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

What is the order in which the endpoint checks if a new program is safe?

1. behavioral threat protection, then local analysis, then WildFire query

2. local analysis, then behavioral threat protection, then WildFire query

3. WildFire query, then local analysis, then behavioral threat protection

4. local analysis, then WildFire query, then behavioral threat protection

The correct answer is: WildFire query, then local analysis, then behavioral threat protection

The correct order in which the endpoint checks if a new program is safe begins with a WildFire query, followed by local analysis, and concludes with behavioral threat protection. Starting with the WildFire query allows the endpoint to leverage the cloud-based threat intelligence of Palo Alto Networks' WildFire service, which analyzes files for malicious behavior across a vast dataset. This cloud integration enables quick identification of known threats based on the latest intelligence. After the WildFire query, the endpoint conducts local analysis. This step is essential as it provides an additional layer of scrutiny by examining the file against local heuristics and signatures to determine if it exhibits characteristics of malware or other threats that may not yet be recognized in the cloud. Finally, behavioral threat protection is employed. This method involves monitoring the program’s behavior over time after it has executed. It focuses on identifying suspicious activities that occur in real-time, giving an added layer of defense against unknown threats. This layered approach effectively balances the speed of using powerful cloud resources with the rigors of local analysis and real-time behavioral monitoring, ensuring comprehensive endpoint security.