Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

How does a port filter firewall classify access to the URL https://example.com:22/this/page?

1. HTTP

2. HTTPS

3. Telnet

4. SSH

The correct answer is: SSH

In the context of how a port filter firewall classifies access to the URL https://example.com:22/this/page, the correct classification is based on the port number and the protocol commonly associated with that port. Port 22 is traditionally used for SSH (Secure Shell) services, which provide a secure channel over an unsecured network. Even though the URL uses HTTPS in its schema, the specified port (22) indicates that the traffic is meant for an SSH connection rather than an HTTPS connection, which typically operates over port 443. Firewalls primarily classify traffic based on port numbers, hence any connection attempt to port 22 would be identified as SSH, regardless of the protocol indicated by the URL. This identification is crucial for managing and filtering traffic within the network effectively. Understanding this distinction highlights the importance of port numbers in network protocols and security configurations, illustrating how firewalls interpret and classify data flows based on the ports they utilize.