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XK0-006 Practice Question: The company password policy requires minimum…
The company password policy requires minimum length, complexity, and that passwords cannot be based on dictionary words. Which file should be edited to configure these settings via pam_pwquality?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse the PAM service file (which invokes the module) with the module's configuration file, leading them to choose /etc/pam.d/system-auth or /etc/pam.d/password-auth instead of /etc/security/pwquality.conf.
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/security/pwquality.conf
The pam_pwquality module enforces password quality rules such as minimum length, complexity, and dictionary checks. Its configuration file is /etc/security/pwquality.conf, where parameters like minlen, dcredit, ucredit, lcredit, ocredit, and dictcheck are set. Editing this file directly controls the PAM module's behavior without modifying PAM service files.
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/security/pwquality.conf
Why this is correct
This file contains the pam_pwquality parameters such as minlen, dcredit, ucredit, ocredit, and lcredit.
- ✗
/etc/login.defs
Why it's wrong here
login.defs sets password aging parameters, not complexity via pam_pwquality.
- ✗
/etc/pam.d/system-auth
Why it's wrong here
This file includes the pam_pwquality module line but parameters can also be passed inline; however, the main configuration file for module parameters is /etc/security/pwquality.conf.
- ✗
/etc/pam.d/password-auth
Why it's wrong here
Similar to system-auth, this file calls pam_pwquality but parameter defaults come from pwquality.conf.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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