MFA Methods for Local Administrator Accounts on Palo Alto Firewalls
A company wants to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative access to the Palo Alto Networks firewall. They have a RADIUS server configured with MFA capability (e.g., RSA SecurID). The firewall is currently using local authentication for admin accounts. What must be configured to enforce MFA for admin access?
⚠ Common exam trap
PCNSE often tests the difference between authentication profiles for administrative access and authentication policies for user traffic; candidates may incorrectly choose an authentication enforcement rule, which applies to user traffic, not admin access.
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
✓
Create an authentication profile using RADIUS with MFA enabled and assign it to the admin accounts.
To enforce MFA for administrative access on a Palo Alto Networks firewall, you must create an authentication profile that uses RADIUS (or another MFA-capable server) and then assign that profile to the admin accounts. The authentication profile defines how the firewall authenticates administrators, and when it points to an MFA-enabled RADIUS server, the firewall will require the second factor. Assigning the profile to admin accounts ensures that all administrative logins go through MFA.
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 a security policy to allow RADIUS traffic from the firewall to the RADIUS server.
Why it's wrong here
A security policy permitting RADIUS traffic is necessary for authentication to succeed, but it only enables connectivity; it does not enforce MFA. It would be the right step when RADIUS replies are blocked. Enforcement requires an authentication profile with the RADIUS server and MFA factors configured.
- ✗
Enable MFA in the User-ID agent configuration.
Why it's wrong here
User-ID agent configuration maps IP addresses to usernames for policy enforcement; it plays no part in authenticating firewall administrators. It would be relevant for user-based security policy, not admin login. Admin MFA requires an authentication profile referencing the RADIUS server, applied to administrator accounts.
- ✓
Create an authentication profile using RADIUS with MFA enabled and assign it to the admin accounts.
Why this is correct
An authentication profile binds admin logins to the RADIUS server, so the firewall forwards credentials and the RSA SecurID challenge is enforced. Assigning it to admin accounts replaces local authentication, satisfying the requirement that all administrative access use MFA.
- ✗
Configure an authentication enforcement rule in the authentication policy.
Why it's wrong here
Authentication enforcement rules govern captive portal and web authentication for traffic passing through the firewall, not administrative logins. They would be correct for user authentication policy on transit traffic. Administrator MFA instead needs an authentication profile bound to the admin account or role.
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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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This PCNSE 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 PCNSE exam.