- A
Create a security policy to allow RADIUS traffic from the firewall to the RADIUS server.
Why wrong: Security policies are for data traffic; management traffic uses service routes. The firewall already has implicit access to RADIUS if configured.
- B
Enable MFA in the User-ID agent configuration.
Why wrong: User-ID agent handles user mapping, not administrative authentication.
- C
Create an authentication profile using RADIUS with MFA enabled and assign it to the admin accounts.
The authentication profile defines how the firewall authenticates users. By using RADIUS with MFA, the firewall will prompt for the second factor.
- D
Configure an authentication enforcement rule in the authentication policy.
Why wrong: Authentication enforcement rules are for user authentication to applications, not for firewall administrative access.
PCNSE Practice Question: Securing Users and Applications with Authentication
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of securing users and applications with authentication. 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 company wants to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative access to the Palo Alto Networks firewall. They have a RADIUS server configured with MFA capability (e.g., RSA SecurID). The firewall is currently using local authentication for admin accounts. What must be configured to enforce MFA for admin access?
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 an authentication profile using RADIUS with MFA enabled and assign it to the admin accounts.
Option A is correct because an authentication profile specifies the authentication method (RADIUS with MFA) and must be assigned to admin accounts. Options B, C, and D are not required for admin authentication.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 to allow RADIUS traffic from the firewall to the RADIUS server.
- ✗
Enable MFA in the User-ID agent configuration.
Why it's wrong here
User-ID agent handles user mapping, not administrative authentication.
- ✓
Create an authentication profile using RADIUS with MFA enabled and assign it to the admin accounts.
- ✗
Configure an authentication enforcement rule in the authentication policy.
Why it's wrong here
Authentication enforcement rules are for user authentication to applications, not for firewall administrative access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCNSE questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — study guide chapter
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Securing Users and Applications with Authentication practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — This question tests Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an authentication profile using RADIUS with MFA enabled and assign it to the admin accounts. — Option A is correct because an authentication profile specifies the authentication method (RADIUS with MFA) and must be assigned to admin accounts. Options B, C, and D are not required for admin authentication.
What should I do if I get this PCNSE question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCNSE questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This PCNSE 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 PCNSE exam.
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