Quick Answer
The answer is Antivirus and File Blocking. These two security profiles block known malware by leveraging distinct mechanisms: Antivirus uses signature-based detection to identify and stop known malicious files, while File Blocking prevents the transfer of specific file types that are commonly associated with malware, such as executables or archives. On the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator PCNSA exam, this question tests your understanding of how security profiles map to threat categories—a common trap is confusing Anti-Spyware or Vulnerability Protection with malware blocking, but remember that Anti-Spyware targets spyware-specific threats and Vulnerability Protection blocks exploit attempts, not the malware files themselves. A helpful memory tip: think of Antivirus as the “known bad” signature catcher and File Blocking as the “risky type” gatekeeper—together they form the frontline defense against known malware.
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.
Which TWO security profile types are used to block known malware? (Choose two.)
File Blocking
File blocking can block malicious file types.
URL Filtering
Why wrong: URL filtering blocks websites, not malware.
Anti-Spyware
Why wrong: Anti-spyware targets spyware, not all malware.
Antivirus
Antivirus blocks known malware signatures.
Vulnerability Protection
Why wrong: Vulnerability protection blocks exploits, not malware.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
File Blocking
Options A and C are correct. Antivirus blocks malware based on signatures. File Blocking blocks specific file types, which can include malicious files. Anti-spyware blocks spyware specifically. Vulnerability Protection blocks exploits, not malware files. URL Filtering controls URLs.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
File Blocking
Why this is correct
File blocking can block malicious file types.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
URL Filtering
Why it's wrong here
URL filtering blocks websites, not malware.
Anti-Spyware
Why it's wrong here
Anti-spyware targets spyware, not all malware.
Antivirus
Why this is correct
Antivirus blocks known malware signatures.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Vulnerability Protection
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability protection blocks exploits, not malware.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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
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FAQ
Securing Traffic — This question tests Securing Traffic — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: File Blocking — Options A and C are correct. Antivirus blocks malware based on signatures. File Blocking blocks specific file types, which can include malicious files. Anti-spyware blocks spyware specifically. Vulnerability Protection blocks exploits, not malware files. URL Filtering controls URLs.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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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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