ISC Practice Question: Systems Security Implementation Verification And Validation
You are verifying the implementation of a FIPS 140-2 validated module in an on-premises Linux server. Which command correctly verifies that the cryptographic module is operating in the intended FIPS mode?
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
✓
Run 'cat /proc/sys/crypto/fips_enabled' and confirm the output is 1.
The fips-mode-setup command or checking the kernel parameter is the standard way to verify the module state on RHEL-based systems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Inspect '/etc/fips.conf' for the FIPS_ENABLED=true directive.
Why it's wrong here
While this file may exist, it is not the canonical kernel-level verification of active mode.
- ✓
Run 'cat /proc/sys/crypto/fips_enabled' and confirm the output is 1.
Why this is correct
This kernel parameter directly indicates if the system cryptographic module is currently in FIPS mode.
- ✗
Check the status using 'systemctl status crypto-policy'.
Why it's wrong here
While policy can be set, checking the status requires querying the kernel state directly.
- ✗
Execute 'openssl verify -CApath /etc/ssl/certs' to validate certificate chains.
Why it's wrong here
This verifies certificate pathing, not the operational mode of the crypto module.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This ISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 ISC exam.