Cybersecurity-Practitioner SOC Operations Practice Question
An administrator is configuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Prisma Access administrative access. Which component in the authentication sequence is responsible for validating the secondary MFA token (such as an push notification)?
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
✓
The external MFA server or Identity Provider integrated via RADIUS or SAML
The external multi-factor authentication server (such as RADIUS or SAML IdP) validates the secondary authentication token.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall data plane
Why it's wrong here
The data plane processes packet forwarding and security inspection, not MFA token validation.
- ✗
The Cortex XSOAR incident playbook engine
Why it's wrong here
Cortex XSOAR orchestrates security workflows, it is not the primary validator of firewall admin MFA tokens.
- ✓
The external MFA server or Identity Provider integrated via RADIUS or SAML
Why this is correct
External IdPs or RADIUS servers handle the processing and validation of secondary MFA tokens.
- ✗
The local administrator database on Panorama
Why it's wrong here
Local databases cannot process dynamic MFA push notifications without an integrated external provider.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
About these practice questions
This Cybersecurity-Practitioner question is part of Courseiva's 206-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This Cybersecurity-Practitioner 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 Cybersecurity-Practitioner exam.