Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE) Questions and Answers
What must be enabled when using Terraform templates with a Cloud next-generation firewall (NGFW) for Amazon Web Services (AWS)?
Options:
AWS CloudWatch logging
Access to the Cloud NGFW for AWS console
Access to the Palo Alto Networks Customer Support Portal
AWS Firewall Manager console access
Answer:
BExplanation:
Access to the Cloud NGFW for AWS console must be enabled when using Terraform templates with a Cloud next-generation firewall (NGFW) for Amazon Web Services (AWS). Terraform is an open-source tool that allows users to define and provision infrastructure as code using declarative configuration files. Terraform templates are files that specify the resources and configuration for deploying and managing infrastructure components, such as firewalls, load balancers, networks, or servers. Cloud NGFW for AWS is a cloud-native solution that provides comprehensive security and visibility across AWS environments, including VPCs, regions, accounts, and workloads. Cloud NGFW for AWS is deployed and managed by Palo Alto Networks as a service, eliminating the need for customers to provision, configure, or maintain any infrastructure or software. Access to the Cloud NGFW for AWS console must be enabled when using Terraform templates with a Cloud NGFW for AWS, as the console is the web-based interface that allows customers to view and manage their Cloud NGFW for AWS instances, policies, logs, alerts, and reports. The console also provides the necessary information and credentials for integrating with Terraform, such as the API endpoint, access key ID, secret access key, and customer ID. AWS CloudWatch logging, access to the Palo Alto Networks Customer Support Portal, and AWS Firewall Manager console access do not need to be enabled when using Terraform templates with a Cloud NGFW for AWS, as those are not required or relevant components for Terraform integration. References: [Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE)], [Terraform Overview], [Cloud Next-Generation Firewall Datasheet], [Cloud Next-Generation Firewall Deployment Guide], [Cloud Next-Generation Firewall Console Guide]
Which component scans for threats in allowed traffic?
Options:
Intelligent Traffic Offload
TLS decryption
Security profiles
NAT
Answer:
CExplanation:
Security profiles are the components that scan for threats in allowed traffic. Security profiles are sets of rules or settings that define how the firewall will inspect and handle traffic based on various threat prevention technologies, such as antivirus, anti-spyware, vulnerability protection, URL filtering, file blocking, data filtering, and WildFire analysis. Security profiles can be applied to Security policy rules to enforce granular protection against known and unknown threats in allowed traffic. Intelligent Traffic Offload, TLS decryption, and NAT are not components that scan for threats in allowed traffic, but they are related features that can enhance security and performance. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Security Profiles Overview], [Threat Prevention Datasheet]
With which two private cloud environments does Palo Alto Networks have deep integrations? (Choose two.)
Options:
VMware NSX-T
Cisco ACI
Dell APEX
Nutanix
Answer:
A, BExplanation:
The two private cloud environments that Palo Alto Networks have deep integrations with are:
- VMware NSX-T
- Cisco ACI
A private cloud environment is a cloud computing service that provides infrastructure as a service (IaaS) or platform as a service (PaaS) to customers within a private network or data center. A private cloud environment requires network security that can protect the traffic between different virtual machines (VMs) or other resources from cyberattacks and enforce granular security policies based on application, user, content, and threat information. Palo Alto Networks have deep integrations with VMware NSX-T and Cisco ACI, which are two private cloud environments that provide network virtualization, automation, and security for cloud-native applications. VMware NSX-T is a private cloud environment that provides software-defined networking (SDN) and security for heterogeneous endpoints and workloads across multiple hypervisors, containers, bare metal servers, or clouds. Cisco ACI is a private cloud environment that provides application-centric infrastructure (ACI) and security for physical and virtual endpoints across multiple data centers or clouds. Palo Alto Networks have deep integrations with VMware NSX-T and Cisco ACI by enabling features such as dynamic address groups, service insertion, policy redirection, service chaining, orchestration, monitoring, logging, and automation for VM-Series firewalls and Panorama on these platforms. Dell APEX and Nutanix are not private cloud environments that Palo Alto Networks have deep integrations with, but they are related platforms that can be used for other purposes. References: [Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE)], [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on VMware NSX-T], [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on Cisco ACI], [What is VMware NSX-T?], [What is Cisco ACI?]
What is the appropriate file format for Kubernetes applications?
Options:
.yaml
.exe
.json
.xml
Answer:
AExplanation:
The appropriate file format for Kubernetes applications is .yaml. YAML is a human-readable data serialization language that is commonly used for configuration files. Kubernetes applications are defined and deployed using YAML files that specify the desired state and configuration of the application components, such as pods, services, deployments, or ingresses. YAML files for Kubernetes applications follow a specific syntax and structure that adhere to the Kubernetes API specifications. .exe, .json, and .xml are not appropriate file formats for Kubernetes applications, but they are related formats that can be used for other purposes. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [What is YAML?], [Kubernetes Basics], [Kubernetes API Overview]
How must a Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) be configured in order to secure traffic in a Cisco ACI environment?
Options:
It must be deployed as a member of a device cluster
It must use a Layer 3 underlay network
It must receive all forwarding lookups from the network controller
It must be identified as a default gateway
Answer:
BExplanation:
A Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) must be configured to use a Layer 3 underlay network in order to secure traffic in a Cisco ACI environment. A Layer 3 underlay network is a physical network that provides IP connectivity between devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. A Palo Alto Networks NGFW must use a Layer 3 underlay network to communicate with the Cisco ACI fabric and receive traffic redirection from the Cisco ACI policy-based redirect mechanism. A Palo Alto Networks NGFW does not need to be deployed as a member of a device cluster, receive all forwarding lookups from the network controller, or be identified as a default gateway in order to secure traffic in a Cisco ACI environment, as those are not valid requirements or options for firewall integration with Cisco ACI. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on Cisco ACI], [Cisco ACI Underlay Network]
Which two valid components are used in installation of a VM-Series firewall in an OpenStack environment? (Choose two.)
Options:
OpenStack heat template in JSON format
OpenStack heat template in YAML Ain't Markup Language (YAML) format
VM-Series VHD image
VM-Series qcow2 image
Answer:
B, DExplanation:
The two valid components that are used in installation of a VM-Series firewall in an OpenStack environment are:
- OpenStack heat template in YAML Ain’t Markup Language (YAML) format
- VM-Series qcow2 image
OpenStack is a cloud computing platform that provides infrastructure as a service (IaaS) for deploying and managing virtual machines (VMs) and other resources. OpenStack environment requires network security that can protect the traffic between VMs or other cloud services from cyberattacks and enforce granular security policies based on application, user, content, and threat information. VM-Series firewall is a virtualized version of the Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall that can be deployed on various cloud or virtualization platforms, including OpenStack. OpenStack heat template in YAML format is a valid component that is used in installation of a VM-Series firewall in an OpenStack environment. OpenStack heat template is a file that defines the resources and configuration for deploying and managing a VM-Series firewall instance on OpenStack. YAML is a human-readable data serialization language that is commonly used for configuration files. YAML format is supported for OpenStack heat templates for VM-Series firewalls. VM-Series qcow2 image is a valid component that is used in installation of a VM-Series firewall in an OpenStack environment. VM-Series qcow2 image is a file that contains the software image of the VM-Series firewall for OpenStack. qcow2 is a disk image format that supports features such as compression, encryption, snapshots, and copy-on-write. qcow2 format is supported for VM-Series images for OpenStack. OpenStack heat template in JSON format and VM-Series VHD image are not valid components that are used in installation of a VM-Series firewall in an OpenStack environment, as those are not supported formats for OpenStack heat templates or VM-Series images. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on OpenStack], [What is YAML?], [What is qcow2?]
When implementing active-active high availability (HA), which feature must be configured to allow the HA pair to share a single IP address that may be used as the network's gateway IP address?
Options:
ARP load sharing
Floating IP address
HSRP
VRRP
Answer:
BHow are CN-Series firewalls licensed?
Options:
Data-plane vCPU
Service-plane vCPU
Management-plane vCPU
Control-plane vCPU
Answer:
AExplanation:
CN-Series firewalls are licensed by data-plane vCPU. Data-plane vCPU is the number of virtual CPUs assigned to the data plane of the CN-Series firewall instance. The data plane is the part of the CN-Series firewall that processes network traffic and applies security policies. CN-Series firewalls are licensed by data-plane vCPU, which determines the performance and capacity of the CN-Series firewall instance, such as throughput, sessions, policies, rules, and features. CN-Series firewalls are not licensed by service-plane vCPU, management-plane vCPU, or control-plane vCPU, as those are not factors that affect the licensing cost or consumption of CN-Series firewalls. References: [Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE)], [CN-Series Licensing], [CN-Series System Requirements], [CN-Series Architecture]
Which two mechanisms could trigger a high availability (HA) failover event? (Choose two.)
Options:
Heartbeat polling
Ping monitoring
Session polling
Link monitoring
Answer:
A, DExplanation:
Heartbeat polling and link monitoring are two mechanisms that can trigger an HA failover event. Heartbeat polling is a method of verifying the health of the peer firewall by sending periodic heartbeat messages. If the heartbeat messages are not received within a specified interval, the firewall assumes that the peer is down and initiates a failover. Link monitoring is a method of verifying the connectivity of the interfaces on the firewall by sending link state packets. If the link state packets are not received on a specified number of interfaces, the firewall assumes that the network is down and initiates a failover. Ping monitoring and session polling are not HA mechanisms, but they are used for path monitoring and session synchronization respectively. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [High Availability Overview], [Configure HA Link Monitoring], [Configure HA Path Monitoring], [Configure Session Synchronization]
What is a benefit of network runtime security?
Options:
It more narrowly focuses on one security area and requires careful customization integration and maintenance
It removes vulnerabilities that have been baked into containers.
It is siloed to enhance workload security.
It identifies unknown vulnerabilities that cannot be identified by known Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) lists.
Answer:
DExplanation:
A benefit of network runtime security is that it identifies unknown vulnerabilities that cannot be identified by known Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) lists. Network runtime security is a type of security that monitors and analyzes network traffic in real time to detect and prevent malicious activities or anomalous behaviors. Network runtime security can identify unknown vulnerabilities that cannot be identified by known CVE lists, such as zero-day exploits, advanced persistent threats, or custom malware. Network runtime security can also provide visibility and context into network activity, such as application dependencies, user identities, device types, or threat intelligence. Network runtime security does not more narrowly focus on one security area and requires careful customization, integration, and maintenance, remove vulnerabilities that have been baked into containers, or is siloed to enhance workload security, as those are not benefits or characteristics of network runtime security. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Network Runtime Security], [What is CVE?]
How is traffic directed to a Palo Alto Networks firewall integrated with Cisco ACI?
Options:
By using contracts between endpoint groups that send traffic to the firewall using a shared policy
Through a virtual machine (VM) monitor domain
Through a policy-based redirect
By creating an access policy
Answer:
CExplanation:
Traffic is directed to a Palo Alto Networks firewall integrated with Cisco ACI through a policy-based redirect. Cisco ACI is a software-defined network (SDN) solution that provides network automation, orchestration, and visibility. A policy-based redirect is a mechanism that allows Cisco ACI to redirect traffic from one endpoint group (EPG) to another EPG through a service device, such as a Palo Alto Networks firewall. The firewall can then inspect and enforce security policies on the redirected traffic before sending it back to Cisco ACI. Traffic is not directed to a Palo Alto Networks firewall integrated with Cisco ACI by using contracts between endpoint groups that send traffic to the firewall using a shared policy, through a virtual machine (VM) monitor domain, or by creating an access policy, as those are not valid methods for traffic redirection in Cisco ACI. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on Cisco ACI], [Cisco ACI Policy-Based Redirect]
Which software firewall would assist a prospect who is interested in securing extensive DevOps deployments?
Options:
CN-Series
Ion-Series
Cloud next-generation firewall
VM-Series
Answer:
DExplanation:
VM-Series firewall is the software firewall that would assist a prospect who is interested in securing extensive DevOps deployments. DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development and IT operations to deliver software products faster and more reliably. DevOps deployments require network security that can protect the traffic between different stages of the software development lifecycle, such as development, testing, staging, and production, as well as between different cloud or virtualization platforms, such as public clouds, private clouds, or on-premises data centers. VM-Series firewall is a virtualized version of the Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall that can be deployed on various cloud or virtualization platforms. VM-Series firewall can assist a prospect who is interested in securing extensive DevOps deployments by providing comprehensive security and visibility across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, protecting applications and data from cyberattacks, and supporting automation and orchestration tools that simplify and accelerate the deployment and configuration of firewalls across different platforms. CN-Series, Ion-Series, and Cloud next-generation firewall are not software firewalls that would assist a prospect who is interested in securing extensive DevOps deployments, but they are related solutions that can be deployed on specific platforms or environments. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [VM-Series Datasheet], [VM-Series Deployment Guide], [What is DevOps?]
Which service, when enabled, provides inbound traffic protection?
Options:
Advanced URL Filtering (AURLF)
Threat Prevention
Data loss prevention (DLP)
DNS Security
Answer:
DExplanation:
DNS Security is a service that provides inbound traffic protection by preventing DNS-based attacks. DNS Security uses machine learning and threat intelligence to identify and block malicious domains, command and control (C2) traffic, and DNS tunneling. References: [DNS Security]
Which two elements of the Palo Alto Networks platform architecture enable security orchestration in a software-defined network (SDN)? (Choose two.)
Options:
Full set of APIs enabling programmatic control of policy and configuration
VXLAN support for network-layer abstraction
Dynamic Address Groups to adapt Security policies dynamically
NVGRE support for advanced VLAN integration
Answer:
A, CExplanation:
The two elements of the Palo Alto Networks platform architecture that enable security orchestration in a software-defined network (SDN) are:
- Full set of APIs enabling programmatic control of policy and configuration
- Dynamic Address Groups to adapt Security policies dynamically
The Palo Alto Networks platform architecture consists of four key elements: natively integrated security technologies, full set of APIs, cloud-delivered services, and centralized management. The full set of APIs enables programmatic control of policy and configuration across the platform, allowing for automation and integration with SDN controllers and orchestration tools. Dynamic Address Groups are objects that represent groups of IP addresses based on criteria such as tags, regions, interfaces, or user-defined attributes. Dynamic Address Groups allow Security policies to adapt dynamically to changes in the network topology or workload characteristics without requiring manual updates. VXLAN support for network-layer abstraction and NVGRE support for advanced VLAN integration are not elements of the Palo Alto Networks platform architecture, but they are features that support SDN deployments. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Palo Alto Networks Platform Architecture], [API Overview], [Dynamic Address Groups Overview]
Which two actions can be performed for VM-Series firewall licensing by an orchestration system? (Choose two.)
Options:
Creating a license
Renewing a license
Registering an authorization code
Downloading a content update
Answer:
A, CExplanation:
The two actions that can be performed for VM-Series firewall licensing by an orchestration system are:
- Creating a license
- Registering an authorization code
An orchestration system is a software tool that automates and coordinates complex tasks across multiple devices or platforms. An orchestration system can perform various actions for VM-Series firewall licensing by using the Palo Alto Networks Licensing API. The Licensing API is a RESTful API that allows programmatic control of license management for VM-Series firewalls. Creating a license is an action that can be performed for VM-Series firewall licensing by an orchestration system using the Licensing API. Creating a license involves generating a license key for a VM-Series firewall based on its CPU ID and the license type. Registering an authorization code is an action that can be performed for VM-Series firewall licensing by an orchestration system using the Licensing API. Registering an authorization code involves activating a license entitlement for a VM-Series firewall based on its authorization code and CPU ID. Renewing a license and downloading a content update are not actions that can be performed for VM-Series firewall licensing by an orchestration system using the Licensing API, but they are related tasks that can be done manually or through other methods. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Licensing API Overview], [Licensing API Reference Guide]
Which feature provides real-time analysis using machine learning (ML) to defend against new and unknown threats?
Options:
Advanced URL Filtering (AURLF)
Cortex Data Lake
DNS Security
Panorama VM-Series plugin
Answer:
CExplanation:
DNS Security is the feature that provides real-time analysis using machine learning (ML) to defend against new and unknown threats. DNS Security leverages a cloud-based service that applies predictive analytics, advanced ML, and automation to block malicious domains and stop attacks in progress. Advanced URL Filtering (AURLF), Cortex Data Lake, and Panorama VM-Series plugin are not features that provide real-time analysis using ML, but they are related solutions that can enhance security and visibility. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [DNS Security Datasheet], [Advanced URL Filtering Datasheet], [Cortex Data Lake Datasheet], [Panorama VM-Series Plugin]
Why are containers uniquely suitable for runtime security based on allow lists?
Options:
Containers have only a few defined processes that should ever be executed.
Developers define the processes used in containers within the Dockerfile.
Docker has a built-in runtime analysis capability to aid in allow listing.
Operations teams know which processes are used within a container.
Answer:
AExplanation:
Containers are uniquely suitable for runtime security based on allow lists because containers have only a few defined processes that should ever be executed. Developers can specify the processes that are allowed to run in a container using a Dockerfile, but this does not guarantee that only those processes will run at runtime. Therefore, using an allow list approach can prevent any unauthorized or malicious processes from running in a container2. References: Container Security
What can software next-generation firewall (NGFW) credits be used to provision?
Options:
Remote browser isolation
Virtual Panorama appliances
Migrating NGFWs from hardware to VMs
Enablement of DNS security
Answer:
CExplanation:
Software next-generation firewall (NGFW) credits can be used to provision migrating NGFWs from hardware to VMs. Software NGFW credits are a flexible licensing model that allows customers to purchase and consume software NGFWs as needed, without having to specify the platform or deployment model upfront. Customers can use software NGFW credits to migrate their existing hardware NGFWs to VM-Series firewalls on any supported cloud or virtualization platform, or to deploy new VM-Series firewalls as their needs grow. Software NGFW credits cannot be used to provision remote browser isolation, virtual Panorama appliances, or enablement of DNS security, as those are separate solutions that require different licenses or subscriptions. References: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Software NGFW Credits Datasheet], [Software NGFW Credits FAQ]
What are two requirements for automating service deployment of a VM-Series firewall from an NSX Manager? (Choose two.)
Options:
vCenter has been given Palo Alto Networks subscription licenses for VM-Series firewalls.
Panorama has been configured to recognize both the NSX Manager and vCenter.
The deployed VM-Series firewall can establish communications with Panorama.
Panorama can establish communications to the public Palo Alto Networks update servers.
Answer:
B, CExplanation:
The two requirements for automating service deployment of a VM-Series firewall from an NSX Manager are:
- Panorama has been configured to recognize both the NSX Manager and vCenter.
- The deployed VM-Series firewall can establish communications with Panorama.
NSX Manager is a software component that provides centralized management and control of the NSX environment, including network virtualization, automation, and security. Service deployment is a process that involves deploying and configuring network services, such as firewalls, load balancers, or routers, on the NSX environment. VM-Series firewall is a virtualized version of the Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall that can be deployed on various cloud or virtualization platforms, including NSX. Panorama is a centralized management server that provides visibility and control over multiple Palo Alto Networks firewalls and devices. Panorama has been configured to recognize both the NSX Manager and vCenter is a requirement for automating service deployment of a VM-Series firewall from an NSX Manager. vCenter is a software component that provides centralized management and control of the VMware environment, including hypervisors, virtual machines, and other resources. Panorama has been configured to recognize both the NSX Manager and vCenter by adding them as VMware service managers and enabling service insertion for VM-Series firewalls on NSX. This allows Panorama to communicate with the NSX Manager and vCenter, retrieve information about the NSX environment, and deploy and manage VM-Series firewalls as network services on the NSX environment. The deployed VM-Series firewall can establish communications with Panorama is a requirement for automating service deployment of a VM-Series firewall from an NSX Manager. The deployed VM-Series firewall can establish communications with Panorama by registering with Panorama using its serial number or IP address, and receiving configuration updates and policy rules from Panorama. This allows the VM-Series firewall to operate as part of the Panorama management domain, synchronize its settings and status with Panorama, and report its logs and statistics to Panorama. vCenter has been given Palo Alto Networks subscription licenses for VM-Series firewalls and Panorama can establish communications to the public Palo Alto Networks update servers are not requirements for automating service deployment of a VM-Series firewall from an NSX Manager, as those are not related or relevant factors for service deployment automation. References: [Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE)], [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on VMware NSX-T], [Panorama Overview], [VMware Service Manager], [Register the Firewall with Panorama]