- A
Create a web filter profile with a FortiGuard category filter that blocks the 'Social Networking' category and set a time-based schedule.
The web filter profile can use time-based schedules to apply different actions during different times of day.
- B
Apply the web filter profile to a firewall policy that uses a schedule for work hours.
Why wrong: The schedule is configured in the web filter profile itself, not the policy. The policy can have a schedule, but it's not required if the profile handles it.
- C
Enable SSL deep inspection to decrypt HTTPS traffic to social networking sites.
To block HTTPS sites by category, the FortiGate must be able to inspect the SNI or perform deep inspection. For category blocking, certificate inspection may be enough if the site's certificate reveals the domain, but deep inspection ensures accurate blocking for all HTTPS content.
- D
Use a URL filter to manually list all social networking sites.
Why wrong: Using FortiGuard categories is more efficient and comprehensive than manual URL lists.
- E
Configure DNS filter to block social networking domains.
Why wrong: DNS filter can block domains, but it doesn't provide time-based control as easily as web filter schedules.
Quick Answer
The answer is to enable SSL deep inspection to decrypt HTTPS traffic to social networking sites and to configure a web filter profile with a schedule that blocks social networking sites during work hours but allows them during lunch breaks. SSL deep inspection is required because without it, FortiGate cannot examine the encrypted content of HTTPS connections, meaning social networking sites accessed over SSL would bypass the web filter entirely. This question tests your understanding of how Fortinet NSE 4 integrates web filtering with SSL inspection and time-based scheduling, a common scenario where administrators mistakenly think a simple URL filter alone will block HTTPS traffic. A frequent trap is assuming that blocking by category works for encrypted traffic without decryption; remember that HTTPS inspection is mandatory for content-level filtering. Memory tip: “Schedule the block, inspect the lock” — schedule controls when, SSL inspection controls what.
NSE4 Security Profiles Practice Question
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 create a web filter profile that blocks access to social networking sites during work hours but allows them during lunch breaks. Additionally, the administrator wants to ensure that HTTPS social networking sites are blocked. Which TWO configurations are required? (Choose two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create a web filter profile with a FortiGuard category filter that blocks the 'Social Networking' category and set a time-based schedule.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create a web filter profile with a FortiGuard category filter that blocks the 'Social Networking' category and set a time-based schedule.
Why this is correct
The web filter profile can use time-based schedules to apply different actions during different times of day.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Apply the web filter profile to a firewall policy that uses a schedule for work hours.
Why it's wrong here
The schedule is configured in the web filter profile itself, not the policy. The policy can have a schedule, but it's not required if the profile handles it.
- ✓
Enable SSL deep inspection to decrypt HTTPS traffic to social networking sites.
Why this is correct
To block HTTPS sites by category, the FortiGate must be able to inspect the SNI or perform deep inspection. For category blocking, certificate inspection may be enough if the site's certificate reveals the domain, but deep inspection ensures accurate blocking for all HTTPS content.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a URL filter to manually list all social networking sites.
Why it's wrong here
Using FortiGuard categories is more efficient and comprehensive than manual URL lists.
- ✗
Configure DNS filter to block social networking domains.
Why it's wrong here
DNS filter can block domains, but it doesn't provide time-based control as easily as web filter schedules.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Security Profiles practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this NSE4 question test?
Security Profiles — This question tests Security Profiles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a web filter profile with a FortiGuard category filter that blocks the 'Social Networking' category and set a time-based schedule.
What should I do if I get this NSE4 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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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