Fortinet NSE6_FNC-8.5 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

Which three protocols or communication methods does FortiNAC utilize to interact with and manage network infrastructure devices? (Choose three.)

A. SNMP
B. RADIUS
C. FTP
D. CLI
E. SMTP

Correct Answers: A, B, D

Explanation:

FortiNAC is a comprehensive network access control (NAC) solution designed to monitor, authenticate, and manage devices within a network environment. To achieve this, it leverages several communication methods that allow it to gather information from infrastructure components and issue control commands. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for configuring FortiNAC effectively and maintaining network visibility and security.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is one of the key communication tools FortiNAC uses. It enables FortiNAC to collect real-time performance and health information from network devices such as switches, routers, and access points. By using SNMP, FortiNAC can monitor the operational status of ports, track device connectivity, and detect changes in the network. SNMP traps can also inform FortiNAC of events like link status changes, enhancing its situational awareness.

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is another critical protocol for FortiNAC, particularly in enforcing authentication and authorization. When devices attempt to connect to the network, FortiNAC can use RADIUS to verify credentials and apply security policies. It plays a vital role in ensuring only approved users and devices gain access to network resources.

CLI (Command Line Interface) access is used by FortiNAC to execute specific configuration or monitoring commands on infrastructure devices. Through SSH or Telnet-based CLI sessions, FortiNAC can perform administrative tasks like enabling or disabling switch ports, retrieving device configurations, and applying network policies directly. CLI access is especially valuable for managing devices that don’t fully support SNMP or require more granular command execution.

Now, why are the other options incorrect?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for moving files between systems and is not a standard tool for device monitoring or control in a FortiNAC context. It lacks the real-time communication and access control features required for network enforcement.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is designed for sending email messages and is sometimes used by FortiNAC to deliver alert notifications. However, SMTP does not participate in the core tasks of gathering infrastructure data or issuing control commands to devices.

In summary, SNMP, RADIUS, and CLI are the primary methods FortiNAC uses to monitor network health, authenticate users, and manage infrastructure devices. These protocols allow FortiNAC to perform its role as a network guardian effectively, ensuring visibility, access control, and security enforcement.

Question 2:

Which three conditions will cause FortiNAC to initiate Layer 2 polling on infrastructure devices? (Choose three.)

A. When a security policy matches a connected device
B. At predefined polling intervals
C. When link-up or link-down SNMP traps are received
D. When an administrator initiates a poll manually
E. After a failed Layer 3 polling attempt

Correct Answers: B, C, D

Explanation:

Layer 2 polling in FortiNAC is a crucial process used to gather real-time data from infrastructure devices, particularly at the data link layer. This type of polling allows FortiNAC to understand the physical and MAC address-level status of devices on the network. It plays an important role in identifying new devices, monitoring connectivity, and enforcing access control.

One common trigger for Layer 2 polling is scheduled poll timings (B). FortiNAC can be configured to conduct periodic checks on network devices at regular intervals. These scheduled polls help ensure the NAC system has up-to-date information about connected endpoints and infrastructure health. Such automation enhances ongoing visibility without requiring manual effort.

Another trigger is the reception of Linkup and Linkdown traps (C) via SNMP. When a network interface changes state (for example, when a cable is plugged in or removed), the device sends a trap to FortiNAC. Upon receiving this notification, FortiNAC immediately initiates a Layer 2 poll to verify the new status and update its internal network map. This reactive behavior ensures rapid detection of connectivity changes and improves response time.

The third valid trigger is manual polling (D). Administrators may need to poll a device on-demand—for instance, when troubleshooting or validating policy changes. Manual polling forces FortiNAC to collect fresh data directly from the device, making it a flexible option for real-time investigations and device verification.

Now let’s clarify why the remaining options are incorrect:

A: A matched security policy does not automatically cause Layer 2 polling. While policies are central to how FortiNAC enforces access control, their matching conditions do not trigger polling directly. Polling supports the enforcement process, but the initiation stems from other events like traps or schedules.

E: A failed Layer 3 poll does not directly trigger a fallback Layer 2 poll. While a failed Layer 3 communication might indicate issues that warrant investigation, FortiNAC does not automatically switch to Layer 2 polling in response. These polling mechanisms operate independently unless specifically scripted or configured.

In conclusion, FortiNAC initiates Layer 2 polling in response to scheduled intervals, SNMP trap notifications, and manual administrator actions. These triggers help ensure continuous visibility into the network’s Layer 2 topology, which is essential for device discovery, monitoring, and security enforcement.

Question 3:

What is the correct way to configure MAC notification traps on a compatible switch to ensure comprehensive monitoring of network activity?

A. Apply the configuration only to 802.1Q trunk ports
B. Apply the configuration to all ports except the uplink ports
C. Apply the configuration to every port on the switch
D. Only configure MAC traps after linkup/linkdown traps are set

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

MAC notification traps are crucial for enabling real-time monitoring of endpoint movement across network switch ports. They play a key role in network access control (NAC) systems like FortiNAC, which rely on these traps to detect when a device—identified by its MAC address—connects, disconnects, or moves to another port. The primary purpose of MAC notification traps is to improve network visibility and security by alerting administrators to changes in the network's physical layer.

The best practice for deploying MAC notification traps is to enable them on all switch ports. This approach ensures no activity goes undetected, whether it’s a legitimate device moving to another port or an unauthorized connection attempt. By configuring MAC traps across the entire switch, FortiNAC or any NAC platform receives complete visibility into all MAC-level events, ensuring the integrity and accountability of network access.

Why Option C is Correct:
Applying the configuration to all switch ports guarantees the NAC system receives alerts for all MAC address appearances or disappearances, regardless of port type or usage. This broad deployment is essential to monitor device mobility, detect unauthorized connections, and enforce network policies consistently.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

• Option A (Only on trunk ports): Trunk ports carry multiple VLAN traffic between switches and typically handle inter-switch connections. Limiting MAC traps to trunk ports would overlook endpoint changes on access ports, where most end-user devices are connected. This defeats the purpose of having comprehensive visibility.

• Option B (Exclude uplink ports): While uplinks are often used for connecting to higher-layer switches or routers, MAC address movement can still occur across these ports. Excluding them creates a blind spot in the NAC system's visibility and reduces the effectiveness of security monitoring.

• Option D (Only after linkup/linkdown traps): Linkup and linkdown traps report when a link becomes active or inactive but are not prerequisites for MAC notification traps. MAC traps function independently and can be configured regardless of link state traps. Waiting to enable them only after link state traps delays full visibility and may miss critical events.

In summary, enabling MAC notification traps on all switch ports ensures the most thorough and effective monitoring strategy. This approach allows FortiNAC or any other NAC solution to track every device that attempts to connect or move across the network infrastructure, thus maintaining strong security and operational awareness.

Question 4:

Which category of connecting devices is evaluated against all active profiling rules in the system?

A. Trusted devices, but only when they change network locations
B. Rogue devices, upon each new connection attempt
C. Rogue devices, only during their initial network connection
D. All endpoints, during every connection to the network

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Device profiling is a fundamental capability in network access control systems like FortiNAC, used to identify and categorize every device attempting to access the network. These profiling rules examine various attributes—such as the device’s MAC address, operating system, network behavior, and vendor signature—to classify the endpoint and assign appropriate access rights or restrictions.

FortiNAC does not selectively apply profiling rules to only certain categories of devices. Instead, it evaluates all endpoints every time they connect to the network, regardless of their trust level or history. This allows the system to dynamically enforce security policies, detect changes in device behavior, and adapt to new risks in real-time.

Why Option D is Correct:
All hosts, including known, trusted, guest, and rogue devices, are subject to device profiling each time they attempt to connect. This ensures that policy enforcement is always based on the most recent data, especially critical in environments where endpoints may change roles, get repurposed, or where new threats might arise from previously trusted devices.

This approach offers continuous verification, which is central to the Zero Trust model of network security. Even known devices could be compromised, so re-evaluating them on every connection ensures policies are always aligned with the device’s current posture.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

• Option A (Trusted devices only when they change location): This limits evaluation to one scenario. While location change may prompt re-evaluation, FortiNAC performs this check on every connection. Relying only on location shifts would miss profiling updates for devices that reconnect in the same spot.

• Option B (Rogue devices only): Although rogue devices are certainly evaluated each time they connect, they are not the only ones subject to profiling. This option underrepresents the full scope of FortiNAC’s capabilities and security posture.

• Option C (Rogue devices only on first connection): Device profiling is not a one-time process. Every session is treated as a potential change in device state or context, requiring re-evaluation. Relying solely on first-time profiling opens the network to devices whose behavior may shift after initial approval.

In conclusion, FortiNAC evaluates all devices each time they connect to ensure policy enforcement is dynamic and up to date. This guarantees accurate classification and reliable access control, making Option D the correct choice.

Question 5:

Which agent type is necessary to detect when a USB device is plugged into an endpoint?

A. Mobile
B. Passive
C. Dissolvable
D. Persistent

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In network access control (NAC) environments such as those managed by FortiNAC, monitoring changes to an endpoint’s hardware is critical for enforcing security policies and preventing unauthorized access or data transfer. To achieve real-time visibility into such changes—like the connection of a USB device—an agent with continuous monitoring capabilities must be deployed on the endpoint.

Option D, Persistent, is the correct answer because a Persistent agent is installed permanently on the device and runs continuously, even after reboots or when the device is temporarily offline. This type of agent allows for ongoing monitoring of the endpoint’s hardware and software environment. It can detect when a new USB device is added, making it ideal for enforcing security policies that restrict or log removable media usage. Because it operates in the background at all times, it provides accurate and timely detection of unauthorized device connections.

Let’s examine why the other agent types are not suitable:

Option A, Mobile, refers to an agent designed for use on smartphones and tablets. It primarily ensures that mobile devices comply with security policies before accessing the network. However, it is not built to detect hardware changes on endpoints such as laptops or desktops and lacks the continuous monitoring capability required to detect USB insertions.

Option B, Passive, indicates an agent that observes network activity without interacting directly with the endpoint. It is generally used to identify device types or monitor traffic but does not have the ability to access or evaluate changes on the hardware level of a device. Consequently, it cannot detect something as specific as a USB device being plugged in.

Option C, Dissolvable, is a temporary agent that installs briefly on an endpoint to conduct an initial scan or posture check, then automatically removes itself. While useful for quick assessments during onboarding, it does not persist on the machine and therefore cannot offer continuous monitoring. Any USB device added after the dissolvable agent runs would go unnoticed.

In summary, detecting the addition of a USB drive requires constant and real-time endpoint monitoring. The Persistent agent is the only option that meets these criteria. It provides the security team with visibility into hardware changes, enabling enforcement of policies that might restrict or log USB access. This capability is especially important in environments where data loss prevention (DLP), regulatory compliance, or secure access protocols are enforced.

Question 6:

Which two components are essential for enabling endpoint compliance monitoring in a NAC solution? (Select two.)

A. Logged-on user
B. Security rule
C. Persistent agent
D. Custom scan

Correct Answers: B, C

Explanation:

Endpoint compliance monitoring is a core function in network access control (NAC) solutions such as FortiNAC. It ensures that devices connecting to the network adhere to the organization’s predefined security policies. To effectively monitor compliance, the system needs both a set of rules that define what compliance looks like and an agent capable of evaluating the endpoint against these rules.

Option B, Security rule, is essential because it forms the basis for determining whether an endpoint is compliant. These rules may include checks for antivirus presence, OS version, patch levels, disk encryption, or firewall status. Without these rules, there is no standard to measure against. Security rules are typically defined by administrators to reflect organizational security policy and can be customized to meet compliance frameworks such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS.

Option C, Persistent agent, is equally important. It serves as the enforcement mechanism on the endpoint. Installed permanently on the device, this agent continuously runs in the background and checks the device’s compliance status in real-time. It monitors for changes in system configuration, software updates, and hardware additions, ensuring that any deviation from compliance rules is immediately flagged or remediated. The persistent agent can also communicate directly with the NAC system to enforce quarantine or restrict access if the endpoint falls out of compliance.

The other options, while potentially useful, are not required:

Option A, Logged-on user, may be helpful for associating compliance data with specific users or applying user-based policies. However, the identity of the user does not impact the actual compliance evaluation. For example, the same compliance rules apply regardless of whether a standard user or an admin is logged in.

Option D, Custom scan, can be a helpful tool for conducting specific, one-time assessments or checks, such as scanning for malware or specific software installations. However, custom scans are not a foundational requirement for ongoing compliance monitoring. They might supplement security posture assessments but are not continuously active and cannot replace the persistent agent’s role.

In conclusion, effective endpoint compliance monitoring requires security rules to define the criteria for access and a persistent agent to continually enforce and evaluate those criteria. These two components work together to maintain a secure and policy-compliant network environment.

Question 7:

What action does FortiNAC take by default when a network switch port detects more than 20 devices connected at the same time?

A. Assigns the port to the Forced Registration group
B. Automatically disables the port
C. Places the port into the Dead-End VLAN
D. Reclassifies the port as a threshold uplink

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

In FortiNAC's network access control model, thresholds are set to limit the number of devices that can connect to a specific switch port. This control mechanism is essential to maintain network stability, prevent misuse, and enforce security policies. When the number of connected hosts exceeds the defined limit, FortiNAC reacts to prevent abuse or unintended device stacking, which could result in unauthorized access or network congestion.

By default, if more than 20 devices are detected on a single port, FortiNAC moves that port into the Dead-End VLAN. The Dead-End VLAN is an isolated network segment that effectively cuts off the affected devices from accessing the broader production network. While the devices may remain physically connected, they are logically restricted, preventing any interaction with essential services or sensitive resources. This helps contain potential threats, such as rogue DHCP servers, broadcast storms, or unmanaged switches connecting many endpoints.

Let’s analyze the incorrect options:

• A. Forced Registration Group is used for endpoint-level policy enforcement. Devices placed in this group are required to register or pass compliance checks before gaining access. However, it is not the default response to excessive connections per port.

• B. Disabling the port might seem like a strong security measure, but it’s not the standard automated reaction. Shutting down ports can cause unnecessary disruption, especially if legitimate traffic is mixed with excess connections.

• D. Threshold uplinks refer to designated uplink ports that handle higher traffic loads, but FortiNAC does not automatically reclassify ports based on host count. It only triggers policy-based actions like VLAN isolation.
  In summary, when a threshold breach is detected (more than 20 devices), FortiNAC's automated response is to isolate that port into the Dead-End VLAN, minimizing risk while preserving system stability. This tactic is central to NAC enforcement, helping admins ensure that only a limited number of devices can utilize network access from any given port.

Question 8:

In a wireless deployment, which method does FortiNAC primarily use to learn the MAC addresses of connecting devices?

A. Link traps
B. Monitoring endpoint traffic
C. MAC notification traps
D. RADIUS authentication messages

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

In a FortiNAC wireless integration, device visibility is critical for enforcing access policies, tracking endpoints, and maintaining security compliance. Since wireless networks lack the physical port association present in wired networks, FortiNAC must rely on network-based notifications to learn when new devices connect or disconnect.

The most effective mechanism for this is the use of MAC notification traps. These are SNMP-based alerts generated by wireless controllers or access points when a device associates or disassociates from the network. Each trap contains the MAC address of the device and its connection details, enabling FortiNAC to immediately register the new endpoint.

Here’s why C is the correct answer:

• MAC notification traps deliver real-time updates, making them both efficient and accurate. They eliminate the need for packet inspection or manual discovery and are particularly useful in dynamic wireless environments where endpoints frequently roam or change access points.

Now, let’s evaluate the other options:

• A. Link traps focus on physical layer status changes, such as port up/down events. While useful for wired ports, they don’t provide device-level details like MAC addresses, especially in wireless setups.

• B. End station traffic monitoring involves analyzing packets to identify source MAC addresses. While technically feasible, this method is resource-intensive, less precise, and not ideal for large or high-speed networks. It's more of a backup method rather than a primary tool.

• D. RADIUS is used for authentication and authorization, often capturing username, MAC, and IP data. However, FortiNAC does not depend primarily on RADIUS for MAC learning. Some deployments may not use RADIUS at all, and the MAC address may not always be reliably available in the authentication exchange.

To sum up, MAC notification traps are the preferred mechanism used by FortiNAC to detect connecting wireless clients. They provide timely and accurate MAC address information, which allows the NAC system to immediately take appropriate actions based on policies—such as registration prompts, role assignment, or access control.

Question 9:

Which system-defined group is responsible for automatically placing at-risk devices into a restricted quarantine network based on their network connection point?

A. Forced Quarantine
B. Forced Remediation
C. Forced Isolation
D. Physical Address Filtering

Correct Answer:  A

Explanation:

In network access control environments such as FortiNAC, safeguarding the integrity of the network involves identifying non-compliant or potentially harmful devices and isolating them before they pose a risk. This is achieved by assigning such devices to a specialized group or VLAN that limits their interaction with critical infrastructure. The Forced Quarantine group plays this critical role.

When a device connects to the network and fails to meet security standards—such as missing patches, running unauthorized applications, or lacking endpoint protection—it is flagged as "at-risk." Upon detection, FortiNAC automatically places the device into the Forced Quarantine group, isolating it from the main production network. This quarantine mechanism restricts access to essential systems while allowing limited communication for remediation purposes, such as downloading updates or security tools.

Let’s clarify why the other options are not suitable:

• B. Forced Remediation: This option refers to actions that correct compliance issues, such as pushing patches or scripts to the device. While important, it doesn’t isolate the device—remediation and quarantine serve different purposes.

• C. Forced Isolation: This term often implies a total cutoff from network access, more severe than quarantine. In contrast, Forced Quarantine provides limited access for recovery. Isolation might be used for more serious incidents such as confirmed malware infections or rogue devices.

• D. Physical Address Filtering: This technique involves whitelisting or blacklisting devices by MAC address. While useful for initial access control, it doesn’t dynamically manage threat-based quarantining of devices during live sessions.

In essence, the Forced Quarantine group acts as a dynamic enforcement mechanism that reduces the attack surface by isolating non-compliant devices. This process enhances organizational security by preventing compromised or vulnerable endpoints from jeopardizing the larger network.

Question 10:

When onboarding a device using the captive portal, which two conditions might cause a host to remain stuck in the Registration VLAN even after successful registration? (Choose two.)

A. An incompatible or incorrect agent is installed on the device
B. The host has network bridging enabled
C. Another device on the same port remains unregistered
D. The default VLAN configured on the port is the same as the Registration VLAN

Correct Answers:  A and C

Explanation:

In a Network Access Control (NAC) deployment like FortiNAC, when a new device attempts to connect to the network, it is initially placed in a Registration VLAN where it is required to go through a captive portal for authentication and compliance verification. Normally, after a device completes this process, the NAC system transitions it to its assigned VLAN. However, there are scenarios where the device stays stuck in the Registration VLAN despite a seemingly successful registration.

Two primary factors can contribute to this:

• A. Incorrect or incompatible agent installed:
  The FortiNAC agent is essential for two-way communication between the device and the NAC system. If the wrong agent type is installed—such as a passive agent instead of an active one—or the agent is outdated or not configured correctly, the system may not receive proper status updates from the device. As a result, FortiNAC doesn’t process the transition to the correct VLAN, mistakenly treating the host as still unregistered.

• C. Another unregistered host on the same switch port:
  In port-based NAC environments, VLAN assignment often applies to the entire port, not just one device. If another unregistered device (such as a second laptop or IoT device) is connected to the same physical port (possibly through a hub or shared outlet), the NAC system continues to view the port as non-compliant. This delays the VLAN transition for the successfully registered device as the overall port status hasn’t been cleared.

Now let’s look at the incorrect options:

• B. Bridging is enabled on the host:
  While bridging may create complications in network topology, it doesn’t typically prevent VLAN assignment after registration. The host’s status still takes precedence in NAC decisions.

• D. The port's default VLAN is the same as the Registration VLAN:
  This might appear confusing, but FortiNAC overrides the default VLAN setting after successful registration. Having the same default VLAN may create a visual mismatch, but it doesn’t inherently trap the device.

In conclusion, a device can remain in the Registration VLAN due to agent misconfiguration or the presence of other unregistered devices on the same port. These issues must be resolved for proper VLAN reassignment.