CAS-004 Security Engineering Practice Question
A security administrator is configuring SSH for a jump host used to access critical servers. Which of the following is the most secure configuration option to restrict authentication and reduce the attack surface?
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
✓
Allow only key-based authentication
Disabling password authentication and using only key-based authentication eliminates the risk of password brute force and credential theft. Listening on a non-standard port provides security through obscurity, which is not a strong control.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable root login with a strong password
Why it's wrong here
Root login with password is vulnerable to brute force; root should be disabled in SSH.
- ✗
Allow only SSH protocol version 2
Why it's wrong here
SSHv2 is standard and stronger than v1, but authentication method is more critical.
- ✗
Change the default port to 2222
Why it's wrong here
Changing the port reduces automated scans but does not provide strong security on its own.
- ✓
Allow only key-based authentication
Why this is correct
Key-based authentication is resistant to brute force and password attacks.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-005 exam.