- A
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, application set to web-browsing and ssl, action allow.
This uses App-ID to precisely allow only web and SSL traffic, blocking everything else by default.
- B
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, application default, action allow.
Why wrong: 'application default' allows all applications Palo Alto deems default, which is too broad and not specific to web-browsing and ssl.
- C
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, service any, application any, action allow.
Why wrong: This allows all traffic and does not block anything else, defeating the purpose.
- D
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, service tcp/80 and tcp/443, action allow.
Why wrong: Service-based rules are less secure as they rely only on ports; applications could be masqueraded.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is to create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, application set to web-browsing and ssl, and action allow. This is the most efficient and secure method because Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls use App-ID to identify traffic by application, not just by port, so allowing the specific applications web-browsing and ssl ensures only legitimate HTTP and HTTPS traffic reaches the DMZ web server while blocking everything else, including port-based attacks. On the PCNSA exam, this question tests your understanding of application-based security rules versus traditional service-based rules, a core concept for the Application and Content Identification section; the common trap is choosing a service-based rule that opens ports 80 and 443, which is less secure because it allows any traffic on those ports, including non-web applications. For a quick memory tip, think "App-ID, not Port-ID" — on the PCNSA, always prefer application objects over service objects for granular, zero-trust control.
PCNSA Securing Traffic Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of securing traffic. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 network administrator wants to allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic from untrust zone to DMZ zone for a web server, but block all other traffic. What is the most efficient way to achieve this with a single rule?
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
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, application set to web-browsing and ssl, action allow.
Option A is correct because using application-based rules is more secure and efficient than service-based. Option B is less secure as it relies on ports. Option C allows all default applications, too broad. Option D allows all traffic.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, application set to web-browsing and ssl, action allow.
- ✗
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, application default, action allow.
Why it's wrong here
'application default' allows all applications Palo Alto deems default, which is too broad and not specific to web-browsing and ssl.
- ✗
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, service any, application any, action allow.
Why it's wrong here
This allows all traffic and does not block anything else, defeating the purpose.
- ✗
Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, service tcp/80 and tcp/443, action allow.
Why it's wrong here
Service-based rules are less secure as they rely only on ports; applications could be masqueraded.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PCNSA NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
- →
Securing Traffic — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Securing Traffic practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All PCNSA questions
524 questions across all exam domains
- →
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator PCNSA study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
PCNSA practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related PCNSA practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Managing Objects practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to Managing Objects.
Policy Evaluation and Management practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to Policy Evaluation and Management.
Securing Traffic practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to Securing Traffic.
Core Concepts practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to Core Concepts.
Palo Alto Networks Platforms and Architecture practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to Palo Alto Networks Platforms and Architecture.
Device Management and Services practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to Device Management and Services.
App-ID and Content-ID practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to App-ID and Content-ID.
Decryption and Monitoring practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to Decryption and Monitoring.
PCNSA fundamentals practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to PCNSA fundamentals.
PCNSA scenario practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to PCNSA scenario.
PCNSA troubleshooting practice questions
Practise PCNSA questions linked to PCNSA troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free PCNSA practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSA question test?
Securing Traffic — This question tests Securing Traffic — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a security policy with source zone Untrust, destination zone DMZ, application set to web-browsing and ssl, action allow. — Option A is correct because using application-based rules is more secure and efficient than service-based. Option B is less secure as it relies on ports. Option C allows all default applications, too broad. Option D allows all traffic.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PCNSA NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.