- A
pam_faillock with deny=5
Why wrong: pam_faillock handles account lockout after failed attempts.
- B
pam_pwhistory with remember=5
Correct. pam_pwhistory with remember=N prevents reuse of last N passwords.
- C
pam_tally2 with deny=5
Why wrong: pam_tally2 is an older lockout module.
- D
pam_pwquality with remember=5
Why wrong: pam_pwquality enforces complexity, not history.
Question 681 of 981
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 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.
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.
- ✗
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.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
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.
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: 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.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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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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