The answer is to create a custom IPS signature with a pass action for the specific application traffic. This is correct because IPS signatures in FortiGate have a default action—typically block—that applies to all matching traffic, but a custom signature allows you to override that default for a specific pattern, effectively whitelisting the legitimate application while leaving the broader IPS protection active for other traffic. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of IPS policy granularity and the difference between signature-level actions versus sensor-level actions; a common trap is to mistakenly disable the entire IPS sensor or change the sensor’s default action, which would weaken overall security. The key insight is that a custom pass signature acts as an exception rule within the same sensor, preserving protection for everything else. Memory tip: think “pass the exception, block the rest” to remember that a custom signature with a pass action creates a targeted allowlist without sacrificing global security.
NSE7 Advanced Threat Protection Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced threat protection. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is troubleshooting an issue where a legitimate application is being blocked by the IPS. The administrator wants to ensure the application works while maintaining protection for other traffic. What is the best action?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a custom IPS signature to pass the specific application traffic
Option C is correct. Creating a custom IPS signature with a 'pass' action for the specific application traffic will allow it, while the default action (block) applies to others.
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.
Apply an application control profile to allow the application
Why it's wrong here
Application control might allow the app but does not override IPS blocking.
✓
Create a custom IPS signature to pass the specific application traffic
Why this is correct
Custom signature with 'pass' action allows the application while keeping other protections.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Change the IPS signature action to 'monitor' for all signatures
Why it's wrong here
Monitor only logs; may not block malicious traffic.
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 NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Advanced Threat Protection — This question tests Advanced Threat Protection — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a custom IPS signature to pass the specific application traffic — Option C is correct. Creating a custom IPS signature with a 'pass' action for the specific application traffic will allow it, while the default action (block) applies to others.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 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 NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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