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XK0-006 Practice Question: A user is able to ping the Linux server but…
A user is able to ping the Linux server but cannot connect via SSH. The SSH service is running and listening. Which configuration file should the administrator review FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to `/etc/hosts.allow` or PAM files because they associate 'cannot connect' with access control or authentication, but the question specifies the service is running and listening, which narrows the issue to SSH-specific configuration in `sshd_config`.
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/ssh/sshd_config
The SSH service is running and listening, but the user cannot connect. This points to a configuration issue within the SSH daemon itself. The `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file controls SSH server settings such as allowed authentication methods, port numbers, and user access restrictions (e.g., `AllowUsers`, `DenyUsers`, `PermitRootLogin`). Reviewing this file first is the logical step to identify why connections are being rejected despite the service being active.
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
Why it's wrong here
PAM configuration for login, not SSH.
- ✓
/etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why this is correct
Contains authentication methods and other critical settings.
- ✗
/etc/nsswitch.conf
Why it's wrong here
Controls name resolution order, not SSH authentication.
- ✗
/etc/hosts.allow
Why it's wrong here
Used by tcpwrappers, less common for SSH issues.
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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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.