Palo Alto Networks PSE-HARDWARE-FIREWAL Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

Palo Alto Networks PSE-HARDWARE-FIREWAL Online Questions & Answers

• Question 31:

  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?

  A. Near the end, pull a Security Lifecycle Review (SLR) in the POV and create a report for the customer.
  B. 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.
  C. Near the end, the customer pulls information from these SCM dashboards: Best Practices, CDSS Adoption, and NGFW Feature Adoption.
  D. 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.
  A. Near the end, pull a Security Lifecycle Review (SLR) in the POV and create a report for the customer.

  ---

  Explanation

  Security Lifecycle Review (SLR) (Answer A):

  The Security Lifecycle Review (SLR) is a detailed report generated by Palo Alto Networks firewalls that provides visibility into application usage, threats, and policy alignment with industry standards.

  During the POV, running an SLR near the end of the timeline allows the customer to see:

  How well their current security policies align with Critical Security Controls (CSC) or other industry standards.

  Insights into application usage and threats discovered during the POV.

  This provides actionable recommendations for optimizing policies and ensuring the purchased functionality is being effectively utilized.

  Why Not B:

  While creating custom dashboards and reports at the beginning might provide useful insights, the question focuses on verifying progress toward meeting CSC standards . This is specifically addressed by the SLR, which is designed to

  measure and report on such criteria.

  Why Not C:

  Pulling information from SCM dashboards like Best Practices and Feature Adoption can help assess firewall functionality but may not provide acomprehensive review of compliance or CSC alignment , as the SLR does.

  Why Not D:

  While PANhandler golden images can help configure features in alignment with specific subscriptions or compliance goals, they are primarily used to deploy predefined templates, not to assess security policy effectiveness or compliance with

  CSC standards.

  References from Palo Alto Networks Documentation:

  Security Lifecycle Review Overview

  Strata Cloud Manager Dashboards

• Question 32:

  A customer has acquired 10 new branch offices, each with fewer than 50 users and no existing firewall. The systems engineer wants to recommend a PA-Series NGFW with Advanced Threat Prevention at each branch location. Which NGFW series is the most cost-efficient at securing internet traffic?

  A. PA-200
  B. PA-400
  C. PA-500
  D. PA-600
  B. PA-400

  ---

  Explanation

  The PA-400 Series is the most cost-efficient Palo Alto Networks NGFW for small branch offices. Let's analyze the options: PA-400 Series (Recommended Option)

  The PA-400 Series (PA-410, PA-415, etc.) is specifically designed for small to medium-sized branch offices with fewer than 50 users.

  It provides all the necessary security features, including Advanced Threat Prevention, at a lower price point compared to higher-tier models.

  It supports PAN-OS and Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS), making it suitable for securing internet traffic at branch locations. Why Other Options Are Incorrect

  PA-200:The PA-200 is an older model and is no longer available. It lacks the performanceand features needed for modern branch office security.

  PA-500:The PA-500 is also an older model that is not as cost-efficient as the PA-400 Series.

  PA-600:The PA-600 Series does not exist. Key Takeaways:

  For branch offices with fewer than 50 users, the PA-400 Series offers the best balance of cost and performance.

  References:

  Palo Alto Networks PA-400 Series Datasheet

• Question 33:

  Which two tools should a systems engineer use to showcase the benefit of an evaluation that a customer has just concluded?

  A. Best Practice Assessment (BPA)
  B. Security Lifecycle Review (SLR)
  C. Firewall Sizing Guide
  D. Golden Images
  A. Best Practice Assessment (BPA)
  B. Security Lifecycle Review (SLR)

  ---

  Explanation

  After a customer has concluded an evaluation of Palo Alto Networks solutions, it is critical to provide a detailed analysis of the results and benefits gained during the evaluation. The following two tools are most appropriate: Why "Best Practice Assessment (BPA)" (Correct Answer A)?The BPA evaluates the customer's firewall configuration against Palo Alto Networks' recommended best practices. It highlights areas where the configuration could be improved to strengthen security posture. This is an excellent tool to showcase how adopting Palo Alto Networks' best practices aligns with industry standards and improves security performance. Why "Security Lifecycle Review (SLR)" (Correct Answer B)?The SLR provides insights into the customer's security environment based on data collected during the evaluation. It identifies vulnerabilities, risks, and malicious activities observed in the network and demonstrates how Palo Alto Networks' solutions can address these issues. SLR reports use clear visuals and metrics, making it easier to showcase the benefits of the evaluation.

  Why not "Firewall Sizing Guide" (Option C)?The Firewall Sizing Guide is a pre-sales tool used to recommend the appropriate firewall model based on the customer's network size, performance requirements, and other criteria. It is not relevant

  for showcasing the benefits of an evaluation.

  Why not "Golden Images" (Option D)?Golden Images refer to pre-configured templates for deploying firewalls in specific use cases. While useful for operational efficiency, they are not tools for demonstrating the outcomes or benefits of a

  customer evaluation.

• Question 34:

  Which initial action can a network security engineer take to prevent a malicious actor from using a file- sharing application for data exfiltration without impacting users who still need to use file-sharing applications?

  A. Use DNS Security to limit access to file-sharing applications based on job functions.
  B. Use App-ID to limit access to file-sharing applications based on job functions.
  C. Use DNS Security to block all file-sharing applications and uploading abilities.
  D. Use App-ID to block all file-sharing applications and uploading abilities.
  B. Use App-ID to limit access to file-sharing applications based on job functions.

  ---

  Explanation

  To prevent malicious actors from abusing file-sharing applications for data exfiltration, App-ID provides a granular approach to managing application traffic. Palo Alto Networks' App-ID is a technology that identifies applications traversing the network, regardless of port, protocol, encryption (SSL), or evasive tactics. By leveraging App-ID, security engineers can implement policies that restrict the use of specific applications or functionalities based on job functions, ensuring that only authorized users or groups can use file-sharing applications while blocking unauthorized or malicious usage. Here's why the options are evaluated this way: Option A:DNS Security focuses on identifying and blocking malicious domains. While it plays a critical role in preventing certain attacks (like command-and-control traffic), it is not effective for managing application usage. Hence, this is not the best approach. Option B (Correct):App-ID provides the ability to identify file-sharing applications (such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive) and enforce policies to restrict their use. For example, you can create a security rule allowing file-sharing apps

  only for specific job functions, such as HR or marketing, while denying them for other users. This targeted approach ensures legitimate business needs are not disrupted, which aligns with the requirement of not impacting valid users.

  Option C:Blocking all file-sharing applications outright using DNS Security is a broad measure that will indiscriminately impact legitimate users. This does not meet the requirement of allowing specific users to continue using file-sharing

  applications.

  Option D:While App-ID can block file-sharing applications outright, doing so will prevent legitimate usage and is not aligned with the requirement to allow usage based on job functions. How to Implement the Solution (Using App-ID):

  Identify the relevant file-sharing applications using App-ID in Palo Alto Networks' predefined application database.

  Create security policies that allow these applications only for users or groups defined in your directory (e.g., Active Directory).

  Use custom App-ID filters or explicit rules to control specific functionalities of file-sharing applications, such as uploads or downloads.

  Monitor traffic to ensure that only authorized users are accessing the applications and that no malicious activity is occurring.

  References:

  Palo Alto Networks Admin Guide: Application Identification and Usage Policies.

  Best Practices for App-ID Configuration: https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com

• Question 35:

  A company with Palo Alto Networks NGFWs protecting its physical data center servers is experiencing a performance issue on its Active Directory (AD) servers due to high numbers of requests and updates the NGFWs are placing on the servers. How can the NGFWs be enabled to efficiently identify users without overloading the AD servers?

  A. Configure Cloud Identity Engine to learn the users' IP address-user mappings from the AD authentication logs.
  B. Configure an NGFW as a GlobalProtect gateway, then have all users run GlobalProtect Windows SSO to gather user information.
  C. Configure data redistribution to redistribute IP address-user mappings from a hub NGFW to the other spoke NGFWs.
  D. Configure an NGFW as a GlobalProtect gateway, then have all users run GlobalProtect agents to gather user information.
  A. Configure Cloud Identity Engine to learn the users' IP address-user mappings from the AD authentication logs.

  ---

  Explanation

  When high traffic from Palo Alto Networks NGFWs to Active Directory servers causes performance issues, optimizing the way NGFWs gather user-to-IP mappings is critical. Palo Alto Networks offers multiple ways to collect user identity

  information, and Cloud Identity Engine provides a solution that reduces the load on AD servers while still ensuring efficient and accurate mapping. Option A (Correct):Cloud Identity Engineallows NGFWs to gather user-to-IP mappings directly

  from Active Directory authentication logs or other identity sources without placing heavy traffic on the AD servers. By leveraging this feature, the NGFW can offload authentication-related tasks and efficiently identify users without overloading

  AD servers. This solution is scalable and minimizes the overhead typically caused by frequent User-ID queries to AD servers.

  Option B:Using GlobalProtect Windows SSO to gather user information can add complexity and is not the most efficient solution for this problem. It requires all users to install GlobalProtect agents, which may not be feasible in all

  environments and can introduce operational challenges.

  Option C:Data redistributioninvolves redistributing user-to-IP mappings from one NGFW (hub) to other NGFWs (spokes). While this can reduce the number of queries sent to AD servers, it assumes the mappings are already being collected

  from AD servers by the hub, which means the performance issue on the AD servers would persist.

  Option D:Using GlobalProtect agents to gather user information is a valid method for environments where GlobalProtect is already deployed, but it is not the most efficient or straightforward solution for the given problem. It also introduces

  dependencies on agent deployment, configuration, and management.

  How to Implement Cloud Identity Engine for User-ID Mapping:

  Enable Cloud Identity Engine from the Palo Alto Networks console.

  Integrate the Cloud Identity Engine with the AD servers to allow it to retrieve authentication logs directly.

  Configure the NGFWs to use the Cloud Identity Engine for User-ID mappings instead of querying the AD servers directly.

  Monitor performance to ensure the AD servers are no longer overloaded, and mappings are being retrieved efficiently.

  References:

  Cloud Identity Engine Overview: https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cloud-identity

  User-ID Best Practices: https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com

• Question 36:

  Which three descriptions apply to a perimeter firewall? (Choose three.)

  A. Network layer protection for the outer edge of a network
  B. Power utilization less than 500 watts sustained
  C. Securing east-west traffic in a virtualized data center with flexible resource allocation
  D. Primarily securing north-south traffic entering and leaving the network
  E. Guarding against external attacks
  A. Network layer protection for the outer edge of a network
  D. Primarily securing north-south traffic entering and leaving the network
  E. Guarding against external attacks

  ---

  Explanation

  A perimeter firewall is 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 provide network layer protection by 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 with data 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 secures north-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 in guarding 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.

• Question 37:

  A customer claims that Advanced WildFire miscategorized a file as malicious and wants proof, because another vendor has said that the file is benign. How could the systems engineer assure the customer that Advanced WildFire was accurate?

  A. Review the threat logs for information to provide to the customer.
  B. Use the WildFire Analysis Report in the log to show the customer the malicious actions the file took when it was detonated.
  C. Open a TAG ticket for the customer and allow support engineers to determine the appropriate action.
  D. Do nothing because the customer will realize Advanced WildFire is right.
  B. Use the WildFire Analysis Report in the log to show the customer the malicious actions the file took when it was detonated.

  ---

  Explanation

  Advanced WildFire is Palo Alto Networks' cloud-based malware analysis and prevention solution. It determines whether files are malicious by executing them in a sandbox environment and observing their behavior. To address the customer's

  concern about the file categorization, the systems engineer must provide evidence of the file's behavior. Here's the analysis of each option:

  Option A: Review the threat logs for information to provide to the customer

  Threat logs can provide a summary of events and verdicts for malicious files, but they do not include the detailed behavior analysis needed to convince the customer.

  While reviewing the logs is helpful as a preliminary step, it does not provide the level of proof the customer needs.

  This option is not sufficient on its own.

  Option B: Use the WildFire Analysis Report in the log to show the customer the malicious actions the file took when it was detonated

  WildFire generates an analysis report that includes details about the file's behavior during detonation in the sandbox, such as network activity, file modifications, process executions, and any indicators of compromise (IoCs).

  This report provides concrete evidence to demonstrate why the file was flagged as malicious. It is the most accurate way to assure the customer that WildFire's decision was based on observed malicious actions.

  This is the best option.

  Option C: Open a TAG ticket for the customer and allow support engineers to determine the appropriate action

  While opening a support ticket is a valid action for further analysis or appeal, it isnot a direct way to assure the customer of the current WildFire verdict.

  This option does not directly address the customer's request for immediate proof.

  This option is not ideal.

  Option D: Do nothing because the customer will realize Advanced WildFire is right

  This approach is dismissive of the customer's concerns and does not provide any evidence to support WildFire's decision.

  This option is inappropriate.

  References:

  Palo Alto Networks documentation on WildFire

  WildFire Analysis Reports

• Question 38:

  What does Policy Optimizer allow a systems engineer to do for an NGFW?

  A. Recommend best practices on new policy creation
  B. Show unused licenses for Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions and firewalls
  C. Identify Security policy rules with unused applications
  D. Act as a migration tool to import policies from third-party vendors
  C. Identify Security policy rules with unused applications

  ---

  Explanation

  Policy Optimizer is a feature designed to help administrators improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security policies on Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs). It focuses on identifying unused or overly permissive

  policies to streamline and optimize the configuration.

  Why "Identify Security policy rules with unused applications" (Correct Answer C)?Policy Optimizer provides visibility into existing security policies and identifies rules that have unused or outdated applications. For example:

  It can detect if a rule allows applications that are no longer in use.

  It can identify rules with excessive permissions, enabling administrators to refine them for better security and performance.By addressing these issues, Policy Optimizer helps reduce the attack surface and improves the overall manageability

  of the firewall.

  Why not "Recommend best practices on new policy creation" (Option A)?Policy Optimizer focuses on optimizing existing policies , not creating new ones. While best practices can be applied during policy refinement, recommending new policy

  creation is notits purpose.

  Why not "Show unused licenses for Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions and firewalls" (Option B)?Policy Optimizer is not related to license management or tracking. Identifying unused licenses is outside the scope of its

  functionality.

  Why not "Act as a migration tool to import policies from third-party vendors" (Option D)?Policy Optimizer does not function as a migration tool. While Palo Alto Networks offers tools for third-party firewall migration, this is separate from the

  Policy Optimizer feature.

• Question 39:

  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?

  A. Upload 30 days of customer firewall traffic logs to the firewall calculator tool on the Palo Alto Networks support portal.
  B. Download the firewall sizing tool from the Palo Alto Networks support portal.
  C. Use the online product configurator tool provided on the Palo Alto Networks website.
  D. Use the product selector tool available on the Palo Alto Networks website.
  B. Download the firewall sizing tool from the Palo Alto Networks support portal.

  ---

  Explanation

  Firewall Sizing Tool (Answer B):

  The firewall sizing tool is 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:

  The product configurator tool and product selector tool are 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

• Question 40:

  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)

  A. Turn on all licensed Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions in blocking mode for all policies.
  B. Apply decryption where possible to inspect and log all new and existing traffic flows.
  C. Use the Best Practice Assessment (BPA) tool to measure progress toward Zero Trust principles.
  D. Use the Policy Optimizer tool to understand security rules allowing users to bypass decryption.
  B. Apply decryption where possible to inspect and log all new and existing traffic flows.
  C. Use the Best Practice Assessment (BPA) tool to measure progress toward Zero Trust principles.

  ---

  Explanation

  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.