PSE-Cortex-Pro-24 Sample Questions Answers

A customer can use the Compatibility Matrix to ensure that the Cortex XDR agent will operate correctly on their CentOS 7 servers. The Compatibility Matrix provides detailed information on supported operating systems, versions, and other system requirements for the Cortex XDR agent.

https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr/cortex-xdr-pro-admin/cortex-xdr-overview/cortex-xdr-licenses/migrate-your-cortex-xdr-license

The Restrictions profile in Cortex XDR is used to prevent running malicious files from USB-connected removable equipment. This capability helps enhance endpoint security by blocking the execution of unauthorized or malicious files from external devices such as USB drives, reducing the risk of malware spreading through these vectors.

The Data Ingestion Health page provides visibility into the normal patterns of log collection and highlights any deviations, which helps identify issues early on.

he Cortex XSIAM Command Center dashboard displays a red icon when there is an issue with a data source, providing a quick visual indication of ingestion problems.

https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-data-lake/cortex-data-lake-getting-started/get -started-with-cortex-data-lake/set-log-storage-quota

To ensure secure connectivity between the customer's network and the Cortex platform while adhering to compliance restrictions, the customer should use the Broker VM. The Broker VM acts as a secure intermediary between the local network and the Cortex platform, allowing for controlled and encrypted communication without directly exposing the network to the platform.

Premium Customer Success is an important part of any Cortex bill of materials because it offers expert-led configuration guidance. This ensures that customers can effectively set up and optimize the Cortex platform according to their specific needs and security requirements, helping them achieve the best results and reduce time to value.

https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/blogs/cortex-xdr-features-introduced-in-de cember-2019/ba-p/302231

The QuickStart service offering is designed for customers who need to rapidly deploy a solution like Cortex XSOAR. It provides a streamlined process for setting up the product, which is ideal for customers who have limited availability of internal resources due to other projects. QuickStart allows for a faster and more efficient implementation.

There are between 700-2000 integrations available on the Cortex XSOAR marketplace. This extensive range of integrations allows users to connect with various third-party applications, services, and tools, helping to automate and streamline security operations.

The Cortex platform is designed as a holistic ecosystem that offers an end-to-end security solution, covering every step of the security process. This includes prevention, detection, investigation, and response, integrating multiple technologies and services to provide comprehensive protection across the entire security lifecycle.

When integrating Cortex XSIAM or Cortex XDR with other Palo Alto Networks products, a XDR/XSIAM Broker VM is required. This Broker VM facilitates secure communication between the Cortex platform and other products, enabling proper integration and data exchange.

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As a Palo Alto Cortex Professional, I’ll provide a detailed explanation for Question 118: What must a customer deploy prior to collecting endpoint data in Cortex XSIAM? along with the reasoning and references based on Palo Alto Networks' official documentation and product knowledge.

Correct Answer: C. XDR Agent

Cortex XSIAM (Extended Security Intelligence and Automation Management) is an AI-driven security operations platform designed to centralize and automate security operations across an enterprise, including endpoint, network, cloud, and identity data. To collect endpoint data specifically, Cortex XSIAM relies on the Cortex XDR Agent, which is a lightweight software component installed on endpoints (such as laptops, desktops, or servers). This agent is responsible for gathering telemetry data, monitoring endpoint activity, and enforcing security policies, which are then sent to the Cortex XSIAM cloud for analysis, detection, and response.

Here’s why the XDR Agent is the correct choice and why the other options do not apply:

Option A: Playbook

Explanation: A playbook in Cortex XSIAM (or its predecessor, Cortex XSOAR) is a predefined workflow that automates incident response tasks, such as investigating alerts or remediating threats. While playbooks are critical for automation and orchestration, they are not involved in the initial collection of endpoint data. Playbooks operate on data that has already been collected and ingested into the system. Therefore, deploying a playbook is not a prerequisite for collecting endpoint data.

Conclusion: Incorrect.

Option B: Broker VM

Explanation: The Broker VM is an optional component in the Cortex ecosystem that can be deployed to enhance connectivity and functionality, such as acting as a proxy for endpoints to communicate with the Cortex cloud, collecting logs, or running additional services. While it can facilitate data forwarding or log collection in certain scenarios (e.g., from third-party sources), it is not a mandatory requirement for collecting endpoint data directly from devices managed by Cortex XSIAM. The XDR Agent can communicate with the Cortex cloud independently without a Broker VM.

Conclusion: Incorrect.

Option C: XDR Agent

Explanation: The Cortex XDR Agent is the core component required to collect endpoint data in Cortex XSIAM. It is installed on supported endpoints (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android devices) and performs several key functions:

Data Collection: Gathers detailed telemetry, including process execution, file activity, network connections, and system events.

Prevention: Blocks exploits, malware, and fileless attacks using AI-driven techniques.

Detection and Response: Provides real-time data to the Cortex cloud for advanced analytics and incident investigation. Without the XDR Agent deployed on endpoints, Cortex XSIAM cannot collect the necessary data to monitor, detect, or respond to endpoint-based threats. This makes it the essential prerequisite for endpoint data collection.

Conclusion: Correct.

Option D: External Dynamic List (EDL)

Explanation: An External Dynamic List (EDL) is a feature in Palo Alto Networks’ ecosystem used to import and manage dynamic lists of indicators (e.g., IP addresses, URLs, or domains) for use in security policies or threat intelligence. While EDLs can enhance threat detection by providing additional context, they are not involved in the process of collecting endpoint data. They are a supplementary tool rather than a requirement for data collection.

Conclusion: Incorrect.

References from Palo Alto Networks:

Cortex XSIAM Datasheet (Palo Alto Networks):

"Cortex XSIAM unifies best-in-class security operations functions, including Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)... The platform leverages the Cortex XDR Agent to prevent endpoint attacks and collect full telemetry for detection and response."

This highlights the XDR Agent’s role as the mechanism for endpoint data collection.

Cortex XSIAM Solution Brief (Palo Alto Networks):

"XSIAM requires the deployment of the XSIAM Endpoint Agent to appropriate and compatible endpoints to collect telemetry and enforce security."

This directly ties the agent to the data collection process.

Cortex XDR Agent Documentation (Palo Alto Networks Cortex Documentation Portal):

The agent is described as "a lightweight agent that stops threats with Behavioral Threat Protection, AI, and cloud-based analysis while collecting endpoint telemetry for extended detection and response."

Available at: docs-cortex.paloaltonetworks.com.

What is Cortex XSIAM? (Palo Alto Networks Website):

"Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP): Prevents endpoint attacks with a proven endpoint agent that blocks exploits, malware, and fileless attacks and collects full telemetry for detection and response."

This reinforces the agent’s foundational role in endpoint data collection.

https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr/cortex-xdr-pro-admin/get-started-with-cortex-xdr-pro/use-cortex-xdr/manage-tables.html

The best option for providing 24/7 monitoring of Cortex XDR, given that the customer only has staff available during business hours, would be Managed Detection and Response (MDR). MDR services provide continuous monitoring, detection, and response to security incidents, even outside of business hours, by leveraging expert security teams to manage and respond to threats when the customer’s internal staff is unavailable.

A clear understanding of a customer’s technical expertise helps post-sales teams customize their support and training efforts to match the customer's knowledge level. This ensures that the customer receives the appropriate guidance, training, and resources needed to effectively use the product or solution after the sale.

Before requesting a Cortex XSOAR proof of value (POV) evaluation, it's important to gather a list of the different integrations that will need to be configured. This ensures that the POV can be tailored to the customer's environment and use cases, and allows the evaluation to be based on real-world data and workflows.

If a prospective customer is unable to run a product evaluation, Tech Rehearsal can be used to showcase Cortex XDR. A Tech Rehearsal provides a guided demonstration of the product's capabilities and features, allowing the customer to gain a deeper understanding of how it works in their environment without a formal evaluation.

https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar/6-0/cortex-xsoar-admin/engines/install-deploy-and-configure-demisto-engines/create-a-new-engine.html

Cortex Xpanse uses continuous internet scanning to identify previously unknown assets. This feature allows the platform to continuously monitor the internet for new or unregistered assets that could be associated with an organization's network, providing real-time visibility into potential exposure or vulnerabilities.