Requirements

• Understanding the architecture and components of Palo Alto Networks NGFWs.

Description

The PCNSA exam is aimed at security professionals, network administrators, and engineers who are responsible for deploying, managing, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks firewalls in enterprise environments. This certification ensures that candidates understand how to protect and secure network infrastructures through the effective use of Palo Alto Networks' security products.

Key Features and Topics Covered

1. Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW):

   • Understanding the architecture and components of Palo Alto Networks NGFWs.

   • Configuring and managing firewall rules to control network traffic based on applications, users, and content.

   • Utilizing zones and interfaces for network segmentation and security enforcement.

2. Firewall Configuration and Policy Management:

   • Configuring and managing security policies to allow or deny traffic based on specific criteria.

   • Configuring NAT (Network Address Translation) rules for controlling IP addresses.

   • Implementing application-based and user-based security policies.

3. Security Profiles:

   • Using security profiles, such as antivirus, anti-spyware, URL filtering, and file blocking, to protect networks.

   • Configuring and managing threat prevention features like IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), WildFire, and Malware Protection.

   • Protecting the network with SSL Decryption and preventing data leaks with Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

4. Monitoring and Logging:

   • Using the monitoring tools in Palo Alto Networks firewalls to analyze traffic patterns and security events.

   • Configuring and managing logs, including traffic logs, threat logs, and system logs.

   • Understanding how to set up alerts for various security events and incidents.

5. User-ID and Authentication:

   • Implementing User-ID to apply security policies based on user identity rather than just IP address.

   • Configuring GlobalProtect for secure remote access and authentication.

   • Understanding Single Sign-On (SSO) integration with Palo Alto Networks firewalls.

6. VPN (Virtual Private Network):

   • Configuring and managing Site-to-Site and Remote Access VPNs to securely connect remote users and locations.

   • Setting up IPsec and SSL VPNs to ensure encrypted communications.

   • Troubleshooting VPN connectivity issues.

7. High Availability (HA) and Redundancy:

   • Implementing High Availability (HA) to ensure the firewall remains operational in case of a failure.

   • Configuring Active-Passive and Active-Active HA modes.

   • Understanding HA concepts and how they apply to firewall failover and load balancing.

8. Cloud Security:

   • Understanding how to integrate Palo Alto Networks solutions with cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

   • Using cloud-delivered security features and services to enhance your security posture.

9. Threat Intelligence and Prevention:

   • Configuring Palo Alto Networks’ threat intelligence services to proactively block malicious activity.

   • Using threat feeds to keep your firewall updated with the latest threat intelligence data.

   • Understanding the importance of WildFire for advanced threat detection and analysis.

10. Traffic Visibility and Troubleshooting:

• Gaining visibility into network traffic using tools like the session browser and traffic log.

• Troubleshooting network and security issues by analyzing logs and traffic patterns.

• Understanding common troubleshooting commands and techniques for resolving firewall issues.

Who this course is for:

• Network Administrators
• Security Engineers
• IT Administrators