mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A systems administrator notices that users can…
A systems administrator notices that users can successfully authenticate via SSH using their password, but cannot log in via the console. The /etc/securetty file exists and contains only the default entries. Which configuration change is most likely to resolve the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse console login restrictions with SSH configuration (PermitRootLogin) or security hardening tools (denyhosts, SELinux), rather than recognizing that /etc/securetty specifically governs which TTYs allow root login via console or terminal.
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 'console' to the /etc/securetty file
The /etc/securetty file lists TTY devices from which root is allowed to log in via console or terminal. By default, it often includes entries like 'tty1' through 'tty6' but not 'console'. Adding 'console' to this file permits root login from the system console, resolving the issue where console authentication fails while SSH (which bypasses /etc/securetty) succeeds.
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 'console' to the /etc/securetty file
Why this is correct
/etc/securetty lists TTY devices where root is allowed to log in; adding console allows root login via the physical console.
- ✗
Add the denyhosts service to block non-console logins
Why it's wrong here
denyhosts is for SSH brute-force protection, not console access control.
- ✗
Set PermitRootLogin yes in /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why it's wrong here
That affects SSH only, not console logins.
- ✗
Set SELinux to permissive mode
Why it's wrong here
SELinux enforcing does not restrict console login based on TTY.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
Key term
Terminal
A terminal is a text-based interface that allows users to communicate with a computer's operating system by typing commands.
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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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.