PCNSE Practice Question: Securing Users and Applications with Authentication
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?
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 using a RADIUS server with MFA capability, you must create an authentication profile that specifies RADIUS as the authentication method with MFA enabled. This authentication profile is then assigned to each admin account or to the admin role. Option A is incorrect because a security policy is not required for the firewall to communicate with the RADIUS server; the firewall's management interface initiates outbound RADIUS traffic, which is typically allowed by default. Option B is incorrect because User-ID agent configuration is for user mapping, not admin authentication. Option D is incorrect because authentication enforcement rules are for end-user traffic, not administrative access.
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
Security policies are for data traffic; management traffic uses service routes. The firewall already has implicit access to RADIUS if configured.
- ✗
Enable MFA in the User-ID agent configuration.
Why it's wrong here
User-ID agent handles user mapping, not administrative authentication.
- ✓
Create an authentication profile using RADIUS with MFA enabled and assign it to the admin accounts.
Why this is correct
The authentication profile defines how the firewall authenticates users. By using RADIUS with MFA, the firewall will prompt for the second factor.
- ✗
Configure an authentication enforcement rule in the authentication policy.
Why it's wrong here
Authentication enforcement rules are for user authentication to applications, not for firewall administrative access.
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 by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.