The correct answer is to configure a decryption policy rule with action 'Decrypt' and enable 'TLS Version Check' with action 'alert'. This works because the firewall’s TLS Version Check feature, when set to 'alert', inspects the negotiated TLS version during decryption and logs any use of deprecated TLS 1.0 without dropping the session, allowing the administrator to detect and report these connections while preserving business continuity. On the PCNSA exam, this scenario tests your understanding of balancing security visibility with operational impact—a common trap is assuming you must block deprecated protocols immediately, but the question explicitly asks to detect without breaking them. The key distinction is that 'alert' logs the violation, whereas 'block' would terminate the connection. For the exam, remember the memory tip: “Alert to detect, block to reject”—when the goal is to detect TLS 1.0 without blocking, always pair 'Decrypt' with 'alert' on the TLS Version Check.
PCNSA Decryption and Monitoring Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of decryption and monitoring. 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.
During a security audit, it is discovered that some internal hosts are using TLS 1.0, which is deprecated. The firewall is configured to decrypt SSL traffic. How can the administrator use the firewall to detect and report these connections without breaking them?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure a decryption policy rule with action 'Decrypt' and enable 'TLS Version Check' with action 'alert'.
Option A is correct because the firewall can decrypt TLS 1.0 traffic (action 'Decrypt') while using the 'TLS Version Check' feature set to 'alert' to detect and log the deprecated protocol without disrupting the connection. This allows the administrator to identify hosts using TLS 1.0 for reporting and remediation, while maintaining business continuity.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 a decryption policy rule with action 'Decrypt' and enable 'TLS Version Check' with action 'alert'.
Why this is correct
Alert logs the violation without blocking.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure a decryption policy rule with action 'No Decrypt' for TLS 1.0 traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Bypasses decryption but does not report the TLS version.
✗
Use a Security policy rule to block TLS 1.0 traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Block is too aggressive; need alert first.
✗
Configure a decryption policy rule with action 'Decrypt' and enable 'TLS Version Check' with action 'block'.
Why it's wrong here
Block would prevent connections, not just report.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'TLS Version Check' with a blocking action, assuming that detection requires blocking, or they may incorrectly think that 'No Decrypt' can still detect the TLS version, when in fact decryption must occur to inspect the handshake for version information.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'TLS Version Check' feature in Palo Alto Networks firewalls inspects the ServerHello message during the SSL/TLS handshake to identify the negotiated TLS version. When set to 'alert', it logs the event (e.g., in the Traffic logs) and allows the session to proceed, enabling administrators to generate reports or trigger alerts via syslog or Panorama. This is particularly useful in environments where legacy systems must remain operational while compliance mandates require tracking deprecated protocols like TLS 1.0 (per RFC 8996).
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PCNSA exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Decryption and Monitoring — This question tests Decryption and Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a decryption policy rule with action 'Decrypt' and enable 'TLS Version Check' with action 'alert'. — Option A is correct because the firewall can decrypt TLS 1.0 traffic (action 'Decrypt') while using the 'TLS Version Check' feature set to 'alert' to detect and log the deprecated protocol without disrupting the connection. This allows the administrator to identify hosts using TLS 1.0 for reporting and remediation, while maintaining business continuity.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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