Quick Answer
The answer is to use the directive `authpriv.* /var/log/secure` in the `/etc/rsyslog.conf` file. This is correct because the `authpriv` facility in rsyslog captures all authentication and authorization messages, including both successful and failed login attempts, while the wildcard `.*` ensures every priority level from that facility is logged. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding of rsyslog facility and priority syntax, often appearing in scenario-based questions about security logging requirements. A common trap is confusing `auth` with `authpriv`—remember that `authpriv` is the modern, more secure facility used on RHEL-based systems, while `auth` is legacy and may not capture all attempts. For a quick memory tip, think "authpriv = authentication privacy," meaning it logs all secure authentication events to the secure log file.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. 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 company requires that all systems be configured to log all authentication attempts, both successful and failed. Which configuration file and directive should be used to ensure all auth messages are logged to /var/log/secure?
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: *.info /var/log/secure
Why wrong: Logs all info messages, not just auth.
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: auth.* /var/log/secure
Why wrong: auth facility is for non-privileged auth, not the standard for secure log.
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: authpriv.* /var/log/secure
Correct facility and action.
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: kern.* /var/log/secure
Why wrong: Logs kernel messages, not auth.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: authpriv.* /var/log/secure
In rsyslog, the `authpriv` facility covers authentication and authorization messages, including both successful and failed login attempts. The directive `authpriv.* /var/log/secure` directs all messages from this facility to `/var/log/secure`, which is the standard secure log file on RHEL/CentOS systems. This meets the requirement to log all authentication attempts.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: *.info /var/log/secure
Why it's wrong here
Logs all info messages, not just auth.
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: auth.* /var/log/secure
Why it's wrong here
auth facility is for non-privileged auth, not the standard for secure log.
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: authpriv.* /var/log/secure
Why this is correct
Correct facility and action.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
In /etc/rsyslog.conf: kern.* /var/log/secure
Why it's wrong here
Logs kernel messages, not auth.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse the `auth` and `authpriv` facilities, assuming `auth.*` is correct because it sounds like 'authentication', but `authpriv` is the actual facility used by modern Linux authentication subsystems like PAM and sshd.
Detailed technical explanation
The `authpriv` facility is defined in RFC 5424 and is specifically reserved for security/authorization messages that should be kept confidential (e.g., user passwords, PAM logs). In practice, PAM (Pluggable Authentication Modules) and sshd send authentication logs to `authpriv`, not `auth`. The `*` severity means all priorities (debug through emerg) are captured, ensuring both successful and failed attempts are logged. Red Hat-based systems use `/var/log/secure` as the default target for `authpriv` messages, while Debian-based systems often use `/var/log/auth.log`.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
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FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: In /etc/rsyslog.conf: authpriv.* /var/log/secure — In rsyslog, the `authpriv` facility covers authentication and authorization messages, including both successful and failed login attempts. The directive `authpriv.* /var/log/secure` directs all messages from this facility to `/var/log/secure`, which is the standard secure log file on RHEL/CentOS systems. This meets the requirement to log all authentication attempts.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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