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NSE7_OTS-7.2 Fortinet Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question No 1:

FortiGate firewalls are versatile security appliances capable of operating in various deployment modes, including inline (active) and offline (passive) configurations. One such passive deployment is Offline Intrusion Detection System (IDS) mode, where FortiGate is used purely to monitor and detect threats without actively participating in forwarding or blocking traffic.In this deployment, the device receives copies of traffic via port mirroring rather than being directly in the traffic path.

Which two of the following statements are true about FortiGate when configured as an offline IDS? (Choose two.)

A. FortiGate handles and forwards live network traffic as part of the data path.

B. FortiGate can detect and actively block malicious network activity.
C. FortiGate functions as a network sensor, analyzing mirrored traffic for threats.
D. FortiGate receives network traffic from a mirrored port configured on a switch or router.

Correct Answers:

C. FortiGate functions as a network sensor, analyzing mirrored traffic for threats.
D. FortiGate receives network traffic from a mirrored port configured on a switch or router.

Explanation:

When deployed in offline IDS (Intrusion Detection System) mode, FortiGate operates in a passive role where it monitors and inspects a copy of the traffic on the network, without being in the actual path of the traffic flow. This is in contrast to an inline or active deployment mode, such as Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), where the FortiGate actively forwards, filters, and blocks traffic.

Let’s break down what happens in offline IDS mode:

Traffic Flow and Network Design

In offline IDS deployment, FortiGate is not part of the active routing or switching infrastructure. Instead, a network switch or router is configured to mirror selected traffic (usually using port mirroring or SPAN—Switched Port Analyzer) to a specific port on the FortiGate. This allows FortiGate to receive a copy of the network packets without influencing the actual communication between network devices.

Because of this, option A is incorrect—FortiGate does not route or forward traffic in this mode.

Detection, Not Prevention

While FortiGate maintains full IDS capabilities—including signature-based detection, anomaly detection, and protocol analysis—it cannot block or prevent malicious traffic in offline mode. That’s because it’s not inline and has no way of stopping packets from reaching their destination. Therefore, option B is incorrect, since FortiGate in IDS mode is limited to detection and alerting, not blocking.

Instead, the FortiGate logs identified threats, raises alerts, and sends them to centralized logging and security event management systems (like FortiAnalyzer or a SIEM). Network administrators can then review these logs and take manual action or adjust policies in an inline deployment to prevent future threats.

Acting as a Network Sensor

In this offline configuration, FortiGate behaves like a network sensor—similar to a traditional IDS sensor that passively monitors traffic. It analyzes the copied packets it receives using its UTM (Unified Threat Management) engine, which includes antivirus scanning, web filtering, application control, and intrusion detection.

That’s why option C is correct—FortiGate functions as a network sensor in this mode.

Port Mirroring: Feeding the IDS

The mirrored traffic fed into the FortiGate usually comes from a SPAN port or a dedicated port on a switch/router configured for traffic mirroring. This allows administrators to mirror all or selected VLAN traffic (e.g., internet-bound traffic, server VLANs) to FortiGate for analysis.

Thus, option D is correct—the FortiGate receives mirrored traffic via port mirroring, which is the fundamental mechanism by which it gains visibility in offline IDS deployments.

Summary:

Question No 2:

You are currently working as an Operational Technology (OT) network administrator responsible for securing an industrial environment that follows the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture (PERA). Your network consists of three FortiGate firewalls, each deployed at a different level of the Purdue model—Level 2 (Control), Level 3 (Operations), and Level 4 (Enterprise). These firewalls play a critical role in segmenting the OT network and protecting various components such as SCADA systems, HMIs, engineering workstations, and PLCs.

Recently, there has been an organizational directive to improve traffic visibility across the OT network, particularly to detect and monitor industrial protocols used by Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, OPC UA, and BACnet are commonly used in your environment, and the ability to detect and analyze these protocols has become essential for threat detection, compliance, and operational continuity.

To achieve this, you are tasked with enabling a FortiGate security feature that can deeply analyze OT traffic, identify ICS (Industrial Control System) protocol usage, and detect any anomalous or malicious activity within that traffic.

Which FortiGate security feature should you implement to detect and analyze protocols used in the OT network, particularly those involving PLCs?

A. Antivirus inspection
B. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
C. Application Control
D. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

Correct Answer: D. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

Explanation:

In industrial networks based on the Purdue model, traffic visibility is one of the key elements for ensuring security, stability, and regulatory compliance. These environments include devices like PLCs, RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces), and SCADA systems that communicate using specialized ICS (Industrial Control System) protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-104, and OPC UA. These protocols often run on well-known as well as non-standard ports, and they may not be encrypted or authenticated, making them vulnerable to interception and manipulation.

To secure these communications and gain better insight into network behavior, Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) is the most appropriate technology to implement.

What is DPI and Why It’s Critical for OT Networks?

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) allows FortiGate firewalls to examine the full contents of a packet—not just its headers, but the actual payload as well. This makes DPI uniquely capable of:

• Identifying and classifying ICS protocols based on their content, not just port numbers.

• Parsing commands within protocols like Modbus (e.g., function codes such as “read coils” or “write registers”).

• Monitoring command patterns for anomalies, misconfigurations, or malicious intent.

• Enabling policy enforcement based on traffic type, command content, or device roles.

In contrast to traditional firewalls that operate at Layers 3 and 4 of the OSI model, DPI operates at Layer 7 (Application Layer), providing the contextual intelligence necessary to understand industrial communications. This capability is especially important in OT, where even a single unauthorized write command to a PLC can lead to production downtime or physical damage.

Why the Other Options Are Less Suitable:

• A. Antivirus Inspection: This feature is mainly designed to scan files for known malware signatures, typically in HTTP, SMTP, or FTP traffic. While important in enterprise networks for endpoint protection, it is not suitable for parsing or identifying ICS protocols in OT environments.

• B. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): IPS is a powerful security feature that detects and blocks known attack patterns. However, its effectiveness in OT environments heavily depends on DPI. IPS alone cannot decode or detect threats within OT protocols without the underlying DPI engine parsing the traffic first.

• C. Application Control: This feature is used to identify and manage application-level traffic (e.g., social media, cloud services, remote access tools). While it may recognize some ICS-related applications, it does not provide deep visibility into low-level OT protocols used between devices like PLCs and HMIs.

DPI in Practice:

When DPI is enabled on FortiGate devices across different levels of the Purdue model, it allows for comprehensive monitoring:

• Level 2 (Control Network): DPI can monitor real-time PLC traffic for anomalies.

• Level 3 (Operations Network): DPI can help identify unusual command patterns or unauthorized engineering workstation activity.

• Level 4 (Enterprise Network): DPI ensures that any industrial protocol traffic from higher levels is properly inspected and regulated before entering more sensitive levels.

By providing a granular, content-aware inspection of traffic, DPI empowers OT network administrators to detect threats early, enforce zero-trust principles, and align with standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82.

Question No 3:

You are a security analyst working for a critical infrastructure organization responsible for securing and monitoring an Operational Technology (OT) network using FortiSIEM. Over the past 24 hours, a series of anomalous events and potential security breaches have been reported within the OT environment. These incidents may involve unauthorized access attempts, suspicious device behavior, or other indicators of compromise.Your task is to conduct a thorough investigation using FortiSIEM’s native analysis tools to determine the origin, type, severity, and impact of these incidents.

Which three of the following FortiSIEM views or modules would provide the most relevant information to investigate these incidents effectively? (Choose three.)

A. Risk – Provides a prioritized view of assets and users based on risk scores derived from correlated security events.
B. IPS – Displays data related to intrusion prevention system signatures and network-based threat detection.
C. List – Offers detailed, searchable logs and event information with filtering options for in-depth analysis.
D. Security – Focuses on security-specific incidents, including attack patterns, anomalies, and triggered alerts.
E. Overview – Offers a broad summary of the environment, including system status and performance metrics.

Correct Answers:

A. Risk
C. List
D. Security

Explanation:

FortiSIEM (Security Information and Event Management by Fortinet) is a comprehensive platform that offers centralized visibility, analytics, and automated response for security operations across IT and OT environments. In industrial and critical infrastructure settings, Operational Technology (OT) networks are increasingly targeted by cyber threats due to their connectivity and critical functions. Investigating incidents in such environments demands precision, contextual awareness, and real-time analysis — capabilities FortiSIEM is well equipped to deliver.

1. Risk View (Option A):

The Risk module provides a high-level risk-oriented perspective of your environment. It dynamically assigns risk scores to various entities such as IP addresses, users, or devices based on their behavior, policy violations, or correlation rules triggered. These scores are computed using FortiSIEM’s built-in correlation engine, which aggregates multiple event types to identify patterns that suggest potential compromise or risky behavior.

This view is especially critical in OT settings where certain assets—such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or SCADA systems—must be protected from even minor anomalies. The Risk dashboard helps you prioritize investigation efforts, focusing on the most potentially dangerous events first, thereby reducing Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR).

2. List View (Option C):

The List view is a core investigation tool within FortiSIEM. It allows you to see detailed, raw and normalized event data across your environment. You can apply filters based on time, device type, severity, and event category, making it ideal for analyzing incidents that occurred over the last 24 hours.

For example, if you suspect unauthorized SSH attempts on a field device or unusual data traffic between OT devices, the List view lets you:

• Narrow down event logs by source or destination IP.

• Search for specific event types (e.g., login failures, policy violations).

• Correlate device behavior with user activity.

This view provides the granularity and timeline analysis required for root cause investigations and is fundamental for building a clear narrative of how an incident unfolded.

3. Security View (Option D):

The Security view presents security-focused information, such as attacks, threats, anomalies, and events that match predefined security rules. It is tailored for SOC analysts and incident responders who need to quickly detect and respond to security breaches.

This view is particularly effective when trying to determine if recent events in the OT network are isolated incidents or part of a coordinated attack campaign. For example, a sudden spike in port scans or reconnaissance activity targeting OT protocol ports (e.g., Modbus, DNP3) would be highlighted here.

The Security dashboard correlates events from across the enterprise, giving context and severity levels, which allows you to assess the impact and begin remediation promptly.

Incorrect Options:

B. IPS:

While IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) is a critical security technology, this option refers to a specific detection mechanism, not a FortiSIEM interface. FortiSIEM may receive IPS alerts from integrated devices, but it doesn’t use “IPS” as a direct investigative view.

E. Overview:

The Overview tab is used for general monitoring, system performance, and health metrics. While it offers a summary of events and alerts, it is not suitable for deep incident investigation. It lacks the analytical depth necessary for examining timelines, behaviors, or correlating incidents.

To effectively investigate OT-related incidents in FortiSIEM, security analysts should rely on views that offer insight, detail, and context. The Risk, List, and Security views provide a layered approach—risk prioritization, granular event analysis, and correlated security data—all of which are essential for understanding and mitigating security incidents in OT environments.

Question No 4:

An Operational Technology (OT) network administrator has set up Fortinet Single Sign-On (FSSO) along with local firewall authentication on a FortiGate device for user access control. However, during testing, the administrator observes that a user, who belongs to a specific user group, is not prompted to enter their credentials during the authentication process. This behavior deviates from the expected prompt for credentials.

What is the most likely reason for this user not being prompted to authenticate?

A. Two-factor authentication has not been implemented with the RADIUS authentication method.
B. The user’s identity was determined by the Security Fabric integration.
C. FortiGate identified the user via passive authentication through FSSO.
D. FortiNAC used DHCP fingerprinting to identify the user.

Correct Answer: C. FortiGate identified the user via passive authentication through FSSO.

Explanation:

The scenario described in the question revolves around a FortiGate firewall, where Fortinet’s Single Sign-On (FSSO) has been configured alongside local firewall authentication to manage user access. The key point in this scenario is that the user, who should be prompted for credentials, is not being asked to enter them during the authentication process. The reason for this behavior lies in how FortiGate is configured to identify and authenticate the user.

To break down the options, let's first understand the various components involved in user authentication and how FortiGate handles user identity:

FortiGate, FSSO, and Local Firewall Authentication

FortiGate offers several authentication methods, and FSSO (Fortinet Single Sign-On) is a common choice for environments where seamless user authentication is required. FSSO enables FortiGate to automatically recognize users based on their existing login session on Windows-based domain controllers (like Active Directory). This method allows users to access network resources without manually entering credentials every time they attempt to access network services.

In addition to FSSO, local firewall authentication can be configured on FortiGate devices to require manual authentication. Typically, a user is prompted for credentials to gain access to the network, but when FSSO is active, the system bypasses this step for users already authenticated through the domain.

Passive Authentication in FSSO (Option C)

The correct answer is C, FortiGate identified the user via passive authentication through FSSO. Passive authentication is a feature of FSSO where FortiGate does not require users to manually input their credentials. Instead, FortiGate can detect and authenticate a user based on the user's existing login to the network.

In a typical setup, when a user logs into their Windows machine that is connected to a domain, FSSO collects the login details (like the username and the IP address) and informs the FortiGate device. Based on this information, FortiGate can automatically associate the user's IP address with their domain identity and grant them access to the network without requiring them to re-enter their credentials.

This is particularly useful in environments like OT networks, where continuous and uninterrupted access is needed for operational efficiency. The absence of a login prompt is the result of FSSO’s successful identification of the user based on the existing session, ensuring that users don’t need to manually authenticate each time they interact with the network.

A. Two-factor authentication has not been implemented with the RADIUS authentication method.

Option A suggests that two-factor authentication (2FA) has not been implemented alongside the RADIUS authentication method. However, this option does not explain the issue described in the question. Two-factor authentication is a security feature that adds an additional layer of protection to the login process by requiring a second form of verification (e.g., a one-time password sent to a user’s phone).

In this scenario, the issue is that the user is not being prompted for credentials at all, which suggests that authentication is happening silently through FSSO, not through a manual or two-factor authentication process. Additionally, the RADIUS method is unrelated to the behavior being described, as RADIUS is typically used in scenarios like VPN authentication or Wi-Fi access, not specifically related to the issue of automatic identification via FSSO.

B. The user’s identity was determined by the Security Fabric integration.

Option B refers to the Security Fabric, which is a Fortinet feature that integrates various FortiGate devices and other Fortinet security products to share intelligence about threats, security events, and identities across the network. While the Security Fabric can provide valuable insights into security posture, it is not directly involved in user authentication.

User authentication with FortiGate devices typically uses methods like FSSO, local authentication, or external RADIUS servers. The Security Fabric may inform FortiGate of the user’s role or security status but does not handle the authentication process itself. Therefore, this option is unlikely to be the cause of the issue in the question.

D. FortiNAC used DHCP fingerprinting to identify the user.

Option D mentions FortiNAC (Fortinet Network Access Control) using DHCP fingerprinting to identify the user. FortiNAC is a solution for controlling access to network resources based on device and user identity, and DHCP fingerprinting can be part of this process. However, DHCP fingerprinting is typically used for identifying and profiling devices based on their DHCP requests, rather than authenticating specific users.

While FortiNAC could potentially influence access policies, it does not explain why the user is not being prompted for authentication in this specific case. The issue is more directly related to how FortiGate identifies the user via FSSO, not through FortiNAC or DHCP fingerprinting.

The most plausible reason why the user is not prompted for credentials during authentication is that FortiGate is utilizing FSSO’s passive authentication mechanism to automatically recognize the user based on their existing login session. This seamless authentication process eliminates the need for manual credential input, making it an ideal solution for environments where minimizing user interaction and maximizing operational continuity is critical.

Question No 5:

An organization is managing multiple Industrial Control System (ICS) networks and faces a hardware limitation of only having one FortiGate firewall device. To effectively separate and secure each ICS network, the network administrator enables the multi-VDOM (Virtual Domain) feature on the FortiGate firewall. This configuration allows each ICS network to operate within its own independent virtual security domain, providing the necessary isolation for security and performance.Considering this setup, 

Which of the following statements best ensures that adequate security protection is implemented across all ICS networks, using the FortiGate firewall’s multi-VDOM configuration?

A. Each traffic VDOM must have a direct connection to FortiGuard services to receive the required security updates.
B. The management VDOM must have access to all global security services.
C. Each VDOM must have an independent security license.
D. Traffic between VDOMs must pass through the physical interfaces of FortiGate to check for security incidents.

Correct Answer:

B. The management VDOM must have access to all global security services.

Explanation:

The multi-VDOM (Virtual Domain) feature in FortiGate firewalls allows organizations to logically segment their networks and apply security policies on a per-domain basis. This is particularly useful in environments where separate network zones or security domains must be maintained without deploying multiple physical devices. In this case, the ICS networks are isolated into different VDOMs on a single FortiGate appliance.

What is Multi-VDOM?

In a FortiGate firewall, a VDOM is essentially a virtual instance of a firewall that behaves like an independent unit, each with its own policies, routing tables, interfaces, and configurations. The multi-VDOM feature allows a FortiGate unit to act as multiple firewalls, providing network segmentation and separation of duties for different departments, business units, or, in this case, distinct ICS networks.

For example, each ICS network is allocated its own VDOM, enabling administrators to apply specific security configurations and controls tailored to the unique requirements of each network.

Security Services via FortiGuard

FortiGuard is Fortinet's global threat intelligence service that delivers real-time updates to the FortiGate firewall. These updates include virus definitions, intrusion prevention signatures, URL filtering data, and other critical security information. As cyber threats evolve constantly, having access to timely updates ensures the firewall remains effective in defending against the latest threats.

When multiple VDOMs are used, security services such as antivirus, IPS, web filtering, and application control can be centralized, reducing the overhead of configuring each VDOM individually. Instead of each traffic VDOM needing its own connection to FortiGuard, FortiGate allows centralized management through the management VDOM. This centralized model simplifies maintenance and ensures uniform security updates across all virtual domains.

Option A: Each traffic VDOM must have a direct connection to FortiGuard services to receive the required security updates.

This statement is incorrect because the multi-VDOM feature in FortiGate allows the security updates to be centrally managed through the management VDOM. The management VDOM can connect to FortiGuard services and distribute the necessary updates to all the traffic VDOMs. Therefore, each traffic VDOM does not need to have a direct connection to FortiGuard. The updates are automatically shared from the management VDOM, simplifying administration and ensuring that all VDOMs receive timely security updates.

Option B: The management VDOM must have access to all global security services.

This statement is correct because in a multi-VDOM setup, the management VDOM is responsible for managing global settings, security updates, and licensing. The management VDOM connects to FortiGuard and receives all necessary security service updates. These updates, such as antivirus definitions, IPS signatures, and other threat intelligence, are then propagated to all other traffic VDOMs. This ensures that security protection is consistent and up-to-date across all ICS networks, regardless of how many VDOMs are configured.

By using a centralized management VDOM to handle security services, the firewall minimizes the complexity of maintaining individual FortiGuard connections for each VDOM. It also optimizes the use of resources and ensures that all VDOMs remain protected with the latest security updates. Therefore, option B correctly highlights the central role of the management VDOM in maintaining security.

Option C: Each VDOM must have an independent security license.

This statement is incorrect because FortiGate licensing typically applies to the device as a whole rather than individually to each VDOM. While FortiGate does offer different models and license options based on the number of VDOMs or the features enabled, the licensing structure generally does not require separate licenses for each VDOM. The device is licensed for the total number of VDOMs it can support, and those VDOMs share access to the same licensed features. For instance, a single FortiGate unit may be licensed to support a certain number of VDOMs, and the security services available within those VDOMs will be based on the overall license for the device.

Option D: Traffic between VDOMs must pass through the physical interfaces of FortiGate to check for security incidents.

This statement is incorrect because VDOM-to-VDOM traffic in FortiGate does not need to traverse physical interfaces. In FortiGate's multi-VDOM architecture, communication between VDOMs can occur internally within the virtualized firewall framework. FortiGate enables inter-VDOM links that allow traffic to pass directly from one VDOM to another without needing to route through physical interfaces. This setup makes it possible for VDOMs to securely communicate while maintaining the separation of their individual security domains. Security checks on inter-VDOM traffic are still possible through policies, but they do not require the use of physical interfaces.

The most accurate statement for ensuring security protection in a multi-VDOM configuration is Option B—the management VDOM must have access to all global security services. This ensures that security updates are centrally managed and distributed to all VDOMs, maintaining consistent protection across all ICS networks. By centralizing the security service management in the management VDOM, organizations can optimize their resources, simplify management, and ensure that all networks are fully protected against evolving cyber threats.