- A
/etc/security/limits.conf
Why wrong: Sets system resource limits.
- B
/etc/rsyslog.conf
Why wrong: Configures rsyslog, not log rotation.
- C
/etc/logrotate.conf
Main configuration file for logrotate.
- D
/etc/audit/auditd.conf
Why wrong: Configures audit daemon.
Question 35 of 1,000
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 system logs be rotated weekly and kept for 4 weeks. Which configuration file should be modified to achieve this for /var/log/syslog?
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/logrotate.conf
Log rotation is managed by logrotate, not by rsyslog or syslog itself. The /etc/logrotate.conf file contains global rotation settings, including frequency (weekly) and retention count (rotate 4). Adding or modifying a configuration block for /var/log/syslog in logrotate.conf (or a file in /etc/logrotate.d/) directly implements the policy requirement.
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.
- ✗
/etc/security/limits.conf
Why it's wrong here
Sets system resource limits.
- ✗
/etc/rsyslog.conf
Why it's wrong here
Configures rsyslog, not log rotation.
- ✓
/etc/logrotate.conf
Why this is correct
Main configuration file for logrotate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
/etc/audit/auditd.conf
Why it's wrong here
Configures audit daemon.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between log generation (rsyslog.conf) and log rotation (logrotate.conf), so candidates mistakenly choose /etc/rsyslog.conf because they associate it with log management, not realizing rotation is a separate function.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Logrotate uses a cron job (typically /etc/cron.daily/logrotate) to execute rotation based on directives like 'weekly' and 'rotate 4'. The 'rotate 4' directive keeps four rotated archives (e.g., syslog.1, syslog.2, syslog.3, syslog.4) before deleting the oldest. If a log is actively written by rsyslog, logrotate can compress, postrotate, or restart services via the 'postrotate' script to ensure logging continues without data loss.
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/logrotate.conf — Log rotation is managed by logrotate, not by rsyslog or syslog itself. The /etc/logrotate.conf file contains global rotation settings, including frequency (weekly) and retention count (rotate 4). Adding or modifying a configuration block for /var/log/syslog in logrotate.conf (or a file in /etc/logrotate.d/) directly implements the policy requirement.
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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