- A
sysctl command
Why wrong: sysctl is for kernel parameters, not user limits.
- B
/etc/security/limits.conf
This file specifies limits for users and groups.
- C
/etc/pam.d/login with pam_limits.so
Why wrong: This enables the limits, but does not set the values.
- D
/etc/ulimit.conf
Why wrong: There is no such standard file.
- E
ulimit command
The ulimit command sets resource limits for the shell.
Question 995 of 981
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A Linux engineer needs to restrict resource usage for users in the 'developers' group. Which TWO files or commands can be used to set ulimit values?
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
✓
/etc/security/limits.conf
Option B is correct because /etc/security/limits.conf is the standard configuration file used by the pam_limits.so PAM module to set per-user or per-group resource limits (ulimits) such as max number of open files, max processes, etc. This file allows system administrators to define hard and soft limits persistently across logins for users or groups, including the 'developers' group.
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.
- ✗
sysctl command
Why it's wrong here
sysctl is for kernel parameters, not user limits.
- ✓
/etc/security/limits.conf
Why this is correct
This file specifies limits for users and groups.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
/etc/pam.d/login with pam_limits.so
Why it's wrong here
This enables the limits, but does not set the values.
- ✗
/etc/ulimit.conf
Why it's wrong here
There is no such standard file.
- ✓
ulimit command
Why this is correct
The ulimit command sets resource limits for the shell.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the configuration file (/etc/security/limits.conf) with the PAM module file (/etc/pam.d/login) or think the ulimit command alone can set persistent limits for a group, when in fact ulimit only affects the current shell session and is not persistent across logins for all group members.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The pam_limits.so module reads /etc/security/limits.conf at user login to apply resource limits via setrlimit() system calls. Limits can be specified as 'soft' (enforced but can be increased by user up to hard limit) or 'hard' (enforced by root and cannot be exceeded). For group-based restrictions, the syntax uses '@groupname' in the limits.conf file, allowing fine-grained control over the 'developers' group without affecting other users.
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 XK0-005 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: /etc/security/limits.conf — Option B is correct because /etc/security/limits.conf is the standard configuration file used by the pam_limits.so PAM module to set per-user or per-group resource limits (ulimits) such as max number of open files, max processes, etc. This file allows system administrators to define hard and soft limits persistently across logins for users or groups, including the 'developers' group.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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