Which three tools can a prospective customer use to evaluate Palo Alto Networks products to assess where they will fit in the existing architecture? (Choose three)
Proof of Concept (POC)
Policy Optimizer
Security Lifecycle Review (SLR)
Ultimate Test Drive
Expedition
When evaluating Palo Alto Networks products, prospective customers need tools that can help them assess compatibility, performance, and value within their existing architecture. The following tools are the most relevant:
Why "Proof of Concept (POC)" (Correct Answer A)?A Proof of Concept is a hands-on evaluation that allows the customer to deploy and test Palo Alto Networks products directly within their environment. This enables them to assess real-world performance, compatibility, and operational impact.
Why "Security Lifecycle Review (SLR)" (Correct Answer C)?An SLR provides a detailed report of a customer’s network security posture based on data collected during a short evaluation period. It highlights risks, vulnerabilities, and active threats in the customer’s network, demonstrating how Palo Alto Networks solutions can address those risks. SLR is a powerful tool for justifying the value of a product in the customer’s architecture.
Why "Ultimate Test Drive" (Correct Answer D)?The Ultimate Test Drive is a guided hands-on workshop provided by Palo Alto Networks that allows prospective customers to explore product features and capabilities in a controlled environment. It is ideal for customers who want to evaluate products without deploying them in their production network.
Why not "Policy Optimizer" (Option B)?Policy Optimizer is used after a product has been deployed to refine security policies by identifying unused or overly permissive rules. It is not designed for pre-deployment evaluations.
Why not "Expedition" (Option E)?Expedition is a migration tool that assists with the conversion of configurations from third-party firewalls or existing Palo Alto Networks firewalls. It is not a tool for evaluating the suitability of products in the customer’s architecture.
What is the minimum configuration to stop a Cobalt Strike Malleable C2 attack inline and in real time?
Next-Generation CASB on PAN-OS 10.1
Advanced Threat Prevention and PAN-OS 10.2
Threat Prevention and Advanced WildFire with PAN-OS 10.0
DNS Security, Threat Prevention, and Advanced WildFire with PAN-OS 9.x
Cobalt Strike is a popular post-exploitation framework often used by attackers for Command and Control (C2) operations. Malleable C2 profiles allow attackers to modify the behavior of their C2 communication, making detection more difficult. Stopping these attacks in real time requires deep inline inspection and the ability to block zero-day and evasive threats.
Why "Advanced Threat Prevention and PAN-OS 10.2" (Correct Answer B)?Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP) on PAN-OS 10.2 uses inline deep learning models to detect and block Cobalt Strike Malleable C2 attacks in real time. ATP is designed to prevent evasive techniques and zero-day threats, which is essential for blocking Malleable C2. PAN-OS 10.2 introduces enhanced capabilities for detecting malicious traffic patterns and inline analysis of encrypted traffic.
ATP examines traffic behavior and signature-less threats, effectively stopping evasive C2 profiles.
PAN-OS 10.2 includes real-time protections specifically for Malleable C2.
Why not "Next-Generation CASB on PAN-OS 10.1" (Option A)?Next-Generation CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) is designed to secure SaaS applications and does not provide the inline C2 protection required to stop Malleable C2 attacks. CASB is not related to Command and Control detection.
Why not "Threat Prevention and Advanced WildFire with PAN-OS 10.0" (Option C)?Threat Prevention and Advanced WildFire are effective for detecting and preventing malware and known threats. However, they rely heavily on signatures and sandboxing for analysis, which is not sufficient for stopping real-time evasive C2 traffic. PAN-OS 10.0 lacks the advanced inline capabilities provided by ATP in PAN-OS 10.2.
Why not "DNS Security, Threat Prevention, and Advanced WildFire with PAN-OS 9.x" (Option D)?While DNS Security and Threat Prevention are valuable for blocking malicious domains and known threats, PAN-OS 9.x does not provide the inline deep learning capabilities needed for real-time detection and prevention of Malleable C2 attacks. The absence of advanced behavioral analysis in PAN-OS 9.x makes this combination ineffective against advanced C2 attacks.
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 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 use case is valid for Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)?
Code-embedded NGFWs provide enhanced internet of things (IoT) security by allowing PAN-OS code to be run on devices that do not support embedded virtual machine (VM) images.
Serverless NGFW code security provides public cloud security for code-only deployments that do not leverage virtual machine (VM) instances or containerized services.
IT/OT segmentation firewalls allow operational technology resources in plant networks to securely interface with IT resources in the corporate network.
PAN-OS GlobalProtect gateways allow companies to run malware and exploit prevention modules on their endpoints without installing endpoint agents.
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) provide robust security features across a variety of use cases. Let’s analyze each option:
A. Code-embedded NGFWs provide enhanced IoT security by allowing PAN-OS code to be run on devices that do not support embedded VM images.
This statement is incorrect. NGFWs do not operate as "code-embedded" solutions for IoT devices. Instead, they protect IoT devices through advanced threat prevention, device identification, and segmentation capabilities.
B. Serverless NGFW code security provides public cloud security for code-only deployments that do not leverage VM instances or containerized services.
This is not a valid use case. Palo Alto NGFWs provide security for public cloud environments using VM-series firewalls, CN-series (containerized firewalls), and Prisma Cloud for securing serverless architectures. NGFWs do not operate in "code-only" environments.
C. IT/OT segmentation firewalls allow operational technology (OT) resources in plant networks to securely interface with IT resources in the corporate network.
This is a valid use case. Palo Alto NGFWs are widely used in industrial environments to provide IT/OT segmentation, ensuring that operational technology systems in plants or manufacturing facilities can securely communicate with IT networks while protecting against cross-segment threats. Features like App-ID, User-ID, and Threat Prevention are leveraged for this segmentation.
D. PAN-OS GlobalProtect gateways allow companies to run malware and exploit prevention modules on their endpoints without installing endpoint agents.
This is incorrect. GlobalProtect gateways provide secure remote access to corporate networks and extend the NGFW’s threat prevention capabilities to endpoints, but endpoint agents are required to enforce malware and exploit prevention modules.
Key Takeaways:
IT/OT segmentation with NGFWs is a real and critical use case in industries like manufacturing and utilities.
The other options describe features or scenarios that are not applicable or valid for NGFWs.
While a quote is being finalized for a customer that is purchasing multiple PA-5400 series firewalls, the customer specifies the need for protection against zero-day malware attacks.
Which Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscription add-on license should be included in the quote?
AI Access Security
Advanced Threat Prevention
Advanced WildFire
App-ID
Zero-day malware attacks are sophisticated threats that exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities or malware signatures. To provide protection against such attacks, the appropriate Cloud-Delivered Security Service subscription must be included.
Why "Advanced WildFire" (Correct Answer C)?Advanced WildFire is Palo Alto Networks’ sandboxing solution that identifies and prevents zero-day malware. It uses machine learning, dynamic analysis, and static analysis to detect unknown malware in real time.
Files and executables are analyzed in the cloud-based sandbox, and protections are shared globally within minutes.
Advanced WildFire specifically addresses zero-day threats by dynamically analyzing suspicious files and generating new signatures.
Why not "AI Access Security" (Option A)?AI Access Security is designed to secure SaaS applications by monitoring and enforcing data protection and compliance. While useful for SaaS security, it does not focus on detecting or preventing zero-day malware.
Why not "Advanced Threat Prevention" (Option B)?Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP) focuses on detecting zero-day exploits (e.g., SQL injection, buffer overflows) using inline deep learning but is not specifically designed to analyze and prevent zero-day malware. ATP complements Advanced WildFire, but WildFire is the primary solution for malware detection.
Why not "App-ID" (Option D)?App-ID identifies and controls applications on the network. While it improves visibility and security posture, it does not address zero-day malware detection or prevention.
A systems engineer (SE) is working with a customer that is fully cloud-deployed for all applications. The customer is interested in Palo Alto Networks NGFWs but describes the following challenges:
"Our apps are in AWS and Azure, with whom we have contracts and minimum-revenue guarantees. We would use the built-in firewall on the cloud service providers (CSPs), but the need for centralized policy management to reduce human error is more important."
Which recommendations should the SE make?
Cloud NGFWs at both CSPs; provide the customer a license for a Panorama virtual appliance from their CSP's marketplace of choice to centrally manage the systems.
Cloud NGFWs in AWS and VM-Series firewall in Azure; the customer selects a PAYG licensing Panorama deployment in their CSP of choice.
VM-Series firewalls in both CSPs; manually built Panorama in the CSP of choice on a host of either type: Palo Alto Networks provides a license.
VM-Series firewall and CN-Series firewall in both CSPs; provide the customer a private-offer Panorama virtual appliance from their CSP’s marketplace of choice to centrally manage the systems.
The customer is seeking centralized policy management to reduce human error while maintaining compliance with their contractual obligations to AWS and Azure. Here's the evaluation of each option:
Option A: Cloud NGFWs at both CSPs; provide the customer a license for a Panorama virtual appliance from their CSP's marketplace of choice to centrally manage the systems
Cloud NGFW is a fully managed Next-Generation Firewall service by Palo Alto Networks, offered in AWS and Azure marketplaces. It integrates natively with the CSP infrastructure, making it a good fit for customers with existing CSP agreements.
Panorama, Palo Alto Networks' centralized management solution, can be deployed as a virtual appliance in the CSP marketplace of choice, enabling centralized policy management across all NGFWs.
This option addresses the customer's need for centralized management while leveraging their existing contracts with AWS and Azure.
This option is appropriate.
Option B: Cloud NGFWs in AWS and VM-Series firewall in Azure; the customer selects a PAYG licensing Panorama deployment in their CSP of choice
This option suggests using Cloud NGFW in AWS but VM-Series firewalls in Azure. While VM-Series is a flexible virtual firewall solution, it may not align with the customer’s stated preference for CSP-managed services like Cloud NGFW.
This option introduces a mix of solutions that could complicate centralized management and reduce operational efficiency.
This option is less appropriate.
Option C: VM-Series firewalls in both CSPs; manually built Panorama in the CSP of choice on a host of either type: Palo Alto Networks provides a license
VM-Series firewalls are well-suited for cloud deployments but require more manual configuration compared to Cloud NGFW.
Building a Panorama instance manually on a host increases operational overhead and does not leverage the customer’s existing CSP marketplaces.
This option is less aligned with the customer's needs.
Option D: VM-Series firewall and CN-Series firewall in both CSPs; provide the customer a private-offer Panorama virtual appliance from their CSP’s marketplace of choice to centrally manage the systems
This option introduces both VM-Series and CN-Series firewalls in both CSPs. While CN-Series firewalls are designed for Kubernetes environments, they may not be relevant if the customer does not specifically require container-level security.
Adding CN-Series firewalls may introduce unnecessary complexity and costs.
This option is not appropriate.
A systems engineer should create a profile that blocks which category to protect a customer from ransomware URLs by using Advanced URL Filtering?
Ransomware
High Risk
Scanning Activity
Command and Control
When configuring Advanced URL Filtering on a Palo Alto Networks firewall, the "Ransomware" category should be explicitly blocked to protect customers from URLs associated with ransomware activities. Ransomware URLs typically host malicious code or scripts designed to encrypt user data and demand a ransom. By blocking the "Ransomware" category, systems engineers can proactively prevent users from accessing such URLs.
Why "Ransomware" (Correct Answer A)?The "Ransomware" category is specifically curated by Palo Alto Networks to include URLs known to deliver ransomware or support ransomware operations. Blocking this category ensures that any URL categorized as part of this list will be inaccessible to end-users, significantly reducing the risk of ransomware attacks.
Why not "High Risk" (Option B)?While the "High Risk" category includes potentially malicious sites, it is broader and less targeted. It may not always block ransomware-specific URLs. "High Risk" includes a range of websites that are flagged based on factors like bad reputation or hosting malicious content in general. It is less focused than the "Ransomware" category.
Why not "Scanning Activity" (Option C)?The "Scanning Activity" category focuses on URLs used in vulnerability scans, automated probing, or reconnaissance by attackers. Although such activity could be a precursor to ransomware attacks, it does not directly block ransomware URLs.
Why not "Command and Control" (Option D)?The "Command and Control" category is designed to block URLs used by malware or compromised systems to communicate with their operators. While some ransomware may utilize command-and-control (C2) servers, blocking C2 URLs alone does not directly target ransomware URLs themselves.
By using the Advanced URL Filtering profile and blocking the "Ransomware" category, the firewall applies targeted controls to mitigate ransomware-specific threats.
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) 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 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)
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.
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
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, which monitor 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.
As a team plans for a meeting with a new customer in one week, the account manager prepares to pitch Zero Trust. The notes provided to the systems engineer (SE) in preparation for the meeting read: "Customer is struggling with security as they move to cloud apps and remote users." What should the SE recommend to the team in preparation for the meeting?
Lead with the account manager pitching Zero Trust with the aim of convincing the customer that the team's approach meets their needs.
Design discovery questions to validate customer challenges with identity, devices, data, and access for applications and remote users.
Lead with a product demonstration of GlobalProtect connecting to an NGFW and Prisma Access, and have SaaS security enabled.
Guide the account manager into recommending Prisma SASE at the customer meeting to solve the issues raised.
When preparing for a customer meeting, it’s important to understand their specific challenges and align solutions accordingly. The notes suggest that the customer is facing difficulties securing their cloud apps and remote users, which are core areas addressed by Palo Alto Networks’ Zero Trust and SASE solutions. However, jumping directly into a pitch or product demonstration without validating the customer's specific challenges may fail to build trust or fully address their needs.
Option A: Leading with a pre-structured pitch about Zero Trust principles may not resonate with the customer if their challenges are not fully understood first. The team needs to gather insights into the customer's security pain points before presenting a solution.
Option B (Correct): Discovery questions are a critical step in the sales process, especially when addressing complex topics like Zero Trust. By designing targeted questions about the customer’s challenges with identity, devices, data, and access, the SE can identify specific pain points. These insights can then be used to tailor a Zero Trust strategy that directly addresses the customer’s concerns. This approach ensures the meeting is customer-focused and demonstrates that the SE understands their unique needs.
Option C: While a product demonstration of GlobalProtect, Prisma Access, and SaaS security is valuable, it should come after discovery. Presenting products prematurely may seem like a generic sales pitch and could fail to address the customer’s actual challenges.
Option D: Prisma SASE is an excellent solution for addressing cloud security and remote user challenges, but recommending it without first understanding the customer’s specific needs may undermine trust. This step should follow after discovery and validation of the customer’s pain points.
Examples of Discovery Questions:
What are your primary security challenges with remote users and cloud applications?
Are you currently able to enforce consistent security policies across your hybrid environment?
How do you handle identity verification and access control for remote users?
What level of visibility do you have into traffic to and from your cloud applications?
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?
Review the threat logs for information to provide to the customer.
Use the WildFire Analysis Report in the log to show the customer the malicious actions the file took when it was detonated.
Open a TAG ticket for the customer and allow support engineers to determine the appropriate action.
Do nothing because the customer will realize Advanced WildFire is right.
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 is not 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.
Which technique is an example of a DNS attack that Advanced DNS Security can detect and prevent?
High entropy DNS domains
Polymorphic DNS
CNAME cloaking
DNS domain rebranding
Advanced DNS Security on Palo Alto Networks firewalls is designed to identify and prevent a wide range of DNS-based attacks. Among the listed options, "High entropy DNS domains" is a specific example of a DNS attack that Advanced DNS Security can detect and block.
Why "High entropy DNS domains" (Correct Answer A)?High entropy DNS domains are often used in attacks where randomly generated domain names (e.g., gfh34ksdu.com) are utilized by malware or bots to evade detection. This is a hallmark of Domain Generation Algorithms (DGA)-based attacks. Palo Alto Networks firewalls with Advanced DNS Security use machine learning to detect such domains by analyzing the entropy (randomness) of DNS queries. High entropy values indicate the likelihood of a dynamically generated or malicious domain.
Why not "Polymorphic DNS" (Option B)?While polymorphic DNS refers to techniques that dynamically change DNS records to avoid detection, it is not specifically identified as an attack type mitigated by Advanced DNS Security in Palo Alto Networks documentation. The firewall focuses more on the behavior of DNS queries, such as detecting DGA domains or anomalous DNS traffic patterns.
Why not "CNAME cloaking" (Option C)?CNAME cloaking involves using CNAME records to redirect DNS queries to malicious or hidden domains. Although Palo Alto firewalls may detect and block malicious DNS redirections, the focus of Advanced DNS Security is primarily on identifying patterns of DNS abuse like DGA domains, tunneling, or high entropy queries.
Why not "DNS domain rebranding" (Option D)?DNS domain rebranding involves changing the domain names associated with malicious activity to evade detection. This is typically a tactic used for persistence but is not an example of a DNS attack type specifically addressed by Advanced DNS Security.
Advanced DNS Security focuses on dynamic, real-time identification of suspicious DNS patterns, such as high entropy domains, DNS tunneling, or protocol violations. High entropy DNS domains are directly tied to attack mechanisms like DGAs, making this the correct answer.
A systems engineer (SE) has joined a team to work with a managed security services provider (MSSP) that is evaluating PAN-OS for edge connections to their customer base. The MSSP is concerned about how to efficiently handle routing with all of its customers, especially how to handle BGP peering, because it has created a standard set of rules and settings that it wants to apply to each customer, as well as to maintain and update them. The solution requires logically separated BGP peering setups for each customer. What should the SE do to increase the probability of Palo Alto Networks being awarded the deal?
Work with the MSSP to plan for the enabling of logical routers in the PAN-OS Advanced Routing Engine to allow sharing of routing profiles across the logical routers.
Collaborate with the MSSP to create an API call with a standard set of routing filters, maps, and related actions, then the MSSP can call the API whenever they bring on a new customer.
Confirm to the MSSP that the existing virtual routers will allow them to have logically separated BGP peering setups, but that there is no method to handle the standard criteria across all of the routers.
Establish with the MSSP the use of vsys as the better way to segregate their environment so that customer data does not intermingle.
To address the MSSP’s requirement for logically separated BGP peering setups while efficiently managing standard routing rules and updates, Palo Alto Networks offers the Advanced Routing Engine introduced in PAN-OS 11.0. The Advanced Routing Engine enhances routing capabilities, including support for logical routers, which is critical in this scenario.
Why A is Correct
Logical routers enable the MSSP to create isolated BGP peering configurations for each customer.
The Advanced Routing Engine allows the MSSP to share standard routing profiles (such as filters, policies, or maps) across logical routers, simplifying the deployment and maintenance of routing configurations.
This approach ensures scalability, as each logical router can handle the unique needs of a customer while leveraging shared routing rules.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
B: While using APIs to automate deployment is beneficial, it does not solve the need for logically separated BGP peering setups. Logical routers provide this separation natively.
C: While virtual routers in PAN-OS can separate BGP peering setups, they do not support the efficient sharing of standard routing rules and profiles across multiple routers.
D: Virtual systems (vsys) are used to segregate administrative domains, not routing configurations. Vsys is not the appropriate solution for managing BGP peering setups across multiple customers.
Key Takeaways:
PAN-OS Advanced Routing Engine with logical routers simplifies BGP peering management for MSSPs.
Logical routers provide the separation required for customer environments while enabling shared configuration profiles.
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)
Step 1: Understanding Strata Cloud Manager (SCM) Premium
Strata Cloud Manager is a unified management interface for Strata NGFWs, Prisma Access, and other Palo Alto Networks solutions. The Premium version (subscription-based) includes advanced features like:
AIOps Premium: Predictive analytics, capacity planning, and compliance reporting.
Compliance Posture Management: Pre-built dashboards and reports for specific regulatory frameworks.
Compliance frameworks in SCM Premium provide visibility into adherence to standards like PCI DSS and NIST, generating actionable insights and audit-ready reports based on firewall configurations, logs, and traffic data.
A customer asks a systems engineer (SE) how Palo Alto Networks can claim it does not lose throughput performance as more Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions are enabled on the firewall.
Which two concepts should the SE explain to address the customer's concern? (Choose two.)
Parallel Processing
Advanced Routing Engine
Single Pass Architecture
Management Data Plane Separation
The customer’s question focuses on how Palo Alto Networks Strata Hardware Firewalls maintain throughput performance as more Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions—such as Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, WildFire, DNS Security, and others—are enabled. Unlike traditional firewalls where enabling additional security features often degrades performance, Palo Alto Networks leverages its unique architecture to minimize this impact. The systems engineer (SE) should explain two key concepts—Parallel Processing and Single Pass Architecture—which are foundational to the firewall’s ability to sustain throughput. Below is a detailed explanation, verified against Palo Alto Networks documentation.
Step 1: Understanding Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) and Performance Concerns
CDSS subscriptions enhance the Strata Hardware Firewall’s capabilities by integrating cloud-based threat intelligence and advanced security features into PAN-OS. Examples include:
Threat Prevention: Blocks exploits, malware, and command-and-control traffic.
WildFire: Analyzes unknown files in the cloud for malware detection.
URL Filtering: Categorizes and controls web traffic.
Traditionally, enabling such services on other firewalls increases processing overhead, as each feature requires separate packet scans or additional hardware resources, leading to latency and throughput loss. Palo Alto Networks claims consistent performance due to its innovative design, rooted in the Single Pass Parallel Processing (SP3) architecture.
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.
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.
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