Courseiva
← LPIC-1
Full test
GNU and Unix Commands →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

LPIC-1 GNU and Unix Commands Practice Question

Exhibit

$ cat /etc/ssh/sshd_config | grep -i "PermitRootLogin"
PermitRootLogin prohibit-password
$ cat /etc/ssh/sshd_config | grep -i "PasswordAuthentication"
PasswordAuthentication no

Refer to the exhibit. Which statement is true about SSH root login on this server?

⚠ Common exam trap

The trap here is that candidates often misinterpret `prohibit-password` as a complete ban on root login, when in fact it only blocks password-based authentication and still allows key-based login.

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

✓

Root can log in using a public key.

The exhibit shows that `PermitRootLogin` is set to `prohibit-password` in the SSH server configuration. This setting explicitly disables password-based authentication for root, but allows root login using public key authentication. Therefore, root can log in only by presenting a valid private key that matches an authorized public key, making option C correct.

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 can log in only from localhost.

    Why it's wrong here

    No restriction on source address is shown.

  • ✗

    Root cannot log in at all.

    Why it's wrong here

    Key-based login is allowed.

  • ✓

    Root can log in using a public key.

    Why this is correct

    PermitRootLogin prohibit-password allows key-based login.

  • ✗

    Root can log in with a password.

    Why it's wrong here

    PasswordAuthentication is no.

About these practice questions

One of 527 original LPIC-1 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-1 exam.