Quick Answer
The answer is that the IPS pass action allows the traffic to proceed while generating a log entry. This is correct because the pass action is specifically designed to let matching traffic through the firewall without blocking or resetting the connection, but it still triggers an event log for monitoring and analysis. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this concept tests your understanding of IPS action behaviors and how they differ from block or reset actions—a common trap is assuming pass means “ignore completely,” when in fact it still logs the event. Remember the memory tip: “Pass lets it through, but logs what it knew.”
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of security profiles. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 FortiGate administrator configures an IPS sensor with a signature that has a 'pass' action. The sensor is applied to a firewall policy. When traffic matches this signature, what will happen?
The traffic is allowed without any logging.
Why wrong: Pass action still generates a log entry.
The traffic is reset and a log is generated.
Why wrong: Reset action would terminate the session.
The traffic is allowed but a log message is generated.
Pass action allows the traffic and logs the event.
The traffic is blocked and logged.
Why wrong: Pass action does not block.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The traffic is allowed but a log message is generated.
Option B is correct. 'Pass' action in IPS means the traffic is allowed to pass, but an event is logged.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The traffic is allowed without any logging.
Why it's wrong here
Pass action still generates a log entry.
The traffic is reset and a log is generated.
Why it's wrong here
Reset action would terminate the session.
The traffic is allowed but a log message is generated.
Why this is correct
Pass action allows the traffic and logs the event.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
The traffic is blocked and logged.
Why it's wrong here
Pass action does not block.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE4 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Security Profiles — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security Profiles — This question tests Security Profiles — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: The traffic is allowed but a log message is generated. — Option B is correct. 'Pass' action in IPS means the traffic is allowed to pass, but an event is logged.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE4 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Refer to the exhibit. An administrator has created an IPS sensor with two entries. The first entry sets severity 'medium' and action 'block'. The second entry sets severity 'critical' and action 'block'. What will happen when a packet triggers an IPS signature with severity 'low'?
easyWhy A: The IPS sensor in the exhibit defines rules only for severity 'medium' and 'critical', both with action 'block'. When a packet triggers a signature with severity 'low', it does not match any entry in the sensor. Therefore, the default action for unmatched signatures is to allow (pass) the traffic. FortiGate IPS sensors apply actions only to explicitly configured severity levels; unlisted severities are not affected.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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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