- A
Local user database with password policies
Why wrong: Local database does not support external MFA solutions.
- B
SAML authentication with an identity provider that supports MFA
SAML allows the firewall to redirect users to the IdP for authentication, including MFA challenges.
- C
Kerberos authentication with Active Directory
Why wrong: Kerberos does not natively support MFA.
- D
RADIUS authentication with one-time passwords via token
Why wrong: While possible, RADIUS OTP is less flexible and scalable than SAML with MFA.
Question 193 of 516
SAML with MFA for Application Policies
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of securing users and applications with authentication. 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 architect needs to enforce authentication for all application-based policies using an external authentication source with MFA. Which combination of features best achieves this?
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
✓
SAML authentication with an identity provider that supports MFA
B is correct because SAML authentication with an identity provider (IdP) that supports MFA allows the firewall to offload authentication to an external IdP, which can enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) before granting access. This meets the requirement for application-based policies to use an external authentication source with MFA, as SAML provides a standards-based (SAML 2.0) mechanism for the firewall to trust the IdP's authentication assertions, including MFA status.
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.
- ✗
Local user database with password policies
Why it's wrong here
Local database does not support external MFA solutions.
- ✓
SAML authentication with an identity provider that supports MFA
- ✗
Kerberos authentication with Active Directory
Why it's wrong here
Kerberos does not natively support MFA.
- ✗
RADIUS authentication with one-time passwords via token
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Palo Alto Networks often tests the distinction between authentication methods for network access (RADIUS, Kerberos) versus application access (SAML), and the trap here is that candidates may choose RADIUS (option D) because it supports MFA via OTP, but fail to recognize that SAML is the correct choice for application-based policies with external MFA integration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SAML authentication works by the firewall acting as a service provider (SP) that redirects users to the IdP for authentication; the IdP returns a SAML assertion containing user attributes and authentication context (e.g., MFA performed). The firewall can then enforce policy based on the assertion, such as requiring MFA for specific applications. In a real-world scenario, an organization using Okta or Azure AD as an IdP can configure the firewall to require MFA for all application-based policies, ensuring that even if a user's password is compromised, access is blocked without the second factor.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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.
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Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — This question tests Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SAML authentication with an identity provider that supports MFA — B is correct because SAML authentication with an identity provider (IdP) that supports MFA allows the firewall to offload authentication to an external IdP, which can enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) before granting access. This meets the requirement for application-based policies to use an external authentication source with MFA, as SAML provides a standards-based (SAML 2.0) mechanism for the firewall to trust the IdP's authentication assertions, including MFA status.
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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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