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

Which type of system automatically blocks or drops suspicious, pattern-matching activity on the network in real time?

1. Intrusion Detection

2. Unified Threat Management

3. Data Loss Prevention

4. Intrusion Prevention

The correct answer is: Intrusion Prevention

The system that automatically blocks or drops suspicious, pattern-matching activity on the network in real time is the Intrusion Prevention system (IPS). An IPS actively monitors network traffic and can take immediate action to prevent potential intrusions based on predefined security policies and patterns it recognizes. This capability allows it to not only detect threats but also respond to them without human intervention, making it an essential component of an organization’s active defense strategy. In contrast, an Intrusion Detection system (IDS) primarily focuses on monitoring and alerting on potential security incidents but does not take direct action to block or mitigate threats. Similarly, Unified Threat Management (UTM) systems combine various security features, including IDS and firewall capabilities, but an IPS is specifically designed for real-time prevention. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions are primarily focused on protecting sensitive data from being transmitted, rather than on blocking network intrusions. Thus, the Intrusion Prevention system is the key solution for addressing real-time security threats effectively.