Which security feature of Palo Alto firewall prevents the exfiltration of sensitive data?

Data Filtering, also known as Data Loss Prevention (DLP), is a critical security feature in Palo Alto firewalls that specifically aims to prevent the exfiltration of sensitive data. This feature is designed to identify, monitor, and protect sensitive information from being transmitted outside the organization. It operates by inspecting data traffic for predefined patterns that match sensitive data types, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or proprietary information.

When data filtering is implemented, the firewall can take various actions, such as alerting administrators, blocking the transmission, or even quarantining the data, depending on the organization's security policies. This proactive approach safeguards confidential information and supports compliance with regulatory requirements that mandate the protection of sensitive data.

In contrast, the other security features play different roles in the overall security architecture. Threat Intelligence focuses on identifying known malicious threats to actively prevent breaches, while Application Control regulates which applications can be used within the network. URL Filtering serves to block access to harmful or inappropriate websites but does not specifically address the inspection of data for sensitive content. Thus, while all these features contribute to network security, Data Filtering is uniquely positioned to protect against data exfiltration.