PCNSE Practice Question: Securing Users and Applications with Authentication
A company wants to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for employees accessing a specific internal application through the firewall. Which two configurations are required on the Palo Alto Networks firewall? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse authentication policy rules with security policy rules, or assume that MFA always requires GlobalProtect or SAML, when in fact the firewall can enforce MFA directly via captive portal using an authentication profile and policy rule.
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
✓
Define an authentication profile that includes an MFA method
An authentication profile on a Palo Alto Networks firewall defines the authentication method(s) to be used, including MFA via RADIUS with one-time passwords (OTP), LDAP with OTP, or built-in MFA. This profile is then applied within an authentication policy rule to enforce MFA for specific traffic. Option C is correct because an authentication policy rule specifies the criteria (e.g., source zone, user, destination application) that triggers authentication, and it references the authentication profile containing the MFA method. Without this rule, the firewall would not know which traffic requires 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.
- ✓
Define an authentication profile that includes an MFA method
Why this is correct
The authentication profile defines the authentication method (e.g., MFA via OTP or SAML) and must be configured to provide the second factor.
- ✗
Configure a SAML identity provider
Why it's wrong here
SAML is one way to provide MFA, but it is not required; other MFA methods like One-Time Password (OTP) can be used.
- ✓
Create an authentication policy rule that references the application
Why this is correct
The authentication policy rule specifies the traffic that requires authentication, such as the application, and triggers the authentication challenge.
- ✗
Install the GlobalProtect client on user endpoints
Why it's wrong here
GlobalProtect client is not required for MFA enforcement; users can authenticate via browser-based challenges.
- ✗
Enable SSL decryption on the firewall
Why it's wrong here
SSL decryption is not required for MFA; it is used for inspecting encrypted traffic, not for authentication enforcement.
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.