Quick Answer
The answer is the execute log filter command. This is the correct choice because it allows an administrator to narrow down log entries by specific criteria such as user name, event type, or authentication status before viewing them with execute log display, making it the precise tool for isolating a user authentication failure event on a FortiGate with local disk logging enabled. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this command tests your understanding of FortiGate’s CLI-based log management workflow, where filtering must precede display to avoid sifting through thousands of raw logs. A common trap is confusing execute log filter with execute log display alone—the latter shows all logs without filtering, which would not efficiently locate a specific failure. Remember the sequence as “filter first, display second” to avoid this pitfall.
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of high availability and diagnostics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An administrator is reviewing log files on a FortiGate and needs to identify events related to a specific user authentication failure. The FortiGate has local disk logging enabled. Which command would the administrator use to search the logs for this event?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
diagnose debug authd fsrv record
Why wrong: This command debugs authentication daemon, not search logs.
show log traffic-log
Why wrong: This is not a valid command; traffic logs are shown via 'execute log display' after filters.
execute log filter
This command sets filters for log display; used with 'execute log display' to search logs.
get log traffic
Why wrong: Invalid command; 'get log' is not used for searching.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
execute log filter
Option D is correct. The 'execute log filter' command allows filtering logs by various criteria (user, type, etc.) before displaying them with 'execute log display'.
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.
diagnose debug authd fsrv record
Why it's wrong here
This command debugs authentication daemon, not search logs.
show log traffic-log
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid command; traffic logs are shown via 'execute log display' after filters.
execute log filter
Why this is correct
This command sets filters for log display; used with 'execute log display' to search logs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
get log traffic
Why it's wrong here
Invalid command; 'get log' is not used for searching.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command debugs authentication daemon, not search logs.
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.
High Availability and Diagnostics — study guide chapter
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FAQ
High Availability and Diagnostics — This question tests High Availability and Diagnostics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: execute log filter — Option D is correct. The 'execute log filter' command allows filtering logs by various criteria (user, type, etc.) before displaying them with 'execute log display'.
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.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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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