What is the main purpose of the App-ID feature in Palo Alto Networks firewalls?

The main purpose of the App-ID feature in Palo Alto Networks firewalls is to identify and classify applications across the network. This feature provides a granular view of both the applications in use and the traffic patterns associated with them, allowing organizations to enforce policy controls based on applications rather than just ports and protocols. With App-ID, the firewall can recognize thousands of applications, assess their behavior, and apply security policies accordingly, enabling enhanced visibility and control over the network traffic.

This capability is crucial for managing risks associated with unauthorized or non-compliant applications, ensuring that only approved applications are allowed to operate within the network environment. By focusing on applications instead of relying solely on traditional methods, App-ID enhances security posture and facilitates better management of network resources.