XK0-006 Security Practice Question
A security audit reveals that users can change their password without meeting complexity requirements. Which PAM module should be configured to enforce password complexity?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing lockout modules (pam_faillock, pam_tally2) with complexity modules (pam_pwquality) — candidates see 'password' in the module name and pick the wrong PAM component, missing that the question is about complexity, not failed-attempt lockout.
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
✓
pam_pwquality
pam_pwquality is the PAM module that enforces password complexity requirements such as minimum length, character classes, and dictionary checks on Linux. It replaced the older pam_cracklib module and is configured in /etc/security/pwquality.conf and referenced in /etc/pam.d/system-auth or /etc/pam.d/common-password. Configuring it ensures users cannot set weak passwords that violate policy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
pam_faillock
Why it's wrong here
pam_faillock records failed authentication attempts and locks accounts after a configured threshold, leaving password content unchecked. It is tempting because it is a PAM security module, and would be correct for blocking brute-force logins, not for enforcing complexity rules during a password change.
- ✗
pam_unix
Why it's wrong here
pam_unix handles standard password storage and verification against shadow, but delegates complexity checking to pam_pwquality or pam_cracklib. It is tempting because it is the module invoked at password change, and would be correct for basic Unix authentication, not for imposing length or character-class requirements.
- ✗
pam_tally2
Why it's wrong here
pam_tally2 counts failed login attempts and locks accounts after a threshold, so it never inspects password content. It is tempting because it is a PAM security module, and would be correct for throttling brute-force authentication attempts rather than enforcing length, character-class or dictionary rules at password change.
- ✓
pam_pwquality
Why this is correct
pam_pwquality enforces password complexity at change time by applying configurable rules such as minimum length, character classes and dictionary checks. Configuring it in the password stack ensures users cannot set weak passwords, directly satisfying the audit finding that complexity requirements are bypassed.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
PAM
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a security framework that controls, monitors, and audits access to critical systems and accounts with elevated permissions.
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 and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.