NSE7 Advanced Threat Protection Practice Question
A FortiGate admin sees the following log: 'Action=blocked, Service=HTTP, Application=Outbreak, File=invoice.doc, ThreatScore=95'. What is the MOST likely explanation for this block?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse 'Outbreak' with a generic malware detection term, not realizing it is a specific FortiGuard feature with its own log field, distinct from machine learning, sandbox, or IPS-based blocks.
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
✓
The file was blocked by FortiGuard outbreak prevention
The log entry shows 'Application=Outbreak' and 'ThreatScore=95', which are specific indicators of FortiGuard outbreak prevention. FortiGuard outbreak prevention uses real-time threat intelligence to block files associated with widespread malware campaigns before traditional signatures are updated. The 'Outbreak' application tag and high threat score directly correspond to this feature, not to machine learning, sandbox verdicts, or custom IPS signatures.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The file was blocked by FortiGuard outbreak prevention
Why this is correct
Outbreak prevention uses threat scores and is logged as 'Outbreak' in the application field.
- ✗
The file was blocked by the machine learning engine
Why it's wrong here
ML engine logs show 'ML' or 'Machine Learning' as the application.
- ✗
The file was blocked by FortiSandbox verdict
Why it's wrong here
FortiSandbox verdicts typically show 'FortiSandbox' as the application.
- ✗
The file was blocked by a custom IPS signature
Why it's wrong here
Custom IPS signatures would show 'IPS' in the log.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This NSE7 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 NSE7 exam.