Palo Alto Networks PCCSE Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions
Question 1
Which two of the following are features provided by Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud for securing cloud environments? (Choose 2.)
A. Real-time threat intelligence and vulnerability scanning
B. Cloud-native firewall services for traffic filtering
C. Continuous monitoring of cloud resources and services
D. Identity management for cloud service users
E. Data loss prevention for cloud storage services
Answer: A, C
Explanation:
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud is a comprehensive Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) that delivers a wide range of capabilities for securing cloud-native architectures. It provides organizations with deep visibility, threat detection, and policy enforcement across multiple cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and GCP. Among its many features, Prisma Cloud focuses heavily on runtime protection, vulnerability management, compliance enforcement, and continuous monitoring—key pillars for modern cloud security.
Option A is correct. Real-time threat intelligence and vulnerability scanning are essential components of Prisma Cloud. The platform continuously scans workloads—whether they are containers, VMs, or serverless functions—for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and known threats. Prisma Cloud leverages Palo Alto Networks’ threat intelligence, including feeds from Unit 42, to enhance the accuracy and speed of detection. This enables security teams to quickly identify and remediate risks before they can be exploited. The vulnerability scanning is often integrated into CI/CD pipelines as well, allowing developers to detect issues early in the development lifecycle.
Option C is also correct. Prisma Cloud offers continuous monitoring of cloud resources and services, which is central to maintaining cloud security posture. Through its Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) functionality, Prisma Cloud monitors configurations of cloud services to ensure they meet security and compliance standards. It alerts administrators about any deviations from best practices, misconfigurations, or violations of security policies in near real-time. This includes monitoring IAM policies, public access settings, networking configurations, and more.
Option B is incorrect. While traffic filtering is an important aspect of cloud security, cloud-native firewall services are typically managed via Palo Alto Networks’ VM-Series firewalls or Prisma Access, not directly through Prisma Cloud. Prisma Cloud is focused more on visibility, compliance, and workload protection rather than being a traditional firewall solution.
Option D is incorrect. Identity management is generally provided by cloud providers (like AWS IAM or Azure AD) or identity providers (like Okta). Prisma Cloud does analyze permissions and overprivileged identities through Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM), but it does not manage identity creation, authentication, or lifecycle.
Option E is incorrect. Although Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is an emerging area within cloud security, it is not one of the core, built-in features of Prisma Cloud as of now. Prisma Cloud primarily focuses on misconfiguration detection, vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance enforcement. DLP solutions are usually separate services that specialize in content inspection, encryption enforcement, and data movement policies.
Thus, the two features that best represent Prisma Cloud’s strengths in cloud security are A and C.
Question 2
Which two types of cloud environments are supported by Prisma Cloud? (Choose 2.)
A. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
B. Microsoft Azure
C. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
D. Local on-premises infrastructure
E. Private cloud managed by Palo Alto Networks
Answer: A, B
Explanation:
Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks is specifically engineered to support a broad spectrum of public cloud providers, offering full-stack visibility and protection for cloud-native workloads. The platform is highly integrated with the APIs and infrastructure models of major public cloud providers, enabling it to deliver deep security intelligence and automated compliance checks.
Option A is correct. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the primary public cloud environments supported by Prisma Cloud. Prisma Cloud integrates with AWS services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, and others to deliver posture management, threat detection, and vulnerability scanning. The platform uses native APIs to ingest data and monitor resources in real time, allowing it to detect misconfigurations, monitor traffic patterns, and identify vulnerabilities across AWS deployments.
Option B is also correct. Microsoft Azure is another major public cloud provider supported by Prisma Cloud. The platform supports Azure-native services, including Azure VMs, Blob storage, App Services, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). Prisma Cloud can identify misconfigurations in Azure policies, flag over-permissioned roles, and monitor for threats within Azure environments. It ensures that users can enforce consistent security controls across their multi-cloud environments, including Azure.
Option C might seem plausible, but it is not among the top two cloud platforms most frequently emphasized by Prisma Cloud in terms of complete service coverage. While Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is indeed supported, it generally has slightly less comprehensive integration coverage compared to AWS and Azure, depending on the feature area. Since this is a choose 2 question, AWS and Azure are the most correct choices as the two most robustly supported platforms.
Option D is incorrect. Local on-premises infrastructure is outside the scope of Prisma Cloud's intended domain. Prisma Cloud is specifically built to operate in cloud-native environments and integrates with cloud APIs. For on-prem security, Palo Alto Networks provides other solutions such as Cortex XDR, VM-Series firewalls, and Traps.
Option E is incorrect. There is no such offering as a private cloud managed by Palo Alto Networks. Prisma Cloud is a SaaS platform provided by Palo Alto Networks that connects to the customer’s own public cloud accounts. Palo Alto does not provide or manage private cloud environments as part of this product.
Therefore, the correct answers representing fully supported and deeply integrated cloud platforms by Prisma Cloud are A and B.
Question 3
Which two of the following are capabilities of Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR in the context of cloud security? (Choose 2.)
A. Automating cloud security response processes
B. Integrating with cloud storage for data recovery
C. Performing real-time analysis of cloud applications and services
D. Providing a centralized management interface for all cloud firewalls
E. Orchestrating security operations with predefined playbooks
Answer: A, E
Explanation:
Cortex XSOAR (Extended Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) is Palo Alto Networks’ leading SOAR platform. It is designed to unify and automate security operations across cloud and on-premise environments. In the context of cloud security, Cortex XSOAR provides powerful tools to help security teams detect, respond to, and remediate threats efficiently. The key capabilities relevant to cloud security include security automation, incident orchestration, playbook-driven response, and integration with cloud-native and third-party tools.
Option A is correct. One of the foundational strengths of Cortex XSOAR is automating cloud security response processes. This is achieved through customizable playbooks that automate responses to security alerts triggered in cloud environments. For example, if an anomalous IAM activity is detected in AWS or Azure, XSOAR can automatically trigger a predefined response such as disabling the user account, generating an alert, or notifying relevant teams. This reduces Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) and minimizes the impact of security incidents in cloud ecosystems.
Option E is also correct. Cortex XSOAR provides predefined (and customizable) playbooks to orchestrate responses to a wide variety of cloud and hybrid threats. These playbooks integrate with cloud-native tools (e.g., AWS CloudTrail, GCP Security Command Center) and services such as SIEMs, threat intelligence feeds, endpoint detection systems, and more. These playbooks help automate investigation, containment, and remediation tasks. For example, in response to a malware alert in a cloud VM, XSOAR can initiate an automated sequence involving sandbox analysis, firewall rule updates, and evidence collection.
Option B is incorrect. Cortex XSOAR does not handle data recovery or direct integration with cloud storage for backup purposes. That is the domain of data management and backup solutions. While XSOAR can initiate alerts if storage misuse is detected, it does not manage backup workflows.
Option C is incorrect. Cortex XSOAR itself does not perform real-time analysis of cloud apps and services. It integrates with tools that might offer such capabilities, like Prisma Cloud or third-party monitoring systems, but its role is in orchestrating the response rather than direct monitoring or analysis.
Option D is incorrect. Although XSOAR can receive alerts from cloud firewalls and even push configuration updates through integrations, it is not a centralized firewall management interface. That functionality would fall under tools like Panorama (for Palo Alto firewalls) or specific cloud-native firewall managers.
Therefore, the correct answers that align with Cortex XSOAR’s capabilities in cloud security are A and E.
Question 4
Which two of the following are features of Prisma Access in a cloud security environment? (Choose 2.)
A. Secure access to private cloud resources and data
B. Scalable network security for remote workers and mobile devices
C. Endpoint protection for on-premises devices only
D. Data backup and disaster recovery for cloud environments
E. Intrusion prevention and detection for cloud applications
Answer: A, B
Explanation:
Prisma Access is Palo Alto Networks’ cloud-delivered security platform that enables secure access to applications and data from any location, on any device. It is designed to support remote workforces, branch offices, and mobile users, delivering enterprise-grade security consistently across a globally distributed infrastructure. Prisma Access brings together capabilities such as secure web gateways, firewall-as-a-service, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and cloud-based intrusion prevention.
Option A is correct. One of Prisma Access’s core offerings is securing access to private cloud and on-premises resources through ZTNA. It ensures that users—regardless of location—can securely connect to internal applications hosted in private clouds or data centers. Prisma Access enforces strong authentication, traffic inspection, and policy controls to secure this access, making it ideal for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Option B is also correct. Prisma Access provides scalable and cloud-delivered network security for remote and mobile users, replacing legacy VPN and perimeter-based models. It includes secure web gateways, DNS security, data loss prevention, and advanced threat protection. Because it's built on a global cloud infrastructure, Prisma Access scales elastically to meet demand, ensuring consistent performance and protection for users worldwide.
Option C is incorrect. Endpoint protection for on-premises devices is not a focus of Prisma Access. That capability is covered by Cortex XDR, which offers endpoint detection and response. Prisma Access protects traffic and access, not the endpoint device itself.
Option D is incorrect. Prisma Access does not perform data backup or disaster recovery. Those responsibilities lie with storage and infrastructure services or third-party backup platforms. Prisma Access is focused on security, not data resilience.
Option E is partially misleading. While Prisma Access provides intrusion prevention (IPS) as part of its capabilities, it does not specialize in monitoring cloud application behavior specifically. Prisma Access protects the network layer and data in transit, not internal application activity inside the cloud environment. For deeper visibility into cloud workloads and application behavior, Prisma Cloud would be the appropriate product.
Therefore, the correct Prisma Access features in the context of cloud security are A and B.
Question 5
Which two of the following are security best practices for securing cloud infrastructure with Palo Alto Networks? (Choose 2.)
A. Implementing multi-factor authentication for all cloud accounts
B. Disabling all outbound traffic to prevent data exfiltration
C. Enabling full disk encryption for all virtual machines
D. Ensuring the principle of least privilege in user access management
E. Using complex passwords for administrative cloud accounts
Answer: A, D
Explanation:
Securing cloud infrastructure is a multifaceted process that involves not just technology but also implementing best practices across various security domains. Palo Alto Networks, through its products like Prisma Cloud and Prisma Access, provides a variety of tools and strategies to secure cloud environments. However, implementing best practices to complement these tools is critical for a strong security posture.
Option A is correct. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud accounts is one of the most important steps for securing access to cloud environments. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access by requiring more than just a password for authentication. Even if an attacker gains access to login credentials, they would still need the second factor (such as a mobile device or hardware token) to authenticate. This is especially critical for administrative accounts that have access to sensitive cloud infrastructure and data.
Option D is also correct. The principle of least privilege (PoLP) is a security concept that restricts users' access to only the resources they need to perform their tasks. Ensuring the principle of least privilege in user access management helps limit the potential damage caused by compromised accounts and minimizes the attack surface. By ensuring that users and roles in cloud environments have only the permissions necessary for their jobs, organizations can reduce the risks associated with privilege escalation and misconfigurations.
Option B is incorrect. While controlling outbound traffic can reduce the risk of data exfiltration, disabling all outbound traffic is not a practical security best practice. It would severely hinder the ability of cloud services and applications to function. Instead, monitoring outbound traffic and implementing controls that detect and prevent unauthorized data transfers would be more effective.
Option C is incorrect. While full disk encryption for virtual machines (VMs) is an essential security practice, it is not one of the top two best practices in securing cloud infrastructure. Encryption of data at rest and in transit is important, but the overarching focus on user access controls, such as MFA and the principle of least privilege, generally provides a more robust security foundation.
Option E is incorrect. Using complex passwords for administrative cloud accounts is a good practice, but it is not as strong as MFA. While complex passwords are essential, they can still be compromised via brute-force attacks or phishing. MFA provides an additional layer of protection beyond just password complexity.
Thus, the security best practices that significantly enhance the security of cloud infrastructure are A and D.
Question 6
Which two features are part of Prisma Cloud's Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) capabilities? (Choose 2.)
A. Continuous configuration monitoring of cloud environments
B. Automated security response actions based on threat intelligence
C. Blocking malicious access to cloud applications
D. Continuous vulnerability scanning for cloud resources
E. API security to protect cloud services from misuse
Answer: A, D
Explanation:
Prisma Cloud’s Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) capabilities are designed to continuously monitor and enforce security best practices across cloud environments. CSPM focuses on maintaining compliance, detecting misconfigurations, and ensuring the security posture of cloud resources. By automating many aspects of cloud security, Prisma Cloud helps reduce the risk of misconfigurations and ensures continuous adherence to security policies.
Option A is correct. Continuous configuration monitoring is a core feature of CSPM in Prisma Cloud. This feature provides real-time visibility into cloud configurations, ensuring that they are aligned with industry standards, compliance requirements, and security best practices. By continuously monitoring cloud configurations, Prisma Cloud detects misconfigurations or insecure settings (such as overly permissive access to resources), alerting security teams to address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Option D is also correct. Continuous vulnerability scanning for cloud resources is another key feature of CSPM. This includes the ability to scan containers, virtual machines, databases, and serverless functions for known vulnerabilities. Prisma Cloud integrates vulnerability scanning into the CI/CD pipeline, allowing security teams to catch issues early in the development process and ensuring that vulnerabilities are mitigated before deployment to production.
Option B is incorrect. While automated security response actions can be triggered by certain security events, this feature is more characteristic of Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) capabilities in the context of Cloud Workload Protection (CWP), rather than CSPM alone. Automated responses are more relevant to addressing threats in real time, whereas CSPM focuses on posture management, compliance, and configuration.
Option C is incorrect. Blocking malicious access to cloud applications typically falls under Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) or firewall capabilities, not CSPM. Prisma Cloud’s CSPM focuses on monitoring the configuration and compliance of cloud resources rather than directly blocking access or managing application traffic.
Option E is incorrect. API security is vital in cloud environments, but it pertains more to the Cloud Workload Protection (CWP) or API security features of Prisma Cloud. While CSPM does help monitor API configurations, API-specific security measures (e.g., rate-limiting, access controls) are not part of the core CSPM functionalities.
Therefore, the correct features of Prisma Cloud’s CSPM capabilities are A and D, as they focus on continuous monitoring and vulnerability scanning.
Question 7
Which two of the following are methods to secure cloud-native applications using Prisma Cloud? (Choose 2.)
A. Vulnerability scanning for containers and Kubernetes clusters
B. Deploying traditional firewall rules in cloud-native environments
C. Implementing encryption for all cloud-based communication channels
D. Enforcing multi-cloud network segmentation across environments
E. Scanning for insecure open-source libraries within applications
Answer: A, E
Explanation:
Securing cloud-native applications is essential for protecting modern applications that are built using technologies like containers, microservices, and Kubernetes. Prisma Cloud, as a comprehensive cloud security solution, offers various tools and methods for enhancing the security of these environments.
Option A is correct. Vulnerability scanning for containers and Kubernetes clusters is a key method Prisma Cloud uses to secure cloud-native applications. Containers and Kubernetes clusters are central to modern cloud-native applications, and securing them involves regularly scanning for vulnerabilities in the container images, dependencies, and configurations. Prisma Cloud provides real-time scanning for both known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in containers and Kubernetes, helping organizations prevent potential attacks that exploit these weaknesses.
Option E is also correct. Scanning for insecure open-source libraries within applications is a critical step for securing cloud-native applications. Many cloud-native applications leverage open-source libraries, which, if not properly managed, can introduce vulnerabilities. Prisma Cloud can scan the application code and its dependencies, identifying insecure or outdated libraries that may be vulnerable to known exploits. By doing so, organizations can ensure that they are not exposing their applications to unnecessary risk due to insecure third-party code.
Option B is incorrect. While traditional firewalls are useful in some scenarios, deploying traditional firewall rules in cloud-native environments is generally not the best method for securing cloud-native applications. Cloud-native environments often require more dynamic security measures, such as micro-segmentation and cloud-native firewalls, that are better suited to the elastic and scalable nature of modern cloud environments. Prisma Cloud provides native support for these dynamic security approaches.
Option C is incorrect. Implementing encryption for all cloud-based communication channels is indeed an essential security practice, but it is not specific to cloud-native applications alone. While Prisma Cloud provides encryption as part of its data security features, this option is more of a general best practice and not a cloud-native application-specific method.
Option D is incorrect. Enforcing multi-cloud network segmentation is important for securing cloud environments, but it is not a method specifically targeted at securing cloud-native applications. Multi-cloud segmentation is more about managing network traffic and access between different cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, and GCP). While Prisma Cloud offers network segmentation capabilities, its focus for cloud-native applications is more on securing the workloads (e.g., containers, Kubernetes) themselves.
Therefore, the two methods that are directly focused on securing cloud-native applications with Prisma Cloud are A and E.
Question 8
Which two of the following are Prisma Cloud's capabilities for securing cloud data storage? (Choose 2.)
A. Identifying and remediating misconfigured cloud storage permissions
B. Encryption of all cloud data stored within the environment
C. Logging and monitoring of cloud storage activity and access
D. Scanning for malware and unauthorized data access in cloud storage
E. Automatic classification and categorization of cloud data
Answer: A, C
Explanation:
Prisma Cloud provides a robust set of tools for securing cloud data storage, ensuring that data is protected against unauthorized access, leakage, and other threats. It helps organizations maintain strong security controls and compliance across cloud storage environments.
Option A is correct. Identifying and remediating misconfigured cloud storage permissions is a core capability of Prisma Cloud’s data storage security. Misconfigured permissions, such as overly permissive access to cloud storage buckets or databases, are a common vulnerability that can lead to data exposure or leakage. Prisma Cloud continuously scans cloud storage resources and alerts administrators about any misconfigurations, allowing them to quickly remediate the issue and ensure proper access controls are enforced.
Option C is also correct. Logging and monitoring of cloud storage activity and access is essential for detecting and responding to unauthorized or suspicious activity. Prisma Cloud integrates with cloud-native monitoring and logging tools to continuously track who is accessing cloud data, when, and from where. By monitoring storage activity, organizations can detect anomalies, such as unauthorized access attempts or data exfiltration, and respond swiftly to prevent data breaches.
Option B is incorrect. While encryption of cloud data is important, Prisma Cloud does not automatically encrypt all cloud data. However, it can help organizations monitor and enforce encryption policies for data at rest or in transit, as part of its broader security posture management features.
Option D is incorrect. Scanning for malware and unauthorized data access are crucial, but malware scanning in storage resources is more typically handled by cloud workload security tools or endpoint detection systems. Prisma Cloud focuses more on the security posture and configuration of cloud storage resources rather than performing direct malware scanning.
Option E is incorrect. Automatic classification and categorization of cloud data is a valuable feature for data management and compliance, but Prisma Cloud's focus is more on securing the data (e.g., preventing misconfigurations, ensuring encryption, and monitoring access). While classification and categorization are important for compliance (such as for GDPR or PCI-DSS), they are not part of the primary features related to cloud storage security within Prisma Cloud.
Therefore, the correct capabilities for securing cloud data storage with Prisma Cloud are A and C.
Question 9
Which two of the following methods are used by Palo Alto Networks to enforce security policies in cloud environments? (Choose 2.)
A. Policy-driven network segmentation for cloud applications
B. User activity monitoring to detect anomalies in cloud workloads
C. Deploying software firewalls in each cloud instance to secure data flow
D. Integration of cloud security policies with on-premises network systems
E. Automating security patch management across cloud resources
Answer: A, B
Explanation:
Palo Alto Networks provides various methods to enforce security policies in cloud environments. These methods focus on ensuring that cloud infrastructure and workloads are secure, protected from threats, and compliant with industry standards.
Option A is correct. Policy-driven network segmentation for cloud applications is a critical security measure in cloud environments. Palo Alto Networks uses policy-driven network segmentation to control the flow of traffic between cloud applications and other cloud services or environments. This helps reduce the attack surface and ensures that communication between different components follows security policies, limiting exposure to potential threats. By enforcing network segmentation, organizations can create secure zones for different cloud workloads, minimizing the risk of lateral movement in case of an attack.
Option B is also correct. User activity monitoring to detect anomalies in cloud workloads is a key security practice in identifying threats or malicious activity in cloud environments. By monitoring user behavior and workloads, Palo Alto Networks can detect unusual or unauthorized actions that could indicate a compromise. This is particularly important in cloud-native environments where workloads are dynamic, and detecting security incidents requires continuous monitoring of user actions across cloud resources.
Option C is incorrect. While deploying software firewalls is a method of securing data flow, Palo Alto Networks doesn't primarily focus on deploying firewalls in each cloud instance in cloud environments. Instead, their solutions are more integrated and policy-driven, providing a comprehensive security posture rather than deploying separate firewalls for each instance. The solution leverages cloud-native network controls and policies to secure data flows across the environment.
Option D is incorrect. Integration of cloud security policies with on-premises network systems is not a primary method for enforcing security in the cloud. While hybrid cloud setups may require such integration, Palo Alto Networks focuses more on ensuring security directly within the cloud environment itself, without relying heavily on on-premises systems to enforce cloud security policies.
Option E is incorrect. Automating security patch management across cloud resources is important for cloud security but is more relevant to a cloud workload protection or cloud security posture management (CSPM) feature rather than a direct method of enforcing security policies. Patch management ensures that vulnerabilities are remediated in a timely manner but does not necessarily involve the enforcement of policies across the cloud environment.
Therefore, the two methods used by Palo Alto Networks to enforce security policies in cloud environments are A and B.
Question 10
Which two of the following are true about the Prisma Cloud Network Visibility feature? (Choose 2.)
A. It provides real-time traffic analysis for cloud workloads
B. It allows visibility into cloud network traffic and helps identify threats
C. It can only be used with AWS-based resources
D. It integrates with network firewalls to automatically configure access control policies
E. It scans cloud resources for compliance with industry standards
Answer: A, B
Explanation:
The Prisma Cloud Network Visibility feature is designed to enhance the security posture of cloud environments by providing deep insights into network traffic and detecting potential threats. This feature is essential for monitoring and securing cloud workloads, especially in dynamic and scalable cloud-native environments.
Option A is correct. Real-time traffic analysis for cloud workloads is one of the core features of Prisma Cloud’s Network Visibility. By providing detailed analysis of the traffic flowing between cloud workloads, Prisma Cloud enables organizations to understand the communication patterns and detect any anomalies. Real-time traffic analysis helps security teams identify potential threats or unauthorized access attempts, ensuring that cloud resources are secure and compliant with security policies.
Option B is also correct. Visibility into cloud network traffic is a critical component of cloud security. Prisma Cloud’s Network Visibility feature provides insights into the network traffic between cloud resources, which helps security teams identify threats such as unauthorized data exfiltration, lateral movement, or misconfigurations in the network. By continuously monitoring network traffic, organizations can detect and respond to potential security issues in a timely manner.
Option C is incorrect. Network Visibility in Prisma Cloud is not limited to just AWS-based resources. It supports a broad range of cloud providers, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The feature is designed to work across multiple cloud environments, providing visibility and security insights regardless of the underlying cloud platform.
Option D is incorrect. While Prisma Cloud integrates with network security tools like firewalls, it does not automatically configure access control policies based solely on network traffic. Rather, it provides insights and alerts based on traffic patterns and potential vulnerabilities. Access control policies are typically set and enforced based on security configurations, but Prisma Cloud's primary function here is to provide visibility and analysis, not automatic configuration.
Option E is incorrect. While Prisma Cloud does provide compliance scanning for cloud resources, this is more related to the cloud security posture management (CSPM) functionality rather than the Network Visibility feature. The focus of Network Visibility is on traffic analysis and threat identification within cloud environments, not on scanning for compliance.
Thus, the correct answers for the capabilities of Prisma Cloud’s Network Visibility feature are A and B.
