- A
Create an authentication policy that maps users to roles.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Authentication policy determines how users authenticate, but the security rule still needs the 'require authentication' option to enforce it.
- B
Configure a captive portal on the firewall to prompt for credentials.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Captive portal is one method of authentication but is not configured as part of a security rule; it is an authentication policy setting.
- C
Enable User-ID on the Internal zone under Zone properties.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Enabling User-ID on the zone is a prerequisite but does not enforce authentication; it only allows user mapping.
- D
Configure a security rule with a user-id condition set to 'known-user' and action 'allow' with 'require authentication' selected.
Correct. The 'require authentication' option in a security rule forces users to authenticate before the rule is applied.
Quick Answer
The correct configuration is a security rule with a user-id condition set to 'known-user' and action 'allow' with 'require authentication' selected. This works because the 'require authentication' action forces the firewall to challenge any user who is not already identified by User-ID, ensuring that only authenticated users in the Internal zone can access the Internet. On the PCNSA exam, this concept tests your understanding of how User-ID enforcement integrates with security policy—a common trap is confusing 'known-user' with 'unknown-user', where the latter would block or allow without requiring login. Remember that 'require authentication' is a sub-option under the 'allow' action, not a standalone action, and it triggers a captive portal for unauthenticated sessions. A helpful memory tip: think of it as "allow, then verify"—the rule permits traffic only after the user proves their identity, making authentication the gatekeeper for internet access.
PCNSA Policy Evaluation and Management Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of policy evaluation and management. 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.
An administrator wants to require users in the Internal zone to authenticate via User-ID before accessing the Internet. Which policy configuration is necessary to enforce this 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
Configure a security rule with a user-id condition set to 'known-user' and action 'allow' with 'require authentication' selected.
To require authentication, the security rule must include a user-id condition with the 'require authentication' action.
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.
- ✗
Create an authentication policy that maps users to roles.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Authentication policy determines how users authenticate, but the security rule still needs the 'require authentication' option to enforce it.
- ✗
Configure a captive portal on the firewall to prompt for credentials.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Captive portal is one method of authentication but is not configured as part of a security rule; it is an authentication policy setting.
- ✗
Enable User-ID on the Internal zone under Zone properties.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Enabling User-ID on the zone is a prerequisite but does not enforce authentication; it only allows user mapping.
- ✓
Configure a security rule with a user-id condition set to 'known-user' and action 'allow' with 'require authentication' selected.
Why this is correct
Correct. The 'require authentication' option in a security rule forces users to authenticate before the rule is applied.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 PCNSA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Policy Evaluation and Management — study guide chapter
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Policy Evaluation and Management practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSA question test?
Policy Evaluation and Management — This question tests Policy Evaluation and Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a security rule with a user-id condition set to 'known-user' and action 'allow' with 'require authentication' selected. — To require authentication, the security rule must include a user-id condition with the 'require authentication' action.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Identify which PCNSA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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