The answer is /etc/security/pwquality.conf. This file is the central configuration file for the pam_pwquality module, which enforces password quality rules on Linux systems. By editing parameters such as minlen for minimum length, dcredit, ucredit, lcredit, and ocredit for complexity requirements (digit, uppercase, lowercase, and other character credits), and dictcheck to prevent dictionary-based passwords, you directly control the PAM module’s behavior without needing to modify individual PAM service files. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of PAM module configuration versus PAM service file editing—a common trap is confusing /etc/pam.d/system-auth with the module’s own config file. Remember that pam_pwquality reads its settings from /etc/security/pwquality.conf, not from the PAM stack files themselves. A helpful memory tip: think of “pwquality” as “password quality,” and its config lives in the security directory, separate from the PAM service files.
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
This file contains the pam_pwquality parameters such as minlen, dcredit, ucredit, ocredit, and lcredit.
B
/etc/login.defs
Why wrong: login.defs sets password aging parameters, not complexity via pam_pwquality.
C
/etc/pam.d/system-auth
Why wrong: 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.
D
/etc/pam.d/password-auth
Why wrong: Similar to system-auth, this file calls pam_pwquality but parameter defaults come from pwquality.conf.
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
/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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates 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.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Similar to system-auth, this file calls pam_pwquality but parameter defaults come from pwquality.conf.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The pam_pwquality module reads /etc/security/pwquality.conf by default, but parameters can also be passed directly on the pam_pwquality.so line in PAM service files (e.g., 'password requisite pam_pwquality.so minlen=12'). The dictcheck parameter (enabled by default) uses a bundled dictionary, typically /usr/share/dict/words or a system-specific wordlist, to reject passwords based on dictionary words. In real-world scenarios, administrators often combine pwquality.conf settings with pam_faillock for account lockout after failed attempts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: /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.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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