Cybersecurity-Practitioner Network Security Practice Question
An administrator needs to implement authentication for administrative access to the Palo Alto Networks firewall using an external RADIUS server. Which TWO components must be configured on the firewall to achieve this? (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
✓
Authentication Profile under Device > Authentication referencing the RADIUS server profile.
External RADIUS admin authentication requires configuring a RADIUS Server profile and an Authentication Profile that references that RADIUS server, which is then bound to the admin accounts or authentication settings.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
External Dynamic List (EDL) pointing to the RADIUS authentication database.
Why it's wrong here
EDLs are for IP addresses, URLs, or domains, not RADIUS authentication parameters.
- ✗
WildFire Analysis Profile set to authenticate users.
Why it's wrong here
WildFire is for malware analysis, not administrator authentication.
- ✗
SSL Decryption Profile attached to the management interface.
Why it's wrong here
SSL decryption profiles govern data plane traffic inspection, not admin RADIUS authentication.
- ✓
Authentication Profile under Device > Authentication referencing the RADIUS server profile.
Why this is correct
An authentication profile ties the RADIUS server profile to specific access domains and mechanisms.
- ✓
RADIUS Server Profile under Device > Server Profiles > RADIUS.
Why this is correct
A RADIUS server profile defines the IP address, shared secret, and port of the RADIUS server.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This Cybersecurity-Practitioner practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 Cybersecurity-Practitioner exam.