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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 security policy requires that all users must have passwords with at least one uppercase letter, one digit, and a minimum length of 12 characters. Which PAM configuration file and module should be used to enforce this?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

  • Clue: "least"

    Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.

  • Clue: "minimum / minimize"

    Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.

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/pam.d/common-password with pam_pwquality.so

pam_pwquality is used for password complexity requirements. It is typically configured in /etc/pam.d/common-password (or system-auth, password-auth) with options like minlen, ucredit, dcredit.

Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✗

    /etc/pam.d/login with pam_securetty.so

    Why it's wrong here

    pam_securetty.so restricts root login on secure terminals.

  • ✗

    /etc/pam.d/sshd with pam_unix.so

    Why it's wrong here

    pam_unix.so handles password hashing, not complexity.

  • ✗

    /etc/pam.d/sudo with pam_permit.so

    Why it's wrong here

    pam_permit.so always succeeds and does not enforce complexity.

  • ✓

    /etc/pam.d/common-password with pam_pwquality.so

    Why this is correct

    pam_pwquality.so enforces password complexity rules.

    Clue confirmation

    The clue words "least", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.

    Related concept

    Standard ACLs match source addresses.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match

ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • Standard ACLs match source addresses.
  • Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
  • The first matching ACL entry is used.
  • There is usually an implicit deny at the end.

TExam Day Tips

  • Check inbound versus outbound direction.
  • Read the ACL from top to bottom.
  • Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.

Key takeaway

ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related XK0-005 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this XK0-005 question test?

Security — This question tests Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: /etc/pam.d/common-password with pam_pwquality.so — pam_pwquality is used for password complexity requirements. It is typically configured in /etc/pam.d/common-password (or system-auth, password-auth) with options like minlen, ucredit, dcredit.

What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?

Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related XK0-005 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "least", "minimum / minimize". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Standard ACLs match source addresses.

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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026

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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.