PCNSA App-ID and Content-ID Practice Question
A Palo Alto Networks firewall is configured with a security rule that allows 'web-browsing' and has a URL Filtering Profile to block 'malware' sites. However, users can still access known malware URLs. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume URL Filtering Profiles are automatically applied when a security rule allows web-browsing, but they must be explicitly attached to the rule, and the question tests this specific configuration requirement.
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 URL Filtering Profile is not applied to the correct security rule.
The most likely cause is that the URL Filtering Profile is not applied to the correct security rule. Even if a security rule allows 'web-browsing' and a URL Filtering Profile is configured to block 'malware' sites, the profile must be explicitly attached to that rule in the 'Actions' tab under 'Profile Group' or 'URL Filtering Profile'. If it is applied to a different rule or not applied at all, the firewall will not enforce the URL filtering action, allowing access to known malware URLs.
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 'malware' URL Category is not added to the security rule's URL Category list.
Why it's wrong here
URL categories are used in the profile, not the rule's category list.
- ✗
The 'web-browsing' application is not being identified correctly by App-ID.
Why it's wrong here
If web-browsing is allowed, it is likely identified.
- ✗
SSL Decryption is not enabled, so the firewall cannot inspect HTTPS URLs.
Why it's wrong here
URL Filtering works even without SSL Decryption for HTTPS, using host and URI.
- ✓
The URL Filtering Profile is not applied to the correct security rule.
Why this is correct
Without proper application, the profile has no effect.
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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.