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

When a firewall blocks access to a file due to a security threat, which of the following is true?

1. The client can still view the file contents

2. A block page is shown to the client

3. The file is deleted from the client's computer

4. The download continues but with warnings

The correct answer is: A block page is shown to the client

When a firewall blocks access to a file due to a security threat, it typically presents a block page to the client. This block page serves as a notification that the requested file cannot be accessed due to the identified security threat. It effectively communicates to the user the reason for the blockage, which could relate to malware or other security risks associated with the file. This mechanism helps in maintaining the security posture of the network by informing users of potential dangers while preventing access to files that could compromise the system or network integrity. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the actions taken by a firewall in such scenarios. The client would not be able to view the file contents when access is blocked, nor would the file be deleted from the client's computer, as the firewall's role is primarily to manage network traffic rather than interact with files stored on client systems. Additionally, while warnings might be provided in some contexts, a blocked file would not proceed to download if it had been flagged as a security threat.