easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A system administrator needs to restrict SSH…
A system administrator needs to restrict SSH access to a Linux server to only users in the 'sshusers' group. Which configuration change achieves this?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between 'AllowUsers' (which expects usernames) and 'AllowGroups' (which expects group names), leading candidates to incorrectly choose 'AllowUsers sshusers' thinking it applies to the group rather than a user literal.
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
✓
Add 'AllowGroups sshusers' to /etc/ssh/sshd_config
The 'AllowGroups' directive in /etc/ssh/sshd_config restricts SSH access to only users who are members of the specified group. When set to 'AllowGroups sshusers', only users belonging to the 'sshusers' group will be permitted to log in via SSH, effectively blocking all others. This is the standard method for group-based access control in OpenSSH.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Add 'DenyUsers *' to /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why it's wrong here
DenyUsers * would block all users, not restrict to a group.
- ✗
Set 'PermitRootLogin no' in /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why it's wrong here
This only disables root login, not group-based access.
- ✓
Add 'AllowGroups sshusers' to /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why this is correct
AllowGroups restricts SSH access to members of the specified group.
- ✗
Add 'AllowUsers sshusers' to /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why it's wrong here
AllowUsers expects usernames, not group names.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
SSH
SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that provides secure, encrypted communication and remote administration between two devices over an unsecured network.
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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