What is the primary purpose of the Palo Alto Networks "User-ID agent"?

The primary purpose of the Palo Alto Networks "User-ID agent" is to map users' IP addresses for visibility and policy enforcement. This functionality is crucial in enabling organizations to understand who is accessing their network resources and how those resources are being utilized. By linking user identities with their corresponding IP addresses, the User-ID agent allows for more granular policy control and enforcement based on the user. This capability is vital for security measures such as user-based access restrictions and monitoring user activities on the network.

Through the collection of log data, the User-ID agent helps IT administrators maintain a clear view of user activities, enabling them to create more tailored security policies. This visibility aids in compliance and security incident response by ensuring that the right users have access to the right resources while preventing unauthorized access.