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XK0-006 Practice Question: A systems administrator needs to restrict SSH…
A systems administrator needs to restrict SSH access to a Linux server so that only users in the 'sshusers' group can log in. Which configuration change should be made in /etc/ssh/sshd_config?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse 'AllowUsers' with 'AllowGroups', mistakenly thinking that 'AllowUsers sshusers' would restrict access to members of the 'sshusers' group, when in fact it only allows a user whose exact username is 'sshusers'.
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'
The 'AllowGroups' directive in /etc/ssh/sshd_config restricts SSH login to only users who are members of the specified group. By adding 'AllowGroups sshusers', only users in the 'sshusers' group will be permitted to authenticate via SSH, while all others are denied. This is the standard OpenSSH mechanism for group-based access control.
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 'AllowUsers sshusers'
Why it's wrong here
AllowUsers restricts by user, not group.
- ✗
Add 'DenyGroups all'
Why it's wrong here
DenyGroups blocks groups, but does not explicitly allow sshusers.
- ✓
Add 'AllowGroups sshusers'
Why this is correct
AllowGroups restricts SSH access to members of the specified group.
- ✗
Add 'PermitRootLogin no' and add users to sshusers
Why it's wrong here
PermitRootLogin controls root access, not group-based access.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
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.
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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.