Quick Answer
The answer is Web Filtering, Antivirus, and IPS. These three security profiles are required for outbound HTTP traffic because each addresses a distinct threat vector: Web Filtering blocks access to known malicious websites by comparing URLs against FortiGuard’s reputation database, Antivirus scans file downloads and prevents executable files from being transferred, and IPS uses deep packet inspection to detect and block command-and-control (C2) traffic patterns. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional NSE4 exam, this scenario tests your ability to map security requirements to the correct profiles, often appearing in policy configuration questions where a single profile cannot fulfill multiple needs. A common trap is selecting Application Control instead of IPS, but remember that C2 detection relies on signature-based anomaly detection, not application signatures. Memory tip: think “W-A-I” for Web, Antivirus, IPS—each handles a different layer of the HTTP threat model.
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 network admin is configuring a security policy for outbound HTTP traffic. The requirements are: (1) block access to known malicious websites, (2) prevent users from downloading executable files, (3) detect and block C2 traffic. Which THREE security profiles should be applied to the policy?
Antivirus
Antivirus can block executable file downloads based on file type or virus signatures.
Web Filtering
Web filtering can block malicious URL categories.
Application Control
Why wrong: Application control focuses on application identification, not C2 or malware.
IPS
IPS can detect and block command-and-control traffic.
DNS Filter
Why wrong: DNS filter blocks domains but may not block executable downloads or C2 effectively.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Antivirus
Options A, B, and C are correct. Web filtering blocks malicious websites; antivirus blocks executable file downloads; IPS detects and blocks C2 traffic.
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.
Antivirus
Why this is correct
Antivirus can block executable file downloads based on file type or virus signatures.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Web Filtering
Why this is correct
Web filtering can block malicious URL categories.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Application Control
Why it's wrong here
Application control focuses on application identification, not C2 or malware.
IPS
Why this is correct
IPS can detect and block command-and-control traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DNS Filter
Why it's wrong here
DNS filter blocks domains but may not block executable downloads or C2 effectively.
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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FAQ
Security Profiles — This question tests Security Profiles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Antivirus — Options A, B, and C are correct. Web filtering blocks malicious websites; antivirus blocks executable file downloads; IPS detects and blocks C2 traffic.
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.
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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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