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PCNSA Practice Question: Which TWO are valid methods for authenticating…
Which TWO are valid methods for authenticating administrative users on Palo Alto Networks firewalls? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Local authentication using local user database
Options A, B, and E are correct. The Palo Alto Networks firewall supports local authentication using the local user database, RADIUS, and LDAP for authenticating administrative users. Option C is incorrect because TACACS (as opposed to TACACS+) is not supported; TACACS+ is supported. Option D is incorrect because SAML is primarily used for SSO and not a direct admin authentication method.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Local authentication using local user database
Why this is correct
The firewall has a built-in local database for administrator accounts.
- ✓
RADIUS
Why this is correct
RADIUS is a standard authentication protocol supported by PAN-OS.
- ✗
TACACS
Why it's wrong here
TACACS is not supported; TACACS+ is supported, but not TACACS.
- ✗
SAML
Why it's wrong here
SAML is used for SSO for end users, not typically for administrative access.
- ✓
LDAP [CORRECT]
Why this is correct
LDAP is used for retrieving user attributes, not for direct administrator authentication.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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About these practice questions
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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.