PCNSE Practice Question: Securing Users and Applications with Authentication
Exhibit
portal "Corporate-Portal" {
authentication-profile "SAML-Auth"
...
}Refer to the exhibit. Which configuration is required in the authentication profile 'SAML-Auth'?
⚠ Common exam trap
Palo Alto Networks emphasizes the distinction between authentication profiles (which define the authentication method) and server profiles (which define server connections). Candidates often mistakenly select LDAP or RADIUS profiles instead of the SAML identity provider profile required for SAML-based authentication.
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 identity provider profile
The exhibit shows a SAML-based authentication flow where the firewall redirects the user to an external identity provider (IdP) for authentication. The authentication profile 'SAML-Auth' must reference a SAML identity provider profile to define the IdP metadata, entity ID, SSO URL, and certificate binding. Without this profile, the firewall cannot initiate or validate SAML assertions, making option A the only correct choice.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
SAML identity provider profile
Why this is correct
The authentication profile must include an IdP profile for SAML to work.
- ✗
LDAP server profile
Why it's wrong here
LDAP is a different authentication method, not SAML.
- ✗
RADIUS server
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS is a different method.
- ✗
Kerberos realm
Why it's wrong here
Kerberos realm is for Kerberos authentication.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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