- A
Adding a registry Run key
Why wrong: Registry Run keys are Windows-specific.
- B
Adding an SSH public key to ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
Allows persistent SSH access as the compromised user.
- C
Creating a systemd service to start on boot
Systemd services can be configured to run automatically.
- D
Creating a scheduled task using schtasks
Why wrong: schtasks is Windows-specific.
- E
Adding a cron job to execute a reverse shell periodically
Cron jobs can be used to execute scripts at set intervals.
Question 463 of 1,000
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 tester is performing a post-exploitation phase on a compromised Linux server and wants to establish persistence. Which THREE of the following methods are commonly used for Linux persistence? (Choose THREE.)
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
✓
Adding an SSH public key to ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
Common Linux persistence methods include adding cron jobs (crontab), creating a systemd service that starts on boot, and adding SSH authorized keys for backdoor access. Scheduled tasks are Windows-specific; Registry Run keys are also Windows-only.
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.
- ✗
Adding a registry Run key
Why it's wrong here
Registry Run keys are Windows-specific.
- ✓
Adding an SSH public key to ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
Why this is correct
Allows persistent SSH access as the compromised user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Creating a systemd service to start on boot
Why this is correct
Systemd services can be configured to run automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Creating a scheduled task using schtasks
Why it's wrong here
schtasks is Windows-specific.
- ✓
Adding a cron job to execute a reverse shell periodically
Why this is correct
Cron jobs can be used to execute scripts at set intervals.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Attacks and Exploits — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Adding an SSH public key to ~/.ssh/authorized_keys — Common Linux persistence methods include adding cron jobs (crontab), creating a systemd service that starts on boot, and adding SSH authorized keys for backdoor access. Scheduled tasks are Windows-specific; Registry Run keys are also Windows-only.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PT0-002 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 PT0-002 exam.
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