates manually once a year.
Avoid automating certificate management to maintain control.
Rely on the cloud provider's default certificates.
Avoid renewing certificates to reduce overhead and complexity. Manage certificate deployment manually.
Implement different certificate authorities (CAs) for each environment. Use default certificate settings.
Renew certificates only when they expire to reduce overhead and complexity.
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
When managingconnectivity and securitybetweenon-premises, private cloud, and public cloud environmentsinStrata Cloud Manager (SCM),proper certificate managementis essential to:
Ensure encrypted communication across segmented environments
Prevent expired or weak certificates from becoming security vulnerabilities
Simplify management across multiple cloud and on-premise networks
A centralized solutionautomatescertificate deployment, renewal, and monitoring.
Regular renewal prevents security gapscaused by expired certificates.
Strong encryption ensures secure communicationbetween environments.
(B) Use self-signed certificates, renew manually, and avoid automation–
High security risk: Self-signed certificatesare not trustedacross hybrid environments.
Manual renewal is error-proneand can lead to outages.
(C) Rely on cloud provider’s default certificates, avoid renewal–
Cloud provider certificates do not cover on-premises security.
Avoiding renewalincreases the risk of certificate expiration and security breaches.
(D) Use different CAs for each environment, renew only when expired–
Managing multiple CAs increases complexityand does not provide unified security.
Delaying renewal can result in expired certificates causing outages.
Firewall Deployment & Security Policies– Secure communicationrequires valid, trusted certificates.
Zero Trust Architectures–Consistent certificate management enforces encrypted, trusted communication.
Why is Centralized Certificate Management the Correct Choice?Other Answer Choices AnalysisReferences and Justification:Thus,A centralized certificate management solution (A) is the correct answer, as it ensuressecure, automated, and regularly updated encryptionacrosson-prem, private, and public cloud environments.
In conjunction with Advanced URL Filtering, which feature can be enabled after usemame-to-IP mapping is set up?
Host information profile (HIP)
Credential phishing prevention
Client probing
Indexed data matching
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
WhenAdvanced URL Filteringis enabled,Credential Phishing Preventioncan be activated toprotect against phishing attacksby blocking unauthorized credential submissions.
Uses Username-to-IP Mapping– Identifies usersbased on their IP and login credentials.
Prevents Credential Theft– Blocks users from submitting corporate credentials tountrusted or malicious websites.
Works Alongside Advanced URL Filtering– Detects and categorizesphishing domains in real-time, stopping credential leaks.
Can Enforce Action-Based Policies– Configures policies toalert, block, or validate credential submissions.
A. Host Information Profile (HIP)❌
Incorrect, becauseHIP checks device healthbut does notprevent credential phishing.
C. Client Probing❌
Incorrect, becauseClient Probing is used for User-ID mapping, notphishing prevention.
D. Indexed Data Matching❌
Incorrect, becauseIndexed Data Matching is used for DLP (Data Loss Prevention), not for credential protection.
Firewall Deployment– Protectsuser credentials from phishing attacks.
Security Policies– Ensuresusers do not submit credentials to malicious sites.
VPN Configurations– Protectsremote users connecting via GlobalProtectfrom credential theft.
Threat Prevention– Works withThreat Intelligenceto detect new phishing sites.
WildFire Integration– Scansunknown websites for phishing behaviors.
Panorama– Centralized enforcement ofCredential Phishing Prevention policies.
Zero Trust Architectures– Ensuresonly legitimate authentication events occur within trusted environments.
How Credential Phishing Prevention Works:Why Other Options Are Incorrect?References to Firewall Deployment and Security Features:Thus, the correct answer is:✅B. Credential phishing prevention