- A
The log forwarding profile only includes 'traffic' logs and not 'threat' logs.
Why wrong: Denied traffic logs are traffic logs, not threat logs; they should be included if traffic logging is enabled.
- B
The firewall is logging only at session end and the deny sessions are not completing.
Why wrong: Denied sessions still end and generate a log (unless dropped before session setup).
- C
The log forwarding profile is not configured to forward logs for denied sessions.
Log forwarding profiles can filter by action (e.g., allow, deny). If deny is not included, denied traffic logs won't be forwarded.
- D
The SIEM is not configured to receive syslog messages for deny actions.
Why wrong: If the SIEM receives allowed logs, it can receive deny logs; the issue is on the sending side.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the log forwarding profile is not configured to forward logs for denied sessions. On Palo Alto Networks firewalls, log forwarding profiles allow granular control over which log actions—such as allow, deny, or drop—are actually sent to an external SIEM. Even when a profile includes the 'traffic' log type, it must also explicitly enable forwarding for deny actions; otherwise, only allowed traffic logs are forwarded, which explains why denied traffic logs are missing in log forwarding. This question tests your understanding of how log filtering works within forwarding profiles, a common pitfall on the PCNSA exam where candidates assume that simply selecting a log type covers all actions. A frequent trap is confusing threat logs with traffic logs—denied traffic is a traffic log with a deny action, not a threat log. Memory tip: think of the log forwarding profile as a gatekeeper that needs a separate permission for each action—if you don't check "deny," the gate stays closed for those logs.
PCNSA Securing Traffic Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of securing traffic. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 security administrator configures log forwarding to send threat logs to a central SIEM. The administrator creates a log forwarding profile that includes 'threat' and 'traffic' log types, and applies the profile to several security rules. After verifying, the SIEM receives logs for allowed traffic, but does not receive any logs for denied traffic. The administrator confirms that the deny rules also have the same log forwarding profile applied. What is the most likely cause of the missing denied traffic logs? The log forwarding profile is not configured to forward logs for denied sessions. The SIEM is not configured to receive syslog messages for deny actions. The firewall is logging only at session end and the deny sessions are not completing. The log forwarding profile only includes 'traffic' logs and not 'threat' logs.
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 log forwarding profile is not configured to forward logs for denied sessions.
Option A is correct because log forwarding profiles can be set to forward different log types, and if the profile does not include 'deny' or 'drop' actions, those logs won't be forwarded. Option B is incorrect because the SIEM receives allowed logs, so syslog is working. Option C is incorrect because denied sessions are still logged at session end. Option D is incorrect because threat logs are not the same as denied traffic logs; denied traffic logs fall under traffic logs with a deny action.
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 log forwarding profile only includes 'traffic' logs and not 'threat' logs.
Why it's wrong here
Denied traffic logs are traffic logs, not threat logs; they should be included if traffic logging is enabled.
- ✗
The firewall is logging only at session end and the deny sessions are not completing.
Why it's wrong here
Denied sessions still end and generate a log (unless dropped before session setup).
- ✓
The log forwarding profile is not configured to forward logs for denied sessions.
Why this is correct
Log forwarding profiles can filter by action (e.g., allow, deny). If deny is not included, denied traffic logs won't be forwarded.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
The SIEM is not configured to receive syslog messages for deny actions.
Why it's wrong here
If the SIEM receives allowed logs, it can receive deny logs; the issue is on the sending side.
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.
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
- →
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 — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The log forwarding profile is not configured to forward logs for denied sessions. — Option A is correct because log forwarding profiles can be set to forward different log types, and if the profile does not include 'deny' or 'drop' actions, those logs won't be forwarded. Option B is incorrect because the SIEM receives allowed logs, so syslog is working. Option C is incorrect because denied sessions are still logged at session end. Option D is incorrect because threat logs are not the same as denied traffic logs; denied traffic logs fall under traffic logs with a deny action.
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.
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.