Which feature is essential for protecting against malware in Palo Alto Networks?

The essential feature for protecting against malware in Palo Alto Networks is Content ID. Content ID is designed to inspect all types of traffic in real-time, allowing the firewall to identify and block malware before it can compromise a network. This feature encompasses various threat-prevention technologies, including antivirus, antispyware, and vulnerability protection. By analyzing the content of the traffic, Content ID can detect malicious files and behavior, ensuring that harmful elements do not enter the network.

In contrast, the other options play supportive roles in network security. Traffic Logs provide visibility into traffic patterns and help in analyzing security incidents, but they do not actively prevent malware. User-ID enhances endpoint authentication and policy enforcement based on user identity, improving access control but not specifically targeting malware. High Availability ensures that security services remain operational in case of a failure, but again, it does not directly combat malware threats. Thus, Content ID significantly contributes to proactive malware defense within the Palo Alto Networks environment.