200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
A Linux administrator checks authentication logs to investigate a possible brute-force attack. Which log file typically contains records of successful and failed SSH login attempts?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
/var/log/auth.log
On most Linux distributions, /var/log/auth.log (or /var/log/secure on Red Hat-based systems) records authentication events including SSH logins.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/var/log/kern.log
Why it's wrong here
kern.log contains kernel messages.
- ✓
/var/log/auth.log
Why this is correct
auth.log is the standard authentication log.
- ✗
/var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
messages is a general log; auth events may be there but auth.log is more specific.
- ✗
/var/log/syslog
Why it's wrong here
syslog contains general system messages, not specifically auth.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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