The answer is the admin account. This account poses the highest security risk because it typically holds elevated privileges—such as sudo rights or UID 0—and is often left with a default or weak password, making it a prime target for brute-force attacks. Unlike the root account, which can be locked or disabled for direct SSH login, the admin account is commonly used for day-to-day administrative tasks with password-based authentication still enabled, meaning its compromise grants full system control. On the CISA exam, this question tests your ability to perform a highest risk user account assessment by evaluating real-world attack surfaces rather than just privilege levels; a common trap is assuming root is always the biggest threat. Remember: root can be locked, but admin is often left unlocked with the keys to the kingdom.
CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
# cat /etc/shadow | grep -E "^(root|admin|test):"
root:$6$xyz...$abc:18000:0:99999:7:::
admin:!:18001:0:99999:7:::
test:$6$def...$ghi:18001:0:99999:7:::
```
Based on the exhibit, which user account poses the HIGHEST security risk?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
admin
The 'admin' account poses the highest security risk because it typically has elevated privileges (e.g., sudo or administrator group membership) and is often configured with a default or weak password. Unlike 'root', which can be locked or disabled for direct SSH login, the 'admin' account is commonly used for day-to-day administrative tasks and may have password-based authentication enabled, making it a prime target for brute-force attacks. In many Linux/Unix systems, 'admin' is a standard user with UID 0 or sudo rights, and its compromise grants full system control.
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.
✗
root
Why it's wrong here
Root has a valid password hash; normal.
✓
admin
Why this is correct
The '!' indicates a locked password, but account may still exist.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
test
Why it's wrong here
Test has a valid hash; could be risky but not highest.
✗
None of the accounts are risky
Why it's wrong here
Admin account is risky.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume 'root' is always the highest risk due to its name, but CISA tests the understanding that a disabled or locked root account is less risky than an active, privileged 'admin' account with password-based authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Linux, the 'admin' account is often a member of the 'wheel' or 'sudo' group, granting it the ability to execute commands as root via sudo without needing the root password. Attackers frequently target such accounts because they can be brute-forced over SSH (port 22) using tools like Hydra, and once compromised, the attacker can escalate to full root access. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured sudoers files (e.g., NOPASSWD) on the admin account can allow immediate privilege escalation without additional authentication.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: admin — The 'admin' account poses the highest security risk because it typically has elevated privileges (e.g., sudo or administrator group membership) and is often configured with a default or weak password. Unlike 'root', which can be locked or disabled for direct SSH login, the 'admin' account is commonly used for day-to-day administrative tasks and may have password-based authentication enabled, making it a prime target for brute-force attacks. In many Linux/Unix systems, 'admin' is a standard user with UID 0 or sudo rights, and its compromise grants full system control.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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