Which action can help alleviate a prospective customer's concerns about transitioning from a legacy firewall with port-based policies to a Palo Alto Networks NGFW with application-based policies?
Answer : A
A . Discuss the PAN-OS Policy Optimizer feature as a means to safely migrate port-based rules to application-based rules.
PAN-OS includes the Policy Optimizer tool, which helps migrate legacy port-based rules to application-based policies incrementally and safely. This tool identifies unused, redundant, or overly permissive rules and suggests optimized policies based on actual traffic patterns.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
B: The migration wizard does not automatically convert port-based rules to application-based rules. Migration must be carefully planned and executed using tools like the Policy Optimizer.
C: Running two firewalls in parallel adds unnecessary complexity and is not a best practice for migration.
D: While port-based rules are supported, relying on them defeats the purpose of transitioning to application-based security.
Palo Alto Networks Policy Optimizer
Which use case is valid for Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)?
Answer : C
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.
Palo Alto Networks NGFW Use Cases
Industrial Security with NGFWs
What are the first two steps a customer should perform as they begin to understand and adopt Zero Trust principles? (Choose two)
Answer : A, C
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.
Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust Overview
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?
Answer : A
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.
Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS 11.0 Advanced Routing Documentation
What would make a customer choose an on-premises solution over a cloud-based SASE solution for their network?
Answer : B
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a cloud-based solution that combines networking and security capabilities to address modern enterprise needs. However, there are scenarios where an on-premises solution is more appropriate.
A . High growth phase with existing and planned mergers, and with acquisitions being integrated.
This scenario typically favors a SASE solution since it provides flexible, scalable, and centralized security that is ideal for integrating newly acquired businesses.
B . Most employees and applications in close physical proximity in a geographic region.
This scenario supports the choice of an on-premises solution. When employees and applications are concentrated in a single geographic region, traditional on-premises firewalls and centralized security appliances provide cost-effective and efficient protection without the need for distributed, cloud-based infrastructure.
C . Hybrid work and cloud adoption at various locations that have different requirements per site.
This scenario aligns with a SASE solution. Hybrid work and varying site requirements are better addressed by SASE's ability to provide consistent security policies regardless of location.
D . The need to enable business to securely expand its geographical footprint.
Expanding into new geographic areas benefits from the scalability and flexibility of a SASE solution, which can deliver consistent security globally without requiring physical appliances at each location.
Key Takeaways:
On-premises solutions are ideal for geographically concentrated networks with minimal cloud adoption.
SASE is better suited for hybrid work, cloud adoption, and distributed networks.
Palo Alto Networks SASE Overview
On-Premises vs. SASE Deployment Guide
In addition to DNS Security, which three Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) subscriptions are minimum recommendations for all NGFWs that handle north-south traffic? (Choose three)
Answer : B, D, E
North-south traffic refers to the flow of data in and out of a network, typically between internal resources and the internet. To secure this type of traffic, Palo Alto Networks recommends specific CDSS subscriptions in addition to DNS Security:
A . SaaS Security
SaaS Security is designed for monitoring and securing SaaS application usage but is not essential for handling typical north-south traffic.
B . Advanced WildFire
Advanced WildFire provides cloud-based malware analysis and sandboxing to detect and block zero-day threats. It is a critical component for securing north-south traffic against advanced malware.
C . Enterprise DLP
Enterprise DLP focuses on data loss prevention, primarily for protecting sensitive data. While important, it is not a minimum recommendation for securing north-south traffic.
D . Advanced Threat Prevention
Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP) replaces traditional IPS and provides inline detection and prevention of evasive threats in north-south traffic. It is a crucial recommendation for protecting against sophisticated threats.
E . Advanced URL Filtering
Advanced URL Filtering prevents access to malicious or harmful URLs. It complements DNS Security to provide comprehensive web protection for north-south traffic.
Key Takeaways:
Advanced WildFire, Advanced Threat Prevention, and Advanced URL Filtering are minimum recommendations for NGFWs handling north-south traffic, alongside DNS Security.
SaaS Security and Enterprise DLP, while valuable, are not minimum requirements for this use case.
Palo Alto Networks NGFW Best Practices
Cloud-Delivered Security Services
The PAN-OS User-ID integrated agent is included with PAN-OS software and comes in which two forms? (Choose two.)
Answer : A, C
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.
Palo Alto Networks documentation on User-ID
Knowledge Base article on User-ID Agent Options