Quick Answer
The correct answer is a combination of Web Filtering and Antivirus profiles applied to the firewall policy. This works because the Antivirus profile scans the HTTP and HTTPS stream for executable file signatures or MIME types, such as .exe, and can block the download based on file content, while the Web Filtering profile provides an additional layer by controlling access to download sites or categorizing content types, ensuring that only executable files are blocked and other web content passes through. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this question tests your understanding of how security profiles layer together—a common trap is assuming a single profile like Web Filtering alone can block file downloads, but it cannot inspect the file payload; that requires Antivirus. Remember the memory tip: “Web Filtering directs, Antivirus protects”—the former decides what sites or file types are allowed, the latter actually blocks the executable bytes.
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of security profiles. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company wants to block downloads of executable files via HTTP and HTTPS while allowing other content. Which combination of security profiles should be applied to the firewall policy?
Web Filtering and Antivirus
Web filtering blocks file types, antivirus scans for malware.
Application Control and Antivirus
Why wrong: Application control does not block file types.
Web Filtering and IPS
Why wrong: IPS does not block file downloads.
DNS Filtering and Web Filtering
Why wrong: DNS filtering does not block file downloads.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Web Filtering and Antivirus
To block executable file downloads over HTTP and HTTPS while allowing other content, a Web Filtering profile is required to filter based on URL category or content type, and an Antivirus profile is needed to scan and block files (such as .exe) within the HTTP/HTTPS stream. The Antivirus profile can detect and block executable files by file signature or MIME type, while Web Filtering controls access to download sites or file types. Together, they provide layered defense against malicious executable downloads without affecting other web content.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Web Filtering and Antivirus
Why this is correct
Web filtering blocks file types, antivirus scans for malware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Application Control and Antivirus
Why it's wrong here
Application control does not block file types.
Web Filtering and IPS
Why it's wrong here
IPS does not block file downloads.
DNS Filtering and Web Filtering
Why it's wrong here
DNS filtering does not block file downloads.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often think Application Control can block file downloads, but Application Control only identifies applications, not file types within allowed protocols, while Antivirus is required for file-level blocking.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the Antivirus profile in FortiGate performs proxy-based or flow-based inspection of HTTP/HTTPS traffic, scanning file attachments and downloads against virus signatures and file-type patterns (e.g., PE executable headers). The Web Filtering profile can enforce 'File Filter' rules that block specific file extensions (like .exe) or MIME types, even when the URL category is allowed. In a real-world scenario, if only Web Filtering is used without Antivirus, a user could still download an executable from a non-categorized site; conversely, Antivirus alone might miss a download if the file is not detected as malicious but is still unwanted by policy.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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Security Profiles — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security Profiles — This question tests Security Profiles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Web Filtering and Antivirus — To block executable file downloads over HTTP and HTTPS while allowing other content, a Web Filtering profile is required to filter based on URL category or content type, and an Antivirus profile is needed to scan and block files (such as .exe) within the HTTP/HTTPS stream. The Antivirus profile can detect and block executable files by file signature or MIME type, while Web Filtering controls access to download sites or file types. Together, they provide layered defense against malicious executable downloads without affecting other web content.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This NSE4 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Fortinet certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the NSE4 exam.
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