Quick Answer
The answer is SAML and Kerberos. SAML supports SSO by exchanging signed XML assertions between an identity provider and the firewall, allowing users to authenticate once in a browser session without re-entering credentials. Kerberos enables SSO through ticket-based authentication, where the client obtains a Ticket Granting Ticket from the Key Distribution Center and presents it to the firewall, eliminating repeated logins. On the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer PCNSE exam, this question tests your understanding of which authentication methods natively support SSO without additional agents—a common trap is confusing LDAP or RADIUS, which require re-authentication per session. Remember that SAML is for browser-based federated SSO, while Kerberos is for domain-joined Windows environments. A helpful mnemonic: “SAML for the browser, Kerberos for the domain—both skip the password pain.”
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.
Which TWO authentication methods support single sign-on (SSO) capabilities in Palo Alto Networks firewalls?
LDAP
Why wrong: LDAP is for user mapping, not SSO.
Local Database
Why wrong: Local database requires manual authentication.
Kerberos
Kerberos provides transparent SSO for domain users.
RADIUS
Why wrong: RADIUS typically requires separate authentication, not SSO.
SAML
SAML enables SSO across different services.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Kerberos
Kerberos (option C) supports SSO because it uses ticket-based authentication where the client obtains a Ticket Granting Ticket (TGT) from the Key Distribution Center (KDC) and presents it to the firewall without re-entering credentials. SAML (option E) supports SSO by exchanging signed XML assertions between an identity provider (IdP) and the firewall, enabling browser-based federated single sign-on.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
LDAP
Why it's wrong here
LDAP is for user mapping, not SSO.
Local Database
Why it's wrong here
Local database requires manual authentication.
Kerberos
Why this is correct
Kerberos provides transparent SSO for domain users.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS typically requires separate authentication, not SSO.
SAML
Why this is correct
SAML enables SSO across different services.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often assume RADIUS or LDAP support SSO because they are common authentication protocols, but neither provides the ticket or assertion exchange required for true single sign-on; only Kerberos and SAML implement SSO mechanisms in Palo Alto firewalls.
Detailed technical explanation
Kerberos SSO on Palo Alto firewalls leverages the GSS-API mechanism to validate Kerberos service tickets (e.g., HTTP/panorama@REALM) without prompting for passwords, relying on the client's existing TGT from the domain controller. SAML SSO uses HTTP POST or redirect bindings to carry signed SAML 2.0 assertions, and the firewall acts as a service provider (SP) that validates the assertion's signature and NotOnOrAfter condition. In real-world deployments, Kerberos is ideal for on-premises Active Directory environments, while SAML is preferred for cloud-based identity providers like Azure AD or Okta.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — This question tests Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Kerberos — Kerberos (option C) supports SSO because it uses ticket-based authentication where the client obtains a Ticket Granting Ticket (TGT) from the Key Distribution Center (KDC) and presents it to the firewall without re-entering credentials. SAML (option E) supports SSO by exchanging signed XML assertions between an identity provider (IdP) and the firewall, enabling browser-based federated single sign-on.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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