PCNSE Deploy and Configure Firewalls Practice Question
Which TWO actions should be taken when deploying a Palo Alto Networks firewall in a branch office to ensure secure and efficient operation? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers think default NAT policies are acceptable for branch offices or that manual updates are more reliable, but the PCNSE exam emphasizes automation and security best practices, making options D and E incorrect due to their lack of scalability and security posture.
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
✓
Enable Threat Prevention profiles to block known malware
Enabling Threat Prevention profiles (A) is correct because it applies IPS signatures to block known malware, exploits, and vulnerabilities inline, which is essential for branch office security without requiring constant manual intervention. Configuring logging for all traffic (B) is correct because it provides visibility for monitoring, troubleshooting, and compliance, and is necessary for effective use of features like ACC and reporting.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enable Threat Prevention profiles to block known malware
Why this is correct
Threat prevention is critical for security; without it, the firewall is not fully effective.
- ✓
Configure logging for all traffic to enable monitoring and troubleshooting
Why this is correct
Logging is important for visibility, incident response, and compliance.
- ✗
Leave the default admin password until the next audit
Why it's wrong here
Default passwords are a security risk; they should be changed immediately after first login.
- ✗
Use the default NAT policies provided by the initial configuration
Why it's wrong here
Default NAT policies may not fit the branch office's requirements and could be insecure.
- ✗
Manually download dynamic updates daily to ensure latest signatures
Why it's wrong here
Manual downloads are inefficient; automatic scheduled updates are recommended.
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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.