The answer is the MaxAuthTries limit in the SSH configuration. This security control is correct because the output shows repeated 'Permission denied' messages followed by a forced 'Connection closed by remote host' after a specific number of attempts, which is exactly how the MaxAuthTries directive in sshd_config behaves—it caps the number of authentication tries per connection and terminates the session once that threshold is exceeded. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize SSH hardening parameters from log output, often appearing as a distractor against brute-force prevention controls like Fail2ban or account lockout. A common trap is confusing MaxAuthTries with MaxStartups, which limits concurrent unauthenticated connections, not per-connection attempts. Remember the memory tip: "MaxAuthTries kills the session, MaxStartups kills the queue."
CAS-004 Governance, Risk and Compliance Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of governance, risk and compliance. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
C:\.ssh> ssh admin@192.168.1.100
admin@192.168.1.100's password:
Permission denied, please try again.
admin@192.168.1.100's password:
Permission denied, please try again.
admin@192.168.1.100's password:
Received disconnect from 192.168.1.100 port 22:2: Too many authentication failures
Authentication failed.
```
A security analyst reviews this output from an SSH session. What security control is in place on the remote server?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
MaxAuthTries limit in SSH configuration
The output shows repeated 'Permission denied' messages followed by 'Connection closed by remote host' after a specific number of attempts. This behavior is characteristic of the MaxAuthTries directive in the SSH server configuration (sshd_config), which limits the number of authentication attempts per connection. When the limit is reached, the SSH server immediately closes the connection, as seen in the output.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Account lockout policy
Why it's wrong here
Account lockout would prevent further attempts after a set number, but the message indicates per-connection limit.
✓
MaxAuthTries limit in SSH configuration
Why this is correct
The SSH server's MaxAuthTries setting limits the number of authentication attempts per connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Fail2ban or similar IP blocking
Why it's wrong here
IP blocking would show a different error or connection timeout.
✗
SSH banner
Why it's wrong here
A banner would appear before authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between server-side connection termination (MaxAuthTries) and account-level lockout or external IP blocking, leading candidates to confuse a per-connection limit with a per-account or firewall-based control.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
IP blocking would show a different error or connection timeout.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The MaxAuthTries directive (default 6 in OpenSSH) counts each authentication attempt (e.g., password, public key, keyboard-interactive) per connection. Once the limit is exceeded, the SSH server sends SSH2_MSG_DISCONNECT and closes the TCP connection. This is distinct from MaxSessions or LoginGraceTime, which control concurrent sessions and login timeout, respectively. In real-world scenarios, attackers often brute-force SSH credentials; MaxAuthTries mitigates this by limiting attempts per connection, forcing attackers to open new connections, which can be logged and rate-limited.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Governance, Risk and Compliance — This question tests Governance, Risk and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: MaxAuthTries limit in SSH configuration — The output shows repeated 'Permission denied' messages followed by 'Connection closed by remote host' after a specific number of attempts. This behavior is characteristic of the MaxAuthTries directive in the SSH server configuration (sshd_config), which limits the number of authentication attempts per connection. When the limit is reached, the SSH server immediately closes the connection, as seen in the output.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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