Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) Practice Exam

What type of log entry is created when the firewall detects a virus?

1. A traffic log entry

2. A threat log entry

3. A system log entry

4. An event log entry

The correct answer is: A threat log entry

When a Palo Alto Networks firewall detects a virus, it generates a threat log entry. This type of log entry is specifically designed to capture detailed information about threats such as viruses, malware, and other security risks that the firewall identifies during its examination of network traffic. Threat log entries provide crucial data, including the type of threat detected, the source and destination IP addresses, the user involved (if applicable), and the specific action taken by the firewall (such as alerting or blocking the threat). This information is vital for security administrators to understand the nature of the threat, assess potential damage, and implement appropriate response measures. In contrast, traffic log entries focus on the details of network traffic without necessarily indicating threats. System log entries relate to the operational aspects of the firewall, such as configuration changes or system alerts, while event log entries might capture specific occurrences within the firewall system. The distinct focus of threat log entries on security threats makes them the correct choice for this scenario.