The answer is (addr.src eq user@domain.com) and (eventid eq auth-fail). This filter string is correct because it combines the source address field, which captures the user’s IP or identity, with the specific event ID for authentication failures, ensuring that only failed logins from that particular user appear in the monitor tab. On the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer PCNSE exam, this question tests your ability to construct precise log filters using the correct field names and event IDs, a common task for troubleshooting authentication issues. A frequent trap is confusing addr.src with addr.dst or using a generic eventid like auth instead of the exact auth-fail value. To remember this, think of the filter as a two-part lock: you need the right key (the user’s source address) and the right door (the auth-fail event) to see only what you want.
PCNSE Manage, Monitor and Operate Practice Question
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of manage, monitor and operate. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A security administrator notices that a specific user is generating excessive logs due to repeated authentication failures. The administrator wants to see only failed authentication events for that user in the monitor tab. Which filter string should be used in the log viewer?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
(addr.src eq user@domain.com) and (eventid eq auth-fail)
Option C is correct because the filter (addr.src eq user@domain.com) and (eventid eq auth-fail) uses the proper source address field (addr.src) to match the user's IP or identity and the exact event ID for authentication failures (auth-fail). This combination ensures only failed authentication events from that specific user are displayed in the monitor tab, meeting the administrator's requirement precisely.
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.
✗
(addr.src eq user@domain.com) or (eventid eq auth-fail)
Why it's wrong here
OR would show all events for that user or all auth fails, not the intersection.
✗
(addr.src eq user@domain.com) and (severity ge medium)
Why it's wrong here
Severity does not specifically filter auth failures.
✓
(addr.src eq user@domain.com) and (eventid eq auth-fail)
Why this is correct
Correctly combines user and auth-fail event.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
(src eq user@domain.com) and (eventid eq auth)
Why it's wrong here
'src' is not the standard field for user; 'eventid eq auth' is too broad.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Palo Alto Networks often tests the distinction between the correct field name 'addr.src' versus the incorrect 'src' and the exact event ID 'auth-fail' versus the broader 'auth', exploiting the common misconception that 'src' is a valid shorthand or that 'auth' alone captures failures.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
OR would show all events for that user or all auth fails, not the intersection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Palo Alto Networks firewalls, the event ID 'auth-fail' is a specific subtype under the 'auth' category, and the log viewer uses the 'addr.src' field to match the source IP or user identity (when User-ID is configured). Using 'and' ensures both conditions must be true, which is critical for precise filtering in high-volume environments like large enterprises where authentication failures from multiple users can overwhelm the logs. A real-world scenario is troubleshooting a compromised account where you need to isolate only failed attempts from that user without noise from other events.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Manage, Monitor and Operate — This question tests Manage, Monitor and Operate — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: (addr.src eq user@domain.com) and (eventid eq auth-fail) — Option C is correct because the filter (addr.src eq user@domain.com) and (eventid eq auth-fail) uses the proper source address field (addr.src) to match the user's IP or identity and the exact event ID for authentication failures (auth-fail). This combination ensures only failed authentication events from that specific user are displayed in the monitor tab, meeting the administrator's requirement precisely.
What should I do if I get this PCNSE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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