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

What type of attack can be mitigated by implementing zero trust principles?

1. Man-in-the-Middle attacks

2. DDoS attacks

3. Phishing attacks

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Implementing zero trust principles can significantly help in mitigating various types of attacks, including man-in-the-middle, DDoS, and phishing attacks. Zero trust architecture operates on the fundamental principle of "never trust, always verify." This means that from the outset, every user and device is treated as untrusted, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the corporate network. This approach ensures that strict access controls are enforced and that continuous validation of both users and devices takes place throughout their interactions with the network. For man-in-the-middle attacks, zero trust mechanisms such as encryption and strict authentication measures can determine the identity of users and validate communications. By ensuring that all connections are secure and monitored, malicious actors attempting to intercept or alter communications can be thwarted. In terms of DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, the zero trust model can incorporate traffic monitoring and behavioral analysis to identify unusual patterns of traffic that might indicate an ongoing attack. By isolating and verifying traffic, organizations can prevent their resources from being overwhelmed by DDoS attacks. Lastly, regarding phishing attacks, zero trust principles often include measures such as multi-factor authentication and user education about recognizing suspicious communications. By making it harder for attackers to gain access using stolen credentials,