XK0-006 Security Practice Question
Which log file typically records authentication failures and successes on a Debian-based system?
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
✓
/var/log/auth.log
On Debian/Ubuntu, /var/log/auth.log records authentication events. On RHEL/CentOS, it's /var/log/secure.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
/var/log/auth.log
Why this is correct
Records authentication logs on Debian.
- ✗
/var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
General system log, but not auth specific.
- ✗
/var/log/syslog
Why it's wrong here
General syslog, not auth specific.
- ✗
/var/log/secure
Why it's wrong here
Used on RHEL-based systems, not Debian.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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