Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET)Palo Alto Networks TechnologiesHard
A network security team wants to gain full visibility into encrypted traffic passing through their Palo Alto Networks NGFW to detect hidden threats and enforce security policies. Which component or feature must be enabled on the NGFW to achieve this without compromising privacy or performance?
- AIntra-zone Forwarding
- BPolicy-Based Forwarding
- CSSL Inbound Inspection
- DApplication Override
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. SSL Inbound Inspection
SSL Inbound Inspection (or SSL Decryption) allows the NGFW to decrypt and inspect SSL/TLS encrypted traffic, then re-encrypt it, providing full visibility into potential threats hidden within encrypted communications while maintaining security.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Intra-zone Forwarding allows traffic between interfaces within the same security zone, not for decrypting traffic.
- B. Policy-Based Forwarding (PBF) directs traffic based on specific criteria, overriding standard routing, not for decryption.
- D. Application Override forces the NGFW to identify an application by port/protocol instead of App-ID, not for decrypting traffic.
SSL Decryption (Inbound/Outbound)
A Palo Alto Networks NGFW feature that decrypts SSL/TLS encrypted traffic, inspects it for threats and policy violations, and then re-encrypts it before forwarding, providing full visibility into encrypted communications.
- Crucial for detecting hidden threats in encrypted traffic (e.g., malware, data exfiltration).
- Can be configured as SSL Forward Proxy (outbound) or SSL Inbound Inspection (inbound).
- Requires proper certificate management and careful policy configuration to balance security and privacy.
Memory trick: To see into the SSL lockbox, you need Inbound Inspection.