A prospective customer wants to validate an NGFW solution and seeks the advice of a systems engineer (SE) regarding a design to meet the following stated requirements:
"We need an NGFW that can handle 72 Gbps inside of our core network. Our core switches only have up to 40 Gbps links available to which new devices can connect. We cannot change the IP address structure of the environment, and we need protection for threat prevention, DNS, and perhaps sandboxing."
Which hardware and architecture/design recommendations should the SE make?
PA-5445 or larger to cover the bandwidth need and the link types; Architect aggregate interface groups in Layer-2 or virtual wire mode that include 2 x 40Gbps interfaces on both sides of the path.
PA-5430 or larger to cover the bandwidth need and the link types; Architect aggregate interface groups in Layer-3 mode that include 40Gbps interfaces on both sides of the path.
PA-5445 or larger to cover the bandwidth need and the link types; Architect aggregate interface groups in Layer-3 mode that include 40Gbps interfaces on both sides of the path.
PA-5430 or larger to cover the bandwidth need and the link types; Architect aggregate interface groups in Layer-2 or virtual wire mode that include 2 x 40Gbps interfaces on both sides of the path.
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
The problem provides several constraints and design requirements that must be carefully considered:
Bandwidth Requirement:
The customer needs an NGFW capable of handling a total throughput of 72 Gbps.
The PA-5445 is specifically designed for high-throughput environments and supports up to 81.3 Gbps Threat Prevention throughput (as per the latest hardware performance specifications). This ensures the throughput needs are fully met with some room for growth.
Interface Compatibility:
The customer mentions that their core switches support up to 40 Gbps interfaces. The design must include aggregate links to meet the overall bandwidth while aligning with the 40 Gbps interface limitations.
The PA-5445 supports 40Gbps QSFP+ interfaces, making it a suitable option for the hardware requirement.
No Change to IP Address Structure:
Since the customer cannot modify their IP address structure, deploying the NGFW in Layer-2 or Virtual Wire mode is ideal.
Virtual Wire mode allows the firewall to inspect traffic transparently between two Layer-2 devices without modifying the existing IP structure. Similarly, Layer-2 mode allows the firewall to behave like a switch at Layer-2 while still applying security policies.
Threat Prevention, DNS, and Sandboxing Requirements:
The customer requires advanced security features like Threat Prevention and potentially sandboxing (WildFire). The PA-5445 is equipped to handle these functionalities with its dedicated hardware-based architecture for content inspection and processing.
Aggregate Interface Groups:
The architecture should include aggregate interface groups to distribute traffic across multiple physical interfaces to support the high throughput requirement.
By aggregating 2 x 40Gbps interfaces on both sides of the path in Virtual Wire or Layer-2 mode, the design ensures sufficient bandwidth (up to 80 Gbps per side).
Why PA-5445 in Layer-2 or Virtual Wire mode is the Best Option:
Option A satisfies all the customer’s requirements:
The PA-5445 meets the 72 Gbps throughput requirement.
2 x 40 Gbps interfaces can be aggregated to handle traffic flow between the core switches and the NGFW.
Virtual Wire or Layer-2 mode preserves the IP address structure, while still allowing full threat prevention and DNS inspection capabilities.
The PA-5445 also supports sandboxing (WildFire) for advanced file-based threat detection.
Why Not Other Options:
Option B:
The PA-5430 is insufficient for the throughput requirement (72 Gbps). Its maximum Threat Prevention throughput is 60.3 Gbps, which does not provide the necessary capacity.
Option C:
While the PA-5445 is appropriate, deploying it in Layer-3 mode would require changes to the IP address structure, which the customer explicitly stated is not an option.
Option D:
The PA-5430 does not meet the throughput requirement. Although Layer-2 or Virtual Wire mode preserves the IP structure, the throughput capacity of the PA-5430 is a limiting factor.
References from Palo Alto Networks Documentation:
Palo Alto Networks PA-5400 Series Datasheet (latest version)
Specifies the performance capabilities of the PA-5445 and PA-5430 models.
Palo Alto Networks Virtual Wire Deployment Guide
Explains how Virtual Wire mode can be used to transparently inspect traffic without changing the existing IP structure.
Aggregated Ethernet Interface Documentation
Details the configuration and use of aggregate interface groups for high throughput.
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.
The Answer Is:
DThe 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)
The Answer Is:
A, CExplanation:
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 is not a User-ID agent. It synchronizes with identity providers like Azure AD and Okta.
This is incorrect.
Which three use cases are specific to Policy Optimizer? (Choose three.)
Discovering applications on the network and transitions to application-based policy over time
Converting broad rules based on application filters into narrow rules based on application groups
Enabling migration from port-based rules to application-based rules
Discovering 5-tuple attributes that can be simplified to 4-tuple attributes
Automating the tagging of rules based on historical log data
The Answer Is:
A, C, EExplanation:
The question asks for three use cases specific to Policy Optimizer, a feature in PAN-OS designed to enhance security policy management on Palo Alto Networks Strata Hardware Firewalls. Policy Optimizer helps administrators refine firewall rules by leveraging App-ID technology, transitioning from legacy port-based policies to application-based policies, and optimizing rule efficiency. Below is a detailed explanation of why options A, C, and E are the correct use cases, verified against official Palo Alto Networks documentation.
Step 1: Understanding Policy Optimizer in PAN-OS
Policy Optimizer is a tool introduced in PAN-OS 9.0 and enhanced in subsequent versions (e.g., 11.1), accessible under Policies > Policy Optimizer in the web interface. It analyzes traffic logs to:
Identify applications traversing the network.
Suggest refinements to security rules (e.g., replacing ports with App-IDs).
Provide insights into rule usage and optimization opportunities.
Its primary goal is to align policies with Palo Alto Networks’ application-centric approach, improving security and manageability on Strata NGFWs.
A systems engineer (SE) successfully demonstrates NGFW managed by Strata Cloud Manager (SCM) to a company. In the resulting planning phase of the proof of value (POV), the CISO requests a test that shows how the security policies are either meeting, or are progressing toward meeting, industry standards such as Critical Security Controls (CSC), and how the company can verify that it is effectively utilizing the functionality purchased.
During the POV testing timeline, how should the SE verify that the POV will meet the CISO's request?
Near the end, pull a Security Lifecycle Review (SLR) in the POV and create a report for the customer.
At the beginning, work with the customer to create custom dashboards and reports for any information required, so reports can be pulled as needed by the customer.
Near the end, the customer pulls information from these SCM dashboards: Best Practices, CDSS Adoption, and NGFW Feature Adoption.
At the beginning, use PANhandler golden images that are designed to align to compliance and to turning on the features for the CDSS subscription being tested.
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
The SE has demonstrated an NGFW managed by SCM, and the CISO now wants the POV to show progress toward industry standards (e.g., CSC) and verify effective use of purchased features (e.g., CDSS subscriptions like Advanced Threat Prevention). The SE must ensure the POV delivers measurable evidence during the testing timeline. Let’s evaluate the options.
Step 1: Understand the CISO’s Request
Industry Standards (e.g., CSC): The Center for Internet Security’s Critical Security Controls (e.g., CSC 1: Inventory of Devices, CSC 4: Secure Configuration) require visibility, threat prevention, and policy enforcement, which NGFW and SCM can address.
Feature Utilization: Confirm that licensed functionalities (e.g., App-ID, Threat Prevention, URL Filtering) are active and effective.
POV Goal: Provide verifiable progress and utilization metrics within the testing timeline.
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 Answer Is:
DExplanation:
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) is allowed. 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.
A company has multiple business units, each of which manages its own user directories and identity providers (IdPs) with different domain names. The company’s network security team wants to deploy a shared GlobalProtect remote access service for all business units to authenticate users to each business unit's IdP.
Which configuration will enable the network security team to authenticate GlobalProtect users to multiple SAML IdPs?
GlobalProtect with multiple authentication profiles for each SAML IdP
Multiple authentication mode Cloud Identity Engine authentication profile for use on the GlobalProtect portals and gateways
Authentication sequence that has multiple authentication profiles using different authentication methods
Multiple Cloud Identity Engine tenants for each business unit
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
To configure GlobalProtect to authenticate users from multiple SAML identity providers (IdPs), the correct approach involves creating multiple authentication profiles, one for each IdP. Here's the analysis of each option:
Option A: GlobalProtect with multiple authentication profiles for each SAML IdP
GlobalProtect allows configuring multiple SAML authentication profiles, each corresponding to a specific IdP.
These profiles are associated with the GlobalProtect portal or gateway. When users attempt to authenticate, they can be directed to the appropriate IdP based on their domain or other attributes.
This is the correct approach to enable authentication for users from multiple IdPs.
Option B: Multiple authentication mode Cloud Identity Engine authentication profile for use on the GlobalProtect portals and gateways
The Cloud Identity Engine (CIE) can synchronize identities from multiple directories, but it does not directly support multiple SAML IdPs for a shared GlobalProtect setup.
This option is not applicable.
Option C: Authentication sequence that has multiple authentication profiles using different authentication methods
Authentication sequences allow multiple authentication methods (e.g., LDAP, RADIUS, SAML) to be tried in sequence for the same user, but they are not designed for handling multiple SAML IdPs.
This option is not appropriate for the scenario.
Option D: Multiple Cloud Identity Engine tenants for each business unit
Deploying multiple CIE tenants for each business unit adds unnecessary complexity and is not required for configuring GlobalProtect to authenticate users to multiple SAML IdPs.
This option is not appropriate.
Which two actions should a systems engineer take when a customer is concerned about how to remain aligned to Zero Trust principles as they adopt additional security features over time? (Choose two)
Turn on all licensed Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions in blocking mode for all policies.
Apply decryption where possible to inspect and log all new and existing traffic flows.
Use the Best Practice Assessment (BPA) tool to measure progress toward Zero Trust principles.
Use the Policy Optimizer tool to understand security rules allowing users to bypass decryption.
The Answer Is:
B, CExplanation:
When adopting additional security features over time, remaining aligned with Zero Trust principles requires a focus on constant visibility, control, and adherence to best practices. The following actions are the most relevant:
Why "Apply decryption where possible to inspect and log all new and existing traffic flows" (Correct Answer B)?Zero Trust principles emphasize visibility into all traffic, whether encrypted or unencrypted. Without decryption, encrypted traffic becomes a blind spot, which attackers can exploit. By applying decryption wherever feasible, organizations ensure they can inspect, log, and enforce policies on encrypted traffic, thus adhering to Zero Trust principles.
Why "Use the Best Practice Assessment (BPA) tool to measure progress toward Zero Trust principles" (Correct Answer C)?The BPA tool provides detailed insights into the customer’s security configuration, helping measure alignment with Palo Alto Networks’ Zero Trust best practices. It identifies gaps in security posture and recommends actionable steps to strengthen adherence to Zero Trust principles over time.
Why not "Turn on all licensed Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions in blocking mode for all policies" (Option A)?While enabling CDSS subscriptions (like Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, Advanced Threat Prevention) in blocking mode can enhance security, it is not an action specifically tied to maintaining alignment with Zero Trust principles. A more holistic approach, such as decryption and BPA analysis, is critical to achieving Zero Trust.
Why not "Use the Policy Optimizer tool to understand security rules allowing users to bypass decryption" (Option D)?Policy Optimizer is used to optimize existing security rules by identifying unused or overly permissive policies. While useful, it does not directly address alignment with Zero Trust principles or help enforce decryption.
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 and confident 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.
The Answer Is:
B, DExplanation:
The customer’s CIO highlights two key pain points: (1) the operations team lacks expertise to efficiently manage PAN-OS upgrades and support interactions, diverting focus from valuable tasks, and (2) the company lacked tools to monitor NGFW capacity, leading to a rushed upgrade. The goal is to recommend long-term solutions leveraging Palo Alto Networks’ offerings for Strata Hardware Firewalls. Options B and D—training and AIOps Premium within Strata Cloud Manager (SCM)—address these issues by enhancing team capability and providing proactive management tools. Below is a detailed explanation, verified against official documentation.
Step 1: Analyzing the Customer’s Challenges
Expertise Gap: The CIO notes that identifying issues and engaging support requires expertise the operations team doesn’t fully have or can’t prioritize. Upgrading PAN-OS on Strata NGFWs involves tasks like version compatibility checks, pre-upgrade validation, and troubleshooting, which demand familiarity with PAN-OS tools and processes.
Capacity Visibility: The rushed upgrade stemmed from not knowing the NGFWs were nearing capacity (e.g., CPU, memory, session limits), indicating a lack of monitoring or predictive analytics.
Long-term solutions must address both operational efficiency and proactive capacity management, aligning with Palo Alto Networks’ ecosystem for Strata firewalls.
A security engineer has been tasked with protecting a company's on-premises web servers but is not authorized to purchase a web application firewall (WAF).
Which Palo Alto Networks solution will protect the company from SQL injection zero-day, command injection zero-day, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, and IIS exploits?
Threat Prevention and PAN-OS 11.x
Advanced Threat Prevention and PAN-OS 11.x
Threat Prevention, Advanced URL Filtering, and PAN-OS 10.2 (and higher)
Advanced WildFire and PAN-OS 10.0 (and higher)
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
Protecting web servers from advanced threats like SQL injection, command injection, XSS attacks, and IIS exploits requires a solution capable of deep packet inspection, behavioral analysis, and inline prevention of zero-day attacks. The most effective solution here is Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP) combined with PAN-OS 11.x.
Why "Advanced Threat Prevention and PAN-OS 11.x" (Correct Answer B)?Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP) enhances traditional threat prevention by using inline deep learning models to detect and block advanced zero-day threats, including SQL injection, command injection, and XSS attacks. With PAN-OS 11.x, ATP extends its detection capabilities to detect unknown exploits without relying on signature-based methods. This functionality is critical for protecting web servers in scenarios where a dedicated WAF is unavailable.
ATP provides the following benefits:
Inline prevention of zero-day threats using deep learning models.
Real-time detection of attacks like SQL injection and XSS.
Enhanced protection for web server platforms like IIS.
Full integration with the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW).
Why not "Threat Prevention and PAN-OS 11.x" (Option A)?Threat Prevention relies primarily on signature-based detection for known threats. While it provides basic protection, it lacks the capability to block zero-day attacks using advanced methods like inline deep learning. For zero-day SQL injection and XSS attacks, Threat Prevention alone is insufficient.
Why not "Threat Prevention, Advanced URL Filtering, and PAN-OS 10.2 (and higher)" (Option C)?While this combination includes Advanced URL Filtering (useful for blocking malicious URLs associated with exploits), it still relies on Threat Prevention, which is signature-based. This combination does not provide the zero-day protection needed for advanced injection attacks or XSS vulnerabilities.
Why not "Advanced WildFire and PAN-OS 10.0 (and higher)" (Option D)?Advanced WildFire is focused on analyzing files and executables in a sandbox environment to identify malware. While it is excellent for identifying malware, it is not designed to provide inline prevention for web-based injection attacks or XSS exploits targeting web servers.
