- A
Enter CLI, then issue tcpdump with filters, then stop the capture, then export the file.
This is the correct order because you must first access the CLI, then start a tcpdump session, stop it to finalize the capture file, and then export it for analysis.
- B
Stop the capture, then enter CLI, then issue tcpdump with filters, then export the file.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you cannot stop a capture that hasn't been started; stopping occurs after issuing tcpdump and before exporting.
- C
Enter CLI, then issue tcpdump with filters, then export the file, then stop the capture.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because exporting a file that is still being written to will result in an incomplete or corrupted capture; you must stop the capture before exporting.
- D
Issue tcpdump with filters, then enter CLI, then stop the capture, then export the file.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you cannot issue tcpdump commands before entering the CLI; CLI access is a prerequisite for any command execution.
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.
Drag and drop the steps to perform a packet capture (tcpdump) on a Palo Alto Networks firewall using the CLI into the correct order.
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
Enter CLI, then issue tcpdump with filters, then stop the capture, then export the file.
Packet capture involves entering CLI, issuing tcpdump with filters, stopping the capture, and exporting the file.
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.
- ✓
Enter CLI, then issue tcpdump with filters, then stop the capture, then export the file.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because you must first access the CLI, then start a tcpdump session, stop it to finalize the capture file, and then export it for analysis.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Stop the capture, then enter CLI, then issue tcpdump with filters, then export the file.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot stop a capture that hasn't been started; stopping occurs after issuing tcpdump and before exporting.
- ✗
Enter CLI, then issue tcpdump with filters, then export the file, then stop the capture.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because exporting a file that is still being written to will result in an incomplete or corrupted capture; you must stop the capture before exporting.
- ✗
Issue tcpdump with filters, then enter CLI, then stop the capture, then export the file.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot issue tcpdump commands before entering the CLI; CLI access is a prerequisite for any command execution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is incorrect because you cannot issue tcpdump commands before entering the CLI; CLI access is a prerequisite for any command execution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 practitioner preparing for the PCNSA exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PCNSA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Securing Traffic — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Securing Traffic practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSA question test?
Securing Traffic — This question tests Securing Traffic — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enter CLI, then issue tcpdump with filters, then stop the capture, then export the file. — Packet capture involves entering CLI, issuing tcpdump with filters, stopping the capture, and exporting the file.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Identify which PCNSA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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