XK0-006 Security Practice Question
A system administrator wants to limit the number of simultaneous logins for a user to 2. Which file and parameter should be configured?
⚠ Common exam trap
The Linux+ exam often tests the distinction between `maxlogins` (simultaneous logins) and `nproc` (number of processes), and the difference between `soft` and `hard` limits, causing candidates to confuse process limits with login limits or choose a group-based entry when a per-user entry is required.
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/security/limits.conf: username hard maxlogins 2
The `/etc/security/limits.conf` file allows setting resource limits per user or group, and the `maxlogins` parameter specifically controls the maximum number of simultaneous logins for a user. The syntax `username hard maxlogins 2` enforces a hard limit of 2 concurrent sessions for that user, which is the exact requirement. This limit is enforced by the PAM module `pam_limits.so`, which must be configured in the appropriate PAM stack file (e.g., `/etc/pam.d/login` or `/etc/pam.d/sshd`).
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/pam.d/login: session required pam_limits.so
Why it's wrong here
This enables limits, but does not set the value.
- ✓
/etc/security/limits.conf: username hard maxlogins 2
Why this is correct
Correct: limits.conf with hard maxlogins limits login count.
- ✗
/etc/security/limits.conf: @users hard maxlogins 2
Why it's wrong here
@users applies to group, not specific user.
- ✗
/etc/security/limits.conf: username soft nproc 2
Why it's wrong here
nproc limits processes, not logins.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
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
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