Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer

1. Introduction to Palo Alto Networks

  • Overview of Palo Alto Networks
  • Importance of Network Security
  • Palo Alto Networks Product Portfolio
  • Certification Path and Exam Overview

2. Security Platform and Architecture

  • Next-Generation Firewall Architecture
  • Single Pass Parallel Processing (SP3) Architecture
  • Key Security Features and Functions
  • Deployment Options and Use Cases

3. Initial Configuration

  • Firewall Initial Setup and Configuration
  • Management Interface and WebUI
  • Licensing and Software Updates
  • Configuration Management Best Practices

4. Security Policies and Zones

  • Understanding Security Zones
  • Creating and Managing Security Policies
  • Policy Rulebase and Policy Optimization
  • Application-based Policy Enforcement

5. NAT and VPN Configuration

  • Network Address Translation (NAT) Concepts
  • Configuring Source and Destination NAT
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) Overview
  • Site-to-Site VPN and GlobalProtect Configuration

6. Application and Content Identification

  • Application Identification (App-ID)
  • Content Identification (Content-ID)
  • Custom Application and Content Signatures
  • Threat Prevention and URL Filtering

7. User Identification and Authentication

  • User Identification (User-ID) Overview
  • Integrating with Directory Services
  • Captive Portal and Authentication Methods
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Configuration

8. Decryption and SSL Inspection

  • SSL/TLS Decryption Concepts
  • Configuring SSL Forward Proxy
  • Configuring SSL Inbound Inspection
  • Best Practices for Decryption Policies

9. High Availability and Redundancy

  • High Availability (HA) Concepts
  • Active/Passive and Active/Active HA Modes
  • Configuring HA and Redundancy Features
  • Failover Testing and Troubleshooting

10. Logging, Reporting, and Monitoring

  • Configuring Log
  • Forwarding and Storage
  • Using the ACC and Monitor Tabs
  • Generating Custom Reports
  • Alerting and Monitoring Best Practices

11. Panorama and Centralized Management

  • Introduction to Panorama
  • Panorama Setup and Configuration
  • Managing Firewalls with Panorama
  • Template and Device Group Configuration

12. Advanced Troubleshooting and Performance Tuning

  • Common Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques
  • Analyzing Traffic and Session Data
  • Performance Optimization Strategies
  • Debugging and Logging Best Practices

13. Exam Preparation and Practice

  • PCNSE Exam Format and Structure
  • Study and Test-Taking Strategies
  • Practice Exams and Review Sessions
  • Time Management Tips for Exam Day
  • Final Review and Q&A Session