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Question 36 of 529

Securing Traffic →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

How to Configure Inter-Vsys Traffic with Security Policies

This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of securing traffic. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 firewall is configured with multiple virtual systems (vsys). An administrator wants to allow traffic from vsys1 to vsys2 while keeping other inter-vsys traffic blocked. How should this be accomplished?

A
Configure intra-vsys security policy for each vsys and allow the traffic.
Why wrong: Intra-vsys is within same vsys, not between.
B
Enable inter-vsys traffic globally in the firewall settings.
Why wrong: There is no global enable; it's done via policies.
C
Traffic between vsys is automatically allowed.
Why wrong: It is not automatically allowed; it's blocked by default.
D
Create a security policy rule with source zone from vsys1 and destination zone from vsys2, action allow.
Inter-vsys traffic is controlled by security policies using zones from different vsys.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The correct answer is to create a security policy rule with the source zone from vsys1 and the destination zone from vsys2, with the action set to allow. This works because inter-vsys traffic is treated as inter-zone traffic by the Palo Alto firewall, meaning it must be explicitly permitted through a security policy that defines the source and destination zones belonging to different virtual systems. On the PCNSA exam, this concept tests your understanding that virtual systems are isolated by default, and traffic crossing between them is not automatic—it requires a deliberate policy rule. A common trap is assuming inter-vsys traffic is handled by a global setting or that it flows freely, but the firewall enforces the same zone-based security model across vsys boundaries. Remember the memory tip: "Cross vsys, cross zones—policy required."

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

✓

Create a security policy rule with source zone from vsys1 and destination zone from vsys2, action allow.

Option D is correct because in Palo Alto firewalls, inter-vsys traffic is controlled by creating a security policy rule that specifies the source zone from vsys1 and the destination zone from vsys2 with action allow. This selectively permits traffic between specific virtual systems. Option A is incorrect because intra-vsys refers to traffic within the same vsys, not between different vsys. Option B is incorrect because there is no global 'inter-vsys' enable setting; inter-vsys traffic is governed by security policies. Option C is incorrect because inter-vsys traffic is not automatically allowed; it must be explicitly permitted via policy.

Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
Configure intra-vsys security policy for each vsys and allow the traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Intra-vsys is within same vsys, not between.
✗
Enable inter-vsys traffic globally in the firewall settings.
Why it's wrong here
There is no global enable; it's done via policies.
✗
Traffic between vsys is automatically allowed.
Why it's wrong here
It is not automatically allowed; it's blocked by default.
✓
Create a security policy rule with source zone from vsys1 and destination zone from vsys2, action allow.
Why this is correct
Inter-vsys traffic is controlled by security policies using zones from different vsys.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match

ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.

TExam Day Tips

Check inbound versus outbound direction.
Read the ACL from top to bottom.
Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.

Key takeaway

ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this PCNSA question test?

Securing Traffic — This question tests Securing Traffic — Standard ACLs match source addresses..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Create a security policy rule with source zone from vsys1 and destination zone from vsys2, action allow. — Option D is correct because in Palo Alto firewalls, inter-vsys traffic is controlled by creating a security policy rule that specifies the source zone from vsys1 and the destination zone from vsys2 with action allow. This selectively permits traffic between specific virtual systems. Option A is incorrect because intra-vsys refers to traffic within the same vsys, not between different vsys. Option B is incorrect because there is no global 'inter-vsys' enable setting; inter-vsys traffic is governed by security policies. Option C is incorrect because inter-vsys traffic is not automatically allowed; it must be explicitly permitted via policy.

What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Standard ACLs match source addresses.

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