Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET)Network SecurityEasy
A network administrator is configuring a new firewall and needs to ensure that internal users can access external web servers securely without exposing internal services directly to the internet. Which network security concept is most relevant for this scenario?
- AVirtual Private Network (VPN)
- BNetwork Address Translation (NAT)
- CDistributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection
- DIntrusion Detection System (IDS)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Network Address Translation (NAT)
Network Address Translation (NAT) allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP address, enabling secure outbound connections while hiding internal network topology.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for remote access or site-to-site connectivity, not for general internal user internet access.
- C. DDoS protection mitigates large-scale attacks that overwhelm network resources, which is not the primary concern here.
- D. IDS monitors traffic for malicious activity but doesn't handle address translation for outbound connections.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
A method of remapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit.
- Translates private IP addresses to public IP addresses.
- Hides internal network topology from external networks.
- Conserves public IP addresses.
- Enhances network security by preventing direct external access to internal hosts.
Memory trick: NAT is like a Post Office for home addresses – it changes your internal address to a public one for external mail.