XK0-006 Security Practice Question
A security policy requires that users cannot reuse any of their last 5 passwords. Which PAM module and configuration directive enforces this?
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_pwhistory with remember=5
The pam_pwhistory module with the remember directive tracks password history and prevents reuse. pam_pwquality enforces complexity, pam_faillock handles lockout, and pam_tally2 is an older lockout module.
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 with deny=5
Why it's wrong here
pam_faillock handles account lockout after failed attempts.
- ✓
pam_pwhistory with remember=5
Why this is correct
Correct. pam_pwhistory with remember=N prevents reuse of last N passwords.
- ✗
pam_tally2 with deny=5
Why it's wrong here
pam_tally2 is an older lockout module.
- ✗
pam_pwquality with remember=5
Why it's wrong here
pam_pwquality enforces complexity, not history.
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
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
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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.