PCNSA App-ID and Content-ID Practice Question
A security engineer wants to block downloading of executable files over HTTP and HTTPS, but allow all other web traffic. Which Content-ID feature should be configured to achieve this granular control?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse Data Filtering (which blocks data patterns) with File Blocking (which blocks file types), or mistakenly think URL Filtering can block specific file downloads, when in fact URL Filtering only controls access to URLs/categories, not the content of the files transferred.
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
✓
Set up a File Blocking Profile and apply it to the security rule for web-browsing.
A File Blocking Profile is specifically designed to block the transfer of files based on file type (e.g., PE executables) over any allowed application, such as web-browsing. By applying this profile to a security rule that permits HTTP and HTTPS traffic, you can block executable downloads while allowing all other web content. This leverages Content-ID's file-type identification, which inspects the actual file content (magic bytes) rather than relying on extensions or application signatures.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use an Application Override to identify executables.
Why it's wrong here
Application override is for App-ID, not file blocking.
- ✗
Create a Data Filtering Profile to block executable file types.
Why it's wrong here
Data filtering is for data patterns, not file types.
- ✗
Configure a URL Filtering Profile to block executables.
Why it's wrong here
URL filtering blocks URLs, not file types.
- ✓
Set up a File Blocking Profile and apply it to the security rule for web-browsing.
Why this is correct
File Blocking blocks files by type within allowed applications.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This PCNSA question is part of Courseiva's 516-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.