PCNSA Securing Traffic Practice Question
A company is using Security Profiles (Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, Vulnerability Protection) in their security policies. Malware is still getting through. What is a common misconfiguration that could cause this?
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 profiles are set to 'alert' instead of 'block' for the critical threat categories.
If Security Profiles (Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, Vulnerability Protection) are set to 'alert' instead of 'block' for critical threat categories, the firewall will generate alerts but will not block the malware. This is a common misconfiguration that allows malware to pass through. Option B is incorrect because while outdated signatures can reduce effectiveness, the question specifically asks about a common misconfiguration, and alert vs. block is a more frequent oversight. Option C is incorrect because if profiles are not attached to any security rule, they would not be applied at all, but the scenario implies they are attached. Option D is incorrect because the order of profile groups within a rule does not affect blocking; all profiles are applied simultaneously.
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 profiles are set to 'alert' instead of 'block' for the critical threat categories.
Why this is correct
Alert only logs, does not block.
- ✗
The antivirus signatures are outdated.
Why it's wrong here
Outdated signatures reduce effectiveness but not automatically a misconfiguration.
- ✗
The security profiles are not attached to any security rule.
Why it's wrong here
If not attached, no protection; but the question implies they are used.
- ✗
The profile groups are applied in the wrong order.
Why it's wrong here
Profile order does not affect blocking; all are evaluated.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCNSA 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 PCNSA exam.