Quick Answer
The answer is to set PASS_MAX_DAYS 90 in /etc/login.defs. This file defines the default password expiration settings for all new users because it is read by useradd and similar tools during account creation, applying system-wide defaults automatically. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of the difference between per-user configuration with chage and global defaults in /etc/login.defs; a common trap is thinking that modifying an existing user’s expiration with chage will affect future users, but it only applies to that specific account. To enforce password expiration for all new Linux users globally, you must edit the configuration file that useradd references. Remember the mnemonic: “Chage for one, login.defs for everyone.”
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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's security policy requires that all user passwords must expire every 90 days. The administrator runs 'chage -M 90 jdoe' for user jdoe. Which additional step ensures that the password expiration policy is enforced for all new users?
Set PASS_MAX_DAYS 90 in /etc/login.defs
This sets the default maximum password age for new users.
Add 'password required pam_unix.so remember=5' to /etc/pam.d/system-auth
Why wrong: This controls password history, not expiration.
Set EXPIRE=90 in /etc/default/useradd
Why wrong: This option does not exist; useradd defaults are different.
Modify /etc/shadow to set max days for each user
Why wrong: This is per-user, not a default for new users.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Set PASS_MAX_DAYS 90 in /etc/login.defs
Option A is correct because /etc/login.defs contains default values used by useradd and other tools when creating new users. Setting PASS_MAX_DAYS 90 in this file ensures that every new user account created will automatically have a 90-day password expiration, enforcing the policy globally without manual intervention.
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.
Set PASS_MAX_DAYS 90 in /etc/login.defs
Why this is correct
This sets the default maximum password age for new users.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Add 'password required pam_unix.so remember=5' to /etc/pam.d/system-auth
Why it's wrong here
This controls password history, not expiration.
Set EXPIRE=90 in /etc/default/useradd
Why it's wrong here
This option does not exist; useradd defaults are different.
Modify /etc/shadow to set max days for each user
Why it's wrong here
This is per-user, not a default for new users.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse the purpose of /etc/login.defs (defaults for new users) with /etc/shadow (current user settings) or think that modifying a single user's policy with chage will propagate to all users.
Detailed technical explanation
The PASS_MAX_DAYS setting in /etc/login.defs is read by the useradd command during account creation and written to the shadow file's fifth field (maximum password age). The chage -M command modifies this field for an existing user, but without the default in login.defs, new users would inherit the system default (often 99999 days, meaning no expiration). This separation allows administrators to set defaults for new accounts while using chage for exceptions.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All XK0-005 questions
510 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
XK0-005 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Security.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Troubleshooting.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to System Management.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 fundamentals.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 scenario.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Set PASS_MAX_DAYS 90 in /etc/login.defs — Option A is correct because /etc/login.defs contains default values used by useradd and other tools when creating new users. Setting PASS_MAX_DAYS 90 in this file ensures that every new user account created will automatically have a 90-day password expiration, enforcing the policy globally without manual intervention.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.