- A
The internal resources require a specific security profile that is not applied to the rule.
Why wrong: Missing security profiles would affect threat detection, not basic access; logs would show allow action.
- B
The User-ID agent is not mapping remote usernames correctly.
Why wrong: User-ID issues would not cause traffic to match a deny rule; they affect policies based on user identification.
- C
The GlobalProtect gateway configuration is missing internal resource routes or split-tunneling settings.
Why wrong: Missing routes would cause no connectivity, but the logs show a rule match (deny), indicating policy issue.
- D
The source zone in the security rule is set to 'Trust' instead of 'GlobalProtect'.
If the rule expects source zone 'Trust', traffic from GlobalProtect zone won't match, and a subsequent deny rule blocks it.
Quick Answer
The answer is a misconfigured source zone in the security rule, specifically set to 'Trust' instead of 'GlobalProtect'. This is the most likely issue because when remote users connect via GlobalProtect, their traffic enters the firewall through the GlobalProtect zone, not the Trust zone. If the security rule allowing access to internal resources specifies 'Trust' as the source zone, the traffic from the GlobalProtect zone will never match that rule; instead, it falls through to a default deny rule, which explains why users get an IP but cannot reach file servers. On the PCNSA exam, this scenario tests your understanding of zone-based policy enforcement, a core concept in Palo Alto Networks firewalls. A common trap is assuming that because users are authenticated and assigned an IP, the policy must be correct—but the zone mismatch is the hidden culprit. Memory tip: traffic follows the zone, not the IP; if your rule says 'Trust' but the user is in 'GlobalProtect', the rule is invisible to that traffic.
PCNSA Securing Traffic Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of securing traffic. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 company configures GlobalProtect for remote access. Remote users can successfully connect to the firewall and obtain an IP address, but they cannot access internal resources (e.g., file servers) located in the internal network. The firewall has a security rule that allows traffic from the GlobalProtect zone to the internal zone with appropriate applications. Logs show that traffic from remote users is being matched to a different rule that denies inter-zone traffic from the GlobalProtect zone to the internal zone. The administrator checks the GlobalProtect gateway configuration and sees that the gateway assigns IP addresses from a pool, but no internal routes are defined. What is the most likely issue? The GlobalProtect gateway configuration is missing internal resource routes or split-tunneling settings. The User-ID agent is not mapping remote usernames correctly. The source zone in the security rule is set to 'Trust' instead of 'GlobalProtect'. The internal resources require a specific security profile that is not applied to the rule.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 source zone in the security rule is set to 'Trust' instead of 'GlobalProtect'.
Option C is correct because if the security rule's source zone is 'Trust' instead of 'GlobalProtect', traffic from the GlobalProtect zone will not match the intended rule and will fall through to a default deny rule. Option A is incorrect because internal resource routes are for routing, not policy matching. Options B and D are less likely given the log behavior.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 internal resources require a specific security profile that is not applied to the rule.
Why it's wrong here
Missing security profiles would affect threat detection, not basic access; logs would show allow action.
- ✗
The User-ID agent is not mapping remote usernames correctly.
Why it's wrong here
User-ID issues would not cause traffic to match a deny rule; they affect policies based on user identification.
- ✗
The GlobalProtect gateway configuration is missing internal resource routes or split-tunneling settings.
Why it's wrong here
Missing routes would cause no connectivity, but the logs show a rule match (deny), indicating policy issue.
- ✓
The source zone in the security rule is set to 'Trust' instead of 'GlobalProtect'.
Why this is correct
If the rule expects source zone 'Trust', traffic from GlobalProtect zone won't match, and a subsequent deny rule blocks it.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Missing security profiles would affect threat detection, not basic access; logs would show allow action.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
- →
Securing Traffic — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Securing Traffic practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSA question test?
Securing Traffic — This question tests Securing Traffic — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The source zone in the security rule is set to 'Trust' instead of 'GlobalProtect'. — Option C is correct because if the security rule's source zone is 'Trust' instead of 'GlobalProtect', traffic from the GlobalProtect zone will not match the intended rule and will fall through to a default deny rule. Option A is incorrect because internal resource routes are for routing, not policy matching. Options B and D are less likely given the log behavior.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This PCNSA 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 PCNSA exam.
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