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

Which component is essential for detecting advanced persistent threats in Cortex XDR?

1. Intrusion detection system

2. Firewall logs

3. Behavioral analytics

4. Antivirus software

The correct answer is: Behavioral analytics

Detecting advanced persistent threats (APTs) is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity. Behavioral analytics plays a crucial role in this process because it helps in identifying anomalous patterns and behaviors that deviate from the norm within an organization's environment. APTs typically involve sophisticated techniques that may bypass traditional security measures, making it essential to look for unusual activities rather than relying solely on predefined signatures of known threats. Behavioral analytics analyzes data over time, establishing baselines for normal behavior and then flagging deviations that could indicate malicious activity. This proactive approach is critical in identifying APTs, which are often characterized by stealthy and persistent actions aimed at exfiltrating data or maintaining access without detection. In contrast, while intrusion detection systems monitor network traffic for malicious activities, and firewall logs provide insights into potential attacks based on traffic patterns, they might not be as effective in detecting subtle, long-term threats like APTs. Antivirus software primarily focuses on known malware signatures and may not be able to detect sophisticated threats that use novel methods to infiltrate systems. Thus, behavioral analytics emerges as the essential component in Cortex XDR for detecting these advanced and complex threats effectively.