Palo Alto Networks PCCP Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

Palo Alto Networks PCCP Online Questions & Answers

• Question 1:

  Which type of attack involves sending data packets disguised as queries to a remote server, which then sends the data back to the attacker?

  A. DDoS
  B. DNS tunneling
  C. Command-and-control (C2)
  D. Port evasion
  B. DNS tunneling

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  explanation:

  DNS tunneling is an attack technique where data packets are disguised as DNS queries and sent to a remote server. That server, often under the attacker's control, responds with additional data or instructions, effectively creating a covert command-and-control (C2) channel over DNS.

• Question 2:

  Which scenario highlights how a malicious Portable Executable (PE) file is leveraged as an attack?

  A. Setting up a web page for harvesting user credentials
  B. Laterally transferring the file through a network after being granted access
  C. Embedding the file inside a pdf to be downloaded and installed
  D. Corruption of security device memory spaces while file is in transit
  C. Embedding the file inside a pdf to be downloaded and installed

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  explanation:

  Malicious Portable Executable (PE) files hidden inside PDFs represent a stealthy delivery tactic where attackers embed executable payloads within seemingly benign documents. When a user opens the PDF, the embedded PE executes, potentially installing malware. This approach combines social engineering with file obfuscation to bypass traditional detection methods. Palo Alto Networks’ Advanced WildFire sandboxing inspects such files by detonating them in isolated environments to observe behavior and identify hidden threats. This detection technique is critical for uncovering evasive malware concealed within common file types before they reach end-users.

• Question 3:

  Which type of system is a user entity behavior analysis (UEBA) tool?

  A. Correlating
  B. Active monitoring
  C. Archiving
  D. sandboxing
  B. Active monitoring

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  explanation:

  A User Entity Behavior Analysis (UEBA) tool performs active monitoring by continuously analyzing the behavior of users and entities to detect anomalies that may indicate insider threats, compromised accounts, or malicious activity. It uses machine learning and analytics to identify unusual patterns in real time.

• Question 4:

  Which component of the AAA framework regulates user access and permissions to resources?

  A. Authorization
  B. Allowance
  C. Accounting
  D. Authentication
  A. Authorization

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  explanation:

  Authorization is the component of the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) framework that regulates user access and permissions to resources after identity has been verified. It determines what actions or resources a user is allowed to access.

• Question 5:

  Which statement describes the process of application allow listing?

  A. It allows only trusted files, applications, and processes to run.
  B. It creates a set of specific applications that do not run on the system.
  C. It encrypts application data to protect the system from external threats.
  D. It allows safeuse of applications by scanningfiles for malware.
  A. It allows only trusted files, applications, and processes to run.

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  explanation:

  Application allow listing is a security practice that permits only pre-approved (trusted) applications, files, and processes to run on a system. This approach helps prevent unauthorized or malicious software from executing, thereby reducing the attack surface.

• Question 6:

  What is an event-driven snippet of code that runs on managed infrastructure?

  A. API
  B. Serverless function
  C. Hypervisor
  D. Docker container
  B. Serverless function

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  explanation:

  A serverless function is an event-driven snippet of code that runs on managed infrastructure, typically as part of a Function as a Service (FaaS) model. It is executed in response to events such as HTTP requests or database changes, and the cloud provider handles the underlying infrastructure.

• Question 7:

  What would allow a security team to inspect TLS encapsulated traffic?

  A. DHCP markings
  B. Decryption
  C. Port translation
  D. Traffic shaping
  B. Decryption

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  explanation:

  Decryption is required to inspect TLS-encrypted traffic, allowing security tools (such as firewalls or intrusion prevention systems) to analyze the contents of the traffic for threats that would otherwise remain hidden within encrypted sessions.

• Question 8:

  A high-profile company executive receives an urgent email containing a malicious link. The sender appears to be from the IT department of the company, and the email requests an update of the executive's login credentials for a system update. Which type of phishing attack does this represent?

  A. Whaling
  B. Vishing
  C. Pharming
  D. Angler phishing
  A. Whaling

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  explanation:

  Whaling is a targeted phishing attack aimed at high-profile individuals, such as executives. The attacker impersonates a trusted entity (e.g., IT department) to trick the executive into revealing sensitive credentials. This is a form of spear phishing specifically focused on “big fish” targets.

• Question 9:

  When does a TLS handshake occur?

  A. Before establishing a TCP connection
  B. Only during DNS over HTTPS queries
  C. After a TCP handshake has been established
  D. Independently of HTTPS communications
  C. After a TCP handshake has been established

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  explanation:

  A TLS handshake occurs after the TCP handshake is complete. The TLS handshake is responsible for establishing a secure, encrypted session between client and server, including the negotiation of encryption algorithms and exchange of keys.

• Question 10:

  Which type of portable architecture can package software with dependencies in an isolated unit?

  A. Containerized
  B. Serverless
  C. Air-gapped
  D. SaaS
  A. Containerized

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  explanation:

  A containerized architecture packages software along with its dependencies, libraries, and configuration into an isolated unit called a container. This ensures consistent behavior across environments and simplifies deployment and scaling.