- A
/etc/pam.d/login: session required pam_limits.so
Why wrong: This enables limits, but does not set the value.
- B
/etc/security/limits.conf: username hard maxlogins 2
Correct: limits.conf with hard maxlogins limits login count.
- C
/etc/security/limits.conf: @users hard maxlogins 2
Why wrong: @users applies to group, not specific user.
- D
/etc/security/limits.conf: username soft nproc 2
Why wrong: nproc limits processes, not logins.
Question 47 of 1,000
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 system administrator wants to limit the number of simultaneous logins for a user to 2. Which file and parameter should be configured?
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
Option B is correct because 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`).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
/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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `maxlogins` parameter in `/etc/security/limits.conf` is enforced by the `pam_limits.so` module, which checks the current login count against the limit at each login attempt. Under the hood, the count is tracked per user across all login methods (TTY, SSH, GUI) and is stored in the kernel's session tracking structures. A real-world scenario is a shared server where an administrator wants to prevent a single user from hogging multiple SSH sessions, ensuring fair resource access and simplifying audit trails.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: /etc/security/limits.conf: username hard maxlogins 2 — Option B is correct because 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`).
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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