PCNSE Core Concepts and Architecture Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are minimum required configurations to enable User-ID on a Palo Alto Networks firewall? (Choose exactly two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse optional enhancements (like captive portal or agent deployment on every DC) with the mandatory foundational components, leading them to select B or D instead of recognizing that only a server profile and interface enablement are strictly required.
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
✓
Configure a server profile for LDAP or other authentication protocol.
A is correct because User-ID requires a server profile (e.g., LDAP, Kerberos, or a WMI-based agent) to query the directory service for user-to-IP mappings. Without this profile, the firewall cannot resolve usernames from authentication events or directory lookups, which is the foundational step for User-ID functionality.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure a server profile for LDAP or other authentication protocol.
Why this is correct
A server profile is necessary to retrieve user-to-IP mappings.
- ✗
Deploy a User-ID agent on every domain controller.
Why it's wrong here
An agent is optional; the firewall can use the integrated User-ID framework without separate agents.
- ✓
Enable User-ID on the firewall interface(s) where traffic is received.
Why this is correct
User-ID must be enabled on interfaces to collect user mappings from traffic.
- ✗
Install a captive portal to authenticate users.
Why it's wrong here
Captive portal is a separate feature for authentication, not required for User-ID.
- ✗
Configure a security policy rule that uses a user group as a source.
Why it's wrong here
Security policy rules using users are optional; User-ID functions without them.
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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.