XK0-006 Security Practice Question
A Linux administrator is hardening an SSH server. Which two of the following settings should be applied to /etc/ssh/sshd_config to improve security?
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
✓
PermitRootLogin no
PermitRootLogin no prevents root login; PasswordAuthentication no forces key-based authentication. Changing the port and enabling X11 forwarding are not necessarily hardening.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Port 2222
Why it's wrong here
Changing port is security by obscurity, not a robust hardening measure.
- ✗
X11Forwarding yes
Why it's wrong here
Enabling X11 forwarding increases risk if not needed.
- ✓
PermitRootLogin no
Why this is correct
Disables root SSH login, reducing attack surface.
- ✓
PasswordAuthentication no
Why this is correct
Disables password authentication, requiring SSH keys.
- ✗
Protocol 1
Why it's wrong here
Protocol 1 is outdated and insecure; should not be used.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
SSH
SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that provides secure, encrypted communication and remote administration between two devices over an unsecured network.
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.