XK0-006 Security Practice Question
A system administrator needs to configure PAM to lock a user account after 5 failed login attempts for 15 minutes. Which two PAM modules and configuration lines are appropriate? (Select TWO.)
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
✓
auth required pam_tally2.so deny=5 unlock_time=900
pam_faillock can be used to lock accounts after failed attempts. The 'deny' option sets the threshold, and 'unlock_time' sets the lockout duration. Alternatively, pam_tally2 can be used with similar options.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
session required pam_limits.so
Why it's wrong here
pam_limits is for resource limits, not lockout.
- ✗
account required pam_faillock.so deny=5 unlock_time=900
Why it's wrong here
pam_faillock should be used in the auth stack, not account.
- ✓
auth required pam_tally2.so deny=5 unlock_time=900
Why this is correct
pam_tally2 can also be used for account lockout with similar options.
- ✓
auth required pam_faillock.so deny=5 unlock_time=900
Why this is correct
This configures pam_faillock to deny after 5 attempts and unlock after 15 minutes.
- ✗
password required pam_pwquality.so retry=5
Why it's wrong here
pam_pwquality is for password complexity, not lockout.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
User and Group Administration
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
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.
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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.