Quick Answer
The answer is a Web Filter profile. This is the correct choice because web filtering profiles leverage FortiGuard’s real-time category database to inspect and block HTTP and HTTPS traffic based on URL categories, including the specific 'Malware' and 'Phishing' categories. By enabling these categories within a web filter profile and applying it to a firewall policy, the FortiGate can proactively block access to malicious sites before any content is downloaded. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional NSE4 exam, this question tests your understanding of which security profile handles URL categorization versus other profiles like Application Control or DNS Filter, which address different threats. A common trap is confusing web filtering with antivirus profiles—remember that antivirus scans files after they are downloaded, while web filtering prevents the connection to the malicious site entirely. Memory tip: think “Web Filter = Web Categories” to keep it straight.
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 wants to block all traffic to websites that are categorized as 'Malware' and 'Phishing'. Which security profile should be configured to achieve this goal?
DNS Filter profile
Why wrong: DNS filtering blocks DNS queries to malicious domains, but web filtering is more direct for URL category blocking.
Web Filter profile
Web filtering can block categories such as Malware and Phishing.
IPS profile
Why wrong: IPS detects and prevents network attacks, not URL categories.
Application Control profile
Why wrong: Application control manages applications, not URL categories.
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 Filter profile
Option A is correct. Web filtering profiles use FortiGuard categories to block access to malicious websites like malware and phishing sites.
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.
DNS Filter profile
Why it's wrong here
DNS filtering blocks DNS queries to malicious domains, but web filtering is more direct for URL category blocking.
Web Filter profile
Why this is correct
Web filtering can block categories such as Malware and Phishing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
IPS profile
Why it's wrong here
IPS detects and prevents network attacks, not URL categories.
Application Control profile
Why it's wrong here
Application control manages applications, not URL categories.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the NSE4 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which NSE4 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Profiles — study guide chapter
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Security Profiles practice questions
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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 Filter profile — Option A is correct. Web filtering profiles use FortiGuard categories to block access to malicious websites like malware and phishing sites.
Identify which NSE4 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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. An administrator configures a web filter profile to block the URL category 'Pornography'. The profile is applied to a policy for the sales department. Users report they can still access some sites that should be blocked. The administrator verifies that the FortiGuard web filter service is licensed and the FortiGate has internet connectivity. What should the administrator check next?
hardLast 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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