Palo Alto Networks (PCSAE) Certified Security Automation Engineer
Incorporating native threat intelligence management into Cortex XSOAR security orchestration, automation, and response platform, the Palo Alto Networks (PCSAE) Certified Security Automation Engineer certification validates the knowledge and skills for developing, analyzing, and administering security orchestration, automation, and response platforms. Using out-of-the-box and customized playbooks and integrations validates engineers’ ability to understand the value. Furthermore, they are able to identify customer processes that can be automated with XSOAR, and they are also able to utilize the rest of their security products to customize XSOAR in order to reduce the mean time to resolution.
Target Audience
It is intended for customers, partners, system engineers, analysts, and administrators who want to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities related to Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR functionality.
Exam Details
The test format is 85 multiple-choice items. Candidates will have five minutes to complete the non-disclosure agreement (NDA), 80 minutes (1 hour, 20 minutes) to complete the questions, and five minutes to complete a survey at the end of the exam. This exam is based on Cortex XSOAR 6.6.
Skills Required
- Developing Playbooks and integrations, configuring incidents and layouts, configuring and managing indicator fields in XSOAR, knowing basics of Cyber Security such as IOC blocking, etc, and configuring dashboards and reports
- Coding in Python and in cyber security as an Analyst
- No exam or course prerequisite for attempting the PCSAE exam
Recommended Knowledge and Prerequisites
The PCNSE certification has no prerequisites, though, candidates are recommended to opt for training suggested by the official website’s description of the exam. Recommended training includes:
- Fundamentals of Security Operations Center (SOC)
- Introduction to Cortex XSOAR, Cortex XSOAR Admin Training
- Cortex XSOAR Analyst Training
- Cortex XSOAR SOAR Engineer Training
For More Details See Palo Alto Networks (PCSAE) Certified Security Automation Engineer FAQs
Course Outline
The Palo Alto Networks (PCSAE) Certified Security Automation Engineer exam covers the following topics:
Domain 1 Playbook Development 27%
Task 1.1 Reference and manipulate context data to manage automation
workflow
Task 1.2 Summarize inputs, outputs, and results for playbook tasks
Task 1.3 Configure inputs and outputs for subplaybook tasks
Task 1.4 Enable and configure looping on a subplaybook
Task 1.5 Differentiate among playbook task types
- 1.5.1 Manual
- 1.5.2 Automated
- 1.5.3 Conditional
- 1.5.4 Data collection
- 1.5.5 Subplaybook
Task 1.6 Apply filters and transformers to manipulate data
Task 1.7 Apply the playbook debugger to aid in developing playbooks
Domain 2 Incident Objects 13%
Task 2.1 Configure incident types
Task 2.2 Identify the role of an incident type within the incident lifecycle
Task 2.3 Configure an incident layout
- 2.3.1 Fields and buttons
- 2.3.2 Tabs
- 2.3.3 New/Edit and Close Forms
Task 2.4 Summarize the function, capabilities, and purpose of incident
fields
Task 2.5 Configure classifiers and mappers
Domain 3 Automations, Integrations, and Related Concepts 18%
Task 3.1 Define the capabilities of automation across XSOAR functions
- 3.1.1 Playbook tasks
- 3.1.2 War room
- 3.1.3 Layouts (dynamic sections, buttons)
- 3.1.4 Jobs
- 3.1.5 Field trigger scripts
- 3.1.6 Pre/post-processing
Task 3.2 Differentiate between automation, commands, and scripts
Task 3.3 Interpret and modify automation scripts
- 3.3.1 Script helper
- 3.3.2 Script settings
- 3.3.3 Language types
- 3.3.4 Script text
Task 3.4 Identify the properties and capabilities of the XSOAR framework
for integration
Task 3.5 Configure and manage integration instances
Domain 4 Content Management and Solution Architecture 17%
Task 4.1 Apply marketplace concepts for the management of content
- 4.1.1 Searching in the marketplace
- 4.1.2 Installation and updates
- 4.1.3 Dependencies
- 4.1.4 Version history
- 4.1.5 Partner supported versus XSOAR supported
- 4.1.6 Submitting content to the marketplace
Task 4.2 Apply general content customization and management concepts
- 4.2.1 Custom versus system content
- 4.2.2 Duplicating content
- 4.2.3 Importing/exporting custom content
- 4.2.4 Version control
Task 4.3 Manage local changes in a remote repository (dev-prod) configuration
Task 4.4 Describe the components of the XSOAR system architecture
- 4.4.1 System hardware requirements
- 4.4.2 Remote repositories (dev-prod)
- 4.4.3 Engines
- 4.4.4 Multitenancy
- 4.4.5 Elasticsearch/HA
- 4.4.6 Docker
Task 4.5 Describe the incident lifecycle within XSOAR
Task 4.6 Define the capabilities of RBAC
- 4.6.1 Page Access
- 4.6.2 Integration permissions
- 4.6.3 Incident tabs (layout specification)
- 4.6.4 Automation permissions
- 4.6.5 Incident viewing permissions by role
Task 4.7 Identify the troubleshooting tools available to obtain more diagnostic information
- 4.7.1 Log bundles
- 4.7.2 Integration testing
Task 4.8 Identify options available for performance tuning
- 4.8.1 Ignore output
- 4.8.2 Quiet mode
Task 4.9 Monitor system health using the System Diagnostics page
Domain 5 UI Workflow, Dashboards, and Reports 13%
Task 5.1 Identify methods for querying data
- 5.1.1 Indicators
- 5.1.2 Incidents
- 5.1.3 Dashboards
- 5.1.4 Global search
Task 5.2 Summarize the workflow elements used during an investigation
- 5.2.1 Layouts
- 5.2.2 War Room
- 5.2.3 Work Plan
- 5.2.4 Evidence Board
- 5.2.5 Actions menu
Task 5.3 Interact with layouts for incident management
- 5.3.1 Sections
- 5.3.2 Fields
- 5.3.3 Buttons
Task 5.4 Summarize tools used for managing incidents
- 5.4.1 Bulk incident actions
- 5.4.2 Table view versus summary view
- 5.4.3 Table settings
Task 5.5 Identify the capabilities of existing dashboards and reports
Task 5.6 Summarize what information can be created, edited, or shared within dashboards and reports
Task 5.7 Summarize the capabilities of the widget builder
Domain 6 Threat Intel Management 12%
Task 6.1 Identify the parameters available for configuring indicator Objects
- 6.1.1 Layouts and types
- 6.1.2 Fields
- 6.1.3 Reputation scripts and commands
- 6.1.4 Expiration
Task 6.2 Generate threat intel reports
Task 6.3 Describe the features of the Threat Intel page
- 6.3.1 Unit 42 intel feature
- 6.3.2 XSOAR indicators
- 6.3.3 Export/import capabilities
Task 6.4 Configure threat intel feed integrations
Task 6.5 Identify the options available to auto-extract
- 6.5.1 Exclusion list
- 6.5.2 Playbook auto-extract
- 6.5.3 Regex for auto-extract
- 6.5.4 System defaults
- 6.5.5 Extraction settings for incident types
Preparation Guide for the Palo Alto Networks (PCSAE) Certified Security Automation Engineer Exam
In order to succeed in the Palo Alto Networks (PCSAE) Certified Security Automation Engineer exam, candidates must have a clear sense of judgment and plan their time well for preparation. Resources and content are plentiful, but we need to sort through the best ones and practice from them. A brief description of the exam can be found on the official website, along with training methods suggested for examinees. As a result, candidates should make use of all suggested resources and also create their own user forums and applications.
Official Study Guide
By reviewing the official study guide, you will not only be more efficient in studying but also be more consistent in your sessions. As you acquire experience, you will discover what fields you are adept at and what areas you need to work on to become proficient in.
Digital Learning & Instructor-led Training
For those of you who are interested in staying current with our technology, there is a free digital learning library available to you. If you have already attended a formal hands-on course, you can reinforce key information through self-paced, on-demand digital classes. In addition, they are helpful to those who cannot attend a hands-on, instructor-led class, as they provide a broad overview of our technology. The following instructor-led or equivalent digital-learning courses are recommended by Palo Alto Networks:
- Cortex XSOAR: IT Administrator (DL)
- Cortex XSOAR Engineer- Building the Next-Generation SOC (DL)
- Cortex XSOAR SOC Analyst Training or equivalent knowledge (DL)
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals of Security Operations Center (DL)
- EDU 280 – Cortex XSOAR Analyst
- EDU 380 – Cortex XSOAR Engineer
Palo Alto Networks Education
With Palo Alto Networks’ technical curriculum, delivered by Palo Alto Networks Authorized Training Partners, you will gain the knowledge and expertise needed to protect our digital lives. These trusted certifications demonstrate your ability to protect against successful cyber attacks and safely enable applications by demonstrating your understanding of Palo Alto Networks’ product portfolio.
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