This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of decryption and monitoring. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
admin@PA-500> show log traffic | match 10.0.0.5
Time Source Dest Application Action Decrypted
2023/01/01 10.0.0.5 192.168.1.1 ssl allow yes
2023/01/01 10.0.0.5 8.8.8.8 dns allow no
```
An administrator sees the above traffic log entries. What can be concluded about the traffic to 192.168.1.1?
Refer to the exhibit.
```
admin@PA-500> show log traffic | match 10.0.0.5
Time Source Dest Application Action Decrypted
2023/01/01 10.0.0.5 192.168.1.1 ssl allow yes
2023/01/01 10.0.0.5 8.8.8.8 dns allow no
```
A
The traffic was decrypted because it matched a decryption policy.
The 'Decrypted: yes' field indicates decryption was applied.
B
The traffic was decrypted because the application is SSL.
Why wrong: While SSL is required for decryption, the policy is what triggers it.
C
The traffic was not decrypted because it matched a no-decrypt policy.
Why wrong: The log shows 'yes' for decrypted.
D
The traffic was not decrypted because the destination is external.
Why wrong: The destination is internal (192.168.1.1) and decrypted anyway.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The traffic was decrypted because it matched a decryption policy.
The traffic log entries indicate that the session to 192.168.1.1 was decrypted, as shown by the decryption flag or action field (e.g., 'decrypt'). This occurs when the traffic matches a decryption policy configured on the firewall, typically for SSL/TLS inspection. The destination being internal (192.168.1.1) and the application being SSL are not sufficient conditions for decryption; a matching decryption rule is required.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 traffic was decrypted because it matched a decryption policy.
Why this is correct
The 'Decrypted: yes' field indicates decryption was applied.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The traffic was decrypted because the application is SSL.
Why it's wrong here
While SSL is required for decryption, the policy is what triggers it.
✗
The traffic was not decrypted because it matched a no-decrypt policy.
Why it's wrong here
The log shows 'yes' for decrypted.
✗
The traffic was not decrypted because the destination is external.
Why it's wrong here
The destination is internal (192.168.1.1) and decrypted anyway.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Palo Alto Networks often tests the misconception that SSL application traffic is automatically decrypted, but in reality, decryption requires an explicit policy rule; the trap here is confusing application identification with policy enforcement.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The log shows 'yes' for decrypted.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Palo Alto Networks firewalls, decryption is governed by Decryption policies that specify source, destination, and service conditions. When a session matches a Decrypt rule, the firewall performs SSL/TLS interception by generating a certificate on-the-fly (if using forward proxy) or using a pre-imported certificate. The traffic log includes a 'Decrypted' flag or action field to indicate whether decryption was applied, which is the key indicator for this question.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Decryption and Monitoring — This question tests Decryption and Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The traffic was decrypted because it matched a decryption policy. — The traffic log entries indicate that the session to 192.168.1.1 was decrypted, as shown by the decryption flag or action field (e.g., 'decrypt'). This occurs when the traffic matches a decryption policy configured on the firewall, typically for SSL/TLS inspection. The destination being internal (192.168.1.1) and the application being SSL are not sufficient conditions for decryption; a matching decryption rule is required.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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