- A
Clear the 'allow session cookie' option in the captive portal profile.
This disables the session cookie, so when the browser is closed, the session ends and re-authentication is required.
- B
Configure the authentication enforcement to require authentication for each session.
Why wrong: Authentication enforcement is a separate setting in security policies, not directly controlling captive portal behavior.
- C
Set the session timeout to 0 in the captive portal profile.
Why wrong: Setting timeout to 0 disables session timeout entirely, making the session last forever.
- D
Disable the 'session cookie' setting in the captive portal profile and change the authentication profile to use RADIUS.
Why wrong: Disabling session cookie is correct, but changing the authentication profile is unnecessary.
PCNSE Practice Question: Securing Users and Applications with Authentication
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of securing users and applications with authentication. 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.
An organization uses captive portal authentication. Users report that after closing the browser, they are still authenticated and can access resources without re-authenticating. How can the administrator enforce re-authentication after browser closure?
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
Clear the 'allow session cookie' option in the captive portal profile.
Captive portal uses a session cookie to maintain authentication. Clearing the 'allow session cookie' option forces the user to authenticate for each new browser session. Option B is correct.
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.
- ✓
Clear the 'allow session cookie' option in the captive portal profile.
Why this is correct
This disables the session cookie, so when the browser is closed, the session ends and re-authentication is required.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Configure the authentication enforcement to require authentication for each session.
Why it's wrong here
Authentication enforcement is a separate setting in security policies, not directly controlling captive portal behavior.
- ✗
Set the session timeout to 0 in the captive portal profile.
Why it's wrong here
Setting timeout to 0 disables session timeout entirely, making the session last forever.
- ✗
Disable the 'session cookie' setting in the captive portal profile and change the authentication profile to use RADIUS.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling session cookie is correct, but changing the authentication profile is unnecessary.
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.
- →
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: Clear the 'allow session cookie' option in the captive portal profile. — Captive portal uses a session cookie to maintain authentication. Clearing the 'allow session cookie' option forces the user to authenticate for each new browser session. Option B is correct.
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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