The answer is a web filter profile with a URL filter to block '*.exe' URLs combined with an antivirus profile configured to block executable file types by signature. This combination works because the web filter can inspect the HTTP request path and block any URL ending in .exe before the download begins, while the antivirus engine provides a deeper layer of defense by scanning the actual file content and blocking executables even if the file extension is disguised or the download comes from a non-standard URL. On the Fortinet NSE 4 exam, this question tests your understanding of how security profiles layer together—many students mistakenly choose application control alone, but application control blocks the application or protocol (like a browser or FTP client), not the specific file type being transferred. A common trap is forgetting that antivirus can block by file type signature, not just by malware signature. Memory tip: think “URL filter for the path, antivirus for the payload”—together they cover both the request and the content.
NSE4 Security Profiles Practice Question
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of security profiles. 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.
A FortiGate administrator wants to prevent users from downloading executable files via HTTP from the internet. Which TWO security profile features can be used together to achieve this? (Choose two.)
Antivirus profile with a file filter to block 'exe' files
The file filter in antivirus can block specific file types.
B
Web filter profile with a URL filter to block '*.exe' URLs
A URL filter can block URLs containing .exe, effectively preventing downloads.
C
DNS filter to block domains that host executable files
Why wrong: DNS filter blocks by domain, not by file extension.
D
Application control profile to block HTTP file transfer applications
Why wrong: Application control blocks applications, not file types. While some file transfer apps can be blocked, it's not specific to executable files.
E
SSL deep inspection to allow inspection of encrypted traffic
Why wrong: SSL inspection is needed to see encrypted content, but it alone does not block file types.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Antivirus profile with a file filter to block 'exe' files
Antivirus can block file types by signature (e.g., exe), and application control can block file transfer applications or protocols. Additionally, web filter can block specific file extensions, but the most straightforward combination is antivirus and file filter within antivirus.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Antivirus profile with a file filter to block 'exe' files
Why this is correct
The file filter in antivirus can block specific file types.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Web filter profile with a URL filter to block '*.exe' URLs
Why this is correct
A URL filter can block URLs containing .exe, effectively preventing downloads.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
DNS filter to block domains that host executable files
Why it's wrong here
DNS filter blocks by domain, not by file extension.
✗
Application control profile to block HTTP file transfer applications
Why it's wrong here
Application control blocks applications, not file types. While some file transfer apps can be blocked, it's not specific to executable files.
✗
SSL deep inspection to allow inspection of encrypted traffic
Why it's wrong here
SSL inspection is needed to see encrypted content, but it alone does not block file types.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 — This question tests Security Profiles — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Antivirus profile with a file filter to block 'exe' files — Antivirus can block file types by signature (e.g., exe), and application control can block file transfer applications or protocols. Additionally, web filter can block specific file extensions, but the most straightforward combination is antivirus and file filter within antivirus.
What should I do if I get this NSE4 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 →
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. A network administrator wants to prevent users from downloading files with .exe extensions via HTTP and HTTPS. Which security profile feature should be used?
easy
A.Web filter profile with URL filter to block .exe sites
B.Application control profile to block file transfer applications
✓ C.Antivirus profile with 'block' action for file pattern matching .exe
D.IPS profile to block executable file transfers
Why C: An antivirus profile can block files by file extension for both HTTP and HTTPS traffic, but only if SSL deep inspection is enabled for HTTPS. The file pattern filter is part of the antivirus profile.
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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.
Question Discussion
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