NSE7_ZTA-7.2 Fortinet NSE 7 - Zero Trust Access 7.2 Questions and Answers

In a ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) deployment, FortiClient EMS:

• A. Uses endpoint information to grant or deny access to the network: FortiClient EMS plays a critical role in ZTNA by using information about the endpoint, such as its security posture and compliance status, to determine whether to grant or deny network access.

The other options do not accurately represent the role of FortiClient EMS in ZTNA:

• B. Provides network and user identity authentication services: While it contributes to the overall ZTNA strategy, FortiClient EMS itself does not directly provide authentication services.
• C. Generates and installs client certificates on managed endpoints: Certificate management is typically handled by other components in the ZTNA framework.
• D. Acts as ZTNA access proxy for managed endpoints: FortiClient EMS does not function as an access proxy; its role is more aligned with endpoint management and policy enforcement.

References:

• FortiClient EMS in Zero Trust Network Access Deployment.
• Role of FortiClient EMS in ZTNA.

For on-fabric clients to access FortiAnalyzer using ZTNA tags, the following conditions must be met:

• A. The on-fabric client should have FortiGate as its default gateway: This is essential to ensure that all client traffic is routed through FortiGate, where ZTNA policies can be enforced.
• B. The ZTNA server must be configured on FortiGate: For ZTNA tags to be effectively used, the ZTNA server, which processes and enforces these tags, must be configured on the FortiGate appliance.

References :=

• Configuring ZTNA tags and tagging rules
• Synchronizing FortiClient ZTNA tags
• FortiAnalyzer
• Technical Tip: ZTNA Tags fail to synchronize between FortiClient and FortiGate

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) authentication for ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) HTTPS access proxy is effectively implemented using a Form-based authentication scheme. This approach allows for a secure, interactive, and user-friendly means of capturing credentials. Form-based authentication presents a web form to the user, enabling them to enter their credentials (username and password), which are then processed for authentication against the LDAP directory. This method is widely used for web-based applications, making it a suitable choice for HTTPS access proxy setups in a ZTNA framework.References:FortiGate Security 7.2 Study Guide, LDAP Authentication configuration sections.

To trigger layer 2 polling on FortiNAC, the three methods are:

• A. Polling scripts: These are scripts configured within FortiNAC to actively poll the network at layer 2 to gather information about connected devices.
• C. Manual polling: This involves manually initiating a polling process from the FortiNAC interface to gather current network information.
• D. Scheduled tasks: Polling can be scheduled as regular tasks within FortiNAC, allowing for automated, periodic collection of network data.

The other options are not standard methods for layer 2 polling in FortiNAC:

• B. Link traps: These are more related to SNMP trap messages rather than layer 2 polling.
• E. Polling using API: While APIs are used for various integrations, they are not typically used for initiating layer 2 polling in FortiNAC.

References:

• FortiNAC Layer 2 Polling Documentation.
• Configuring Polling Methods in FortiNAC.

 FortiNAC uses SNMP or CLI to communicate with network devices such as routers and switches. To add a Layer 3 router to its inventory, FortiNAC needs to have SNMP or CLI access to the router to perform remote tasks such as polling, VLAN assignment, and port shutdown. Without SNMP or CLI access, FortiNAC cannot manage the router or its ports. Therefore, SNMP or CLI access is a prerequisite for adding a Layer 3 router to FortiNAC’s inventory. References := https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortinac/9.4.0/administration-guide/105927/inventory

https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortinac/9.4.0/administration-guide/344098/l3-polling

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a security model that follows the philosophy of “never trust, always verify” and does not assume any implicit trust for any entity within or outside the network perimeter. ZTA is based on a set of core principles that guide its implementation and operation. According to the NIST SP 800-207, the three core principles of ZTA are:

A. Verify and authenticate. This principle emphasizes the importance of strong identification and authentication for all types of principals, including users, devices, and machines. ZTA requires continuous verification of identities and authentication status throughout a session, ideally on each request. It does not rely solely on traditional network location or controls. This includes implementing modern strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) and evaluating additional environmental and contextual signals during authentication processes.

D. Least privilege access. This principle involves granting principals the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. By adopting the principle of least privilege access, organizations can enforce granular access controls, so that principals have access only to the resources necessary to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. This includes implementing just-in-time access provisioning, role-based access controls (RBAC), and regular access reviews to minimize the surface area and the risk of unauthorized access.

E. Assume breach. This principle assumes that the network is always compromised and that attackers can exploit any vulnerability or weakness. Therefore, ZTA adopts a proactive and defensive posture that aims to prevent, detect, and respond to threats in real-time. This includes implementing micro-segmentation, end-to-end encryption, and continuous monitoring and analytics to restrict unnecessary pathways, protect sensitive data, and identify anomalies and potential security events.

References :=

• 1: Understanding Zero Trust principles - AWS Prescriptive Guidance
• 2: Zero Trust Architecture - NIST