NetSec-Architect Practice Question: Multi Cloud And Hybrid Network Security Architecture
An architect is troubleshooting asymmetric routing issues in a multi-region AWS deployment where VM-Series firewalls are deployed behind an AWS Gateway Load Balancer. The logs show drops due to 'tcp-non-syn'. What is the root cause and standard remediation?
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
✓
Ensuring cross-zone load balancing is enabled on the GWLB target groups so flows return through the same firewall
Asymmetric routing occurs when return traffic bypasses the original firewall instance. With GWLB, flow stickiness is maintained using GENEVE flow hashes, but misconfigured routing tables or multiple AZ crossings can cause asymmetry.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configuring static ARP entries on the VM-Series data interfaces
Why it's wrong here
Static ARP entries do not resolve cloud SDN packet routing asymmetry.
- ✗
Disabling TCP SYN validation globally on the Panorama managed firewalls
Why it's wrong here
Disabling security settings like TCP SYN validation reduces overall security posture instead of fixing routing.
- ✗
Switching from AWS Gateway Load Balancer to an internal Application Load Balancer
Why it's wrong here
ALB operates at Layer 7 and cannot handle raw GENEVE traffic or pass-through IP packets.
- ✓
Ensuring cross-zone load balancing is enabled on the GWLB target groups so flows return through the same firewall
Why this is correct
Cross-zone load balancing and correct GWLB configuration ensure bidirectional traffic hits the same firewall instance.
Quick reference
Asymmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Exchange | Signatures | Equivalent Security Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSA-3072 | Yes | Yes | 128-bit | Widely deployed; slow for bulk data |
| ECDSA P-256 | No | Yes | 128-bit | Fast signatures; standard TLS certs |
| ECDH / ECDHE | Yes | No | 128-bit | Perfect forward secrecy in TLS 1.3 |
| DH / DHE | Yes | No | 128-bit (3072-bit key) | Replaced by ECDHE in modern TLS |
| Ed25519 | No | Yes | ~128-bit | SSH keys, modern PKI |
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 NetSec-Architect 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 NetSec-Architect exam.