Paloalto Networks Security Operations XDR-Engineer Question # 9 Topic 1 Discussion

In Cortex XDR,dynamic endpoint groupsare used to organize endpoints for applying security policies, managing configurations, and streamlining operations. These groups are defined based on dynamic criteria, such asOS type,OS version,network segment,hostname, or other endpoint attributes. When a new endpoint is added to the network, it is automatically assigned to the appropriate group(s) based on these criteria, without manual intervention. This dynamic assignment ensures that security policies are consistently applied to endpoints matching the group’s conditions.

Correct Answer Analysis (D):The optionDaccurately describes how dynamic endpoint groups are created and managed. Administrators define groups using filters based on endpoint attributes like operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux), OS version (e.g., Windows 10 21H2), or network segment (e.g., subnet or domain). These filters are evaluated dynamically, so endpoints are automatically added or removed from groups as their attributes change or new devices are onboarded.

Why not the other options?

A. Endpoint groups require intervention to update the group with new endpoints when a new device is added to the network: This is incorrect because dynamic endpoint groups are designed to automatically include new endpoints that match the group’s criteria, without manual intervention.

B. Each endpoint can belong to multiple groups simultaneously, allowing different security policies to be applied to the same device at the same time: This is incorrect because, in Cortex XDR, an endpoint is assigned to a single endpoint group for policy application to avoid conflicts. While endpoints can match multiple group criteria, the system uses a priority or hierarchy to assign the endpoint to onegroup for policy enforcement.

C. After an endpoint group is created, its assigned security policy cannot be changed without deleting and recreating the group: This is incorrect because Cortex XDR allows administrators to modify the security policy assigned to an endpoint group without deleting and recreating the group.

Exact Extract or Reference:

TheCortex XDR Documentation Portalexplains endpoint group management: “Dynamic endpoint groups are created by defining filters based on endpoint attributes such as OS type, version, or network segment. Endpoints are automatically assigned to groups based on these criteria” (paraphrased from the Endpoint Management section). TheEDU-260: Cortex XDR Prevention and Deploymentcourse covers endpoint group configuration, stating that “groups are dynamically updated as endpoints join or leave the network based on defined attributes” (paraphrased from course materials). ThePalo Alto Networks Certified XDR Engineer datasheetincludes “endpoint management and policy configuration” as a key exam topic, which encompasses dynamic endpoint groups.