The Authentication Policy in PAN-OS is designed to enforce user authentication before granting access to specific network resources, services, or applications. It ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive areas of the network by prompting for credentials or integrating with authentication services. This policy is evaluated before the Security Policy, adding an additional layer of access control.
Implementing Authentication Policies to require users to authenticate before accessing critical data center services, such as development servers or financial systems, helps prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
For high-value assets or privileged user access, integrating MFA within the Authentication Policy adds an extra security layer, mitigating risks associated with credential theft.
When granting access to contractors, partners, or customers, Authentication Policies can enforce strict authentication requirements, ensuring that external users are properly verified before accessing internal resources.
Authentication Policies can be tailored to specific user groups and services, allowing granular control over who can access what, based on business needs and security considerations.