Important Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity-Practitioner Exam Questions

Answer: C

Explanation:

Least privileges access control is the capability of a Zero Trust network security architecture that leverages the combination of application, user, and content identification to prevent unauthorized access. Least privileges access control means that users and devices are only granted the permissions they need to perform their tasks, and nothing more. This helps reduce the attack surface and makes it more difficult for attackers to gain access to sensitive data or resources. Least privileges access control is based on the principle of Zero Trust, which assumes that there are attackers both within and outside of the network, so no users or devices should be automatically trusted. Zero Trust verifies user identity and privileges as well as device identity and security, and requires end-to-end encryption. Least privileges access control also involves careful management of user permissions and network segmentation, which limit the amount of information and length of time people can access something, and contain the damage if someone does get unauthorized access.Reference:What Is Zero Trust Architecture? | Microsoft Security,Zero Trust security | What is a Zero Trust network? | Cloudflare,What is Zero Trust Architecture? | SANS Institute,What Is a Zero Trust Architecture? | Zscaler,What is Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)? - CrowdStrike.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Cortex XDR is an endpoint tool or agent that can enact behavior-based protection. Behavior-based protection is a method of detecting and blocking malicious activities based on the actions or potential actions of an object, such as a file, a process, or a network connection. Behavior-based protection can identify and stop threats that are unknown or evade traditional signature-based detection, by analyzing the object's behavior for suspicious or abnormal patterns. Cortex XDR is a comprehensive solution that provides behavior-based protection for endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. Cortex XDR uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to continuously monitor and analyze data from multiple sources, such as logs, events, alerts, and telemetry. Cortex XDR can detect and prevent advanced attacks, such as ransomware, fileless malware, zero-day exploits, and lateral movement, by applying behavioral blocking and containment rules. Cortex XDR can also perform root cause analysis, threat hunting, and incident response, to help organizations reduce the impact and duration of security incidents.Reference:

Cortex XDR - Palo Alto Networks

Behavioral blocking and containment | Microsoft Learn

Behaviour Based Endpoint Protection | Signature-Based Security - Xcitium

The 12 Best Endpoint Security Software Solutions and Tools [2024]

Answer: D

Explanation:

A sanctioned application is an application that is approved by the IT department and meets the security and compliance requirements of the organization. Sanctioned applications are allowed to access the organization's network and data and are monitored and protected by the IT department. Examples of sanctioned applications are Office 365, Salesforce, and Zoom. Sanctioned applications are different from unsanctioned, prohibited, and tolerated applications, which are not approved by the IT department and may pose security risks to the organization. Unsanctioned applications are applications that are used by the employees without the IT department's knowledge or consent, such as Dropbox, Gmail, or Facebook. Prohibited applications are applications that are explicitly forbidden by the IT department, such as BitTorrent, Tor, or malware. Tolerated applications are applications that are not approved by the IT department, but are not blocked or restricted, such as Skype, Spotify, or YouTube.Reference:Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET),Cloud Security Fundamentals - Module 4: Cloud Security Best Practices,Application Visibility and Control

Answer: B

Explanation:

Cortex XDR is a cloud-based, advanced endpoint protection solution that combines multiple methods of prevention against known and unknown malware, ransomware, and exploits. Cortex XDR uses behavioral threat protection, exploit prevention, and local analysis to stop the execution of malicious programs before an endpoint can be compromised. Cortex XDR also enables remediation on the endpoint following an alert or investigation, giving administrators the option to isolate, terminate, block, or quarantine malicious files or processes. Cortex XDR is part of the Cortex platform, which provides unified visibility and detection across the network, endpoint, and cloud.Reference:

Cortex XDR - Palo Alto Networks

Endpoint Protection - Palo Alto Networks

Endpoint Security - Palo Alto Networks

Preventing Malware and Ransomware With Traps - Palo Alto Networks

Answer: D

Explanation:

A Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) is installed directly on an endpoint device (such as a server or workstation) and monitors local system activity, including processes, file access, and system calls, to detect and prevent malicious behavior.