The correct solution is to run `ssh-keygen -A` because this command automatically regenerates all missing SSH host key types—including RSA, ECDSA, and Ed25519—that the SSH daemon expects to find in `/etc/ssh/`. When the error `Could not load host key: /etc/ssh/ssh_host_rsa_key` appears, it means the host key file is either missing or corrupt, preventing `sshd` from starting. On the LPIC-2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of SSH host key management, a core objective under Topic 212: System Security. A common trap is attempting to manually create each key file individually; instead, `ssh-keygen -A` handles all configured key types at once, making it the efficient, exam-correct approach. Remember the mnemonic: **"A for All"** — the `-A` flag regenerates all missing host keys automatically.
LPIC-2 System Security Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of system security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 system administrator notices that the SSH service on a Linux server is failing to start. The log shows: 'sshd: error: Could not load host key: /etc/ssh/ssh_host_rsa_key'. What is the most likely cause and solution?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The host key file is missing or corrupt. Run 'ssh-keygen -A' to regenerate all missing host keys.
The error message indicates that the SSH daemon cannot load the RSA host key file. Host keys are generated during package installation or manually via ssh-keygen. Option D is correct because running 'ssh-keygen -A' automatically generates all missing host key types (RSA, ECDSA, Ed25519) that are configured for use, resolving the missing or corrupt key issue without manual intervention.
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.
✗
The sshd_config file has a syntax error. Run 'sshd -t' to check it.
Why it's wrong here
The error message does not indicate a syntax error.
✗
The SSH service is managed by xinetd and the configuration is missing. Edit /etc/xinetd.d/ssh.
The /etc/ssh/sshd_config file has incorrect permissions. Change them to 600.
Why it's wrong here
The error is about a missing key, not permissions.
✓
The host key file is missing or corrupt. Run 'ssh-keygen -A' to regenerate all missing host keys.
Why this is correct
This regenerates default host keys.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse host key issues with configuration file errors or permissions, but the specific error message directly points to the host key file, not sshd_config, and the correct solution is to regenerate the missing keys rather than editing configuration or checking syntax.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Host keys are asymmetric key pairs (e.g., RSA, ECDSA, Ed25519) stored in /etc/ssh/ and used to authenticate the server to clients during the SSH handshake. The 'ssh-keygen -A' command reads the HostKey directives in sshd_config and generates any missing key files with appropriate permissions (600) and ownership (root). In real-world scenarios, host keys can be accidentally deleted during system cleanup or corrupted by disk errors, and regenerating them is safe because clients will simply see a new host key warning (which they can verify out-of-band).
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 practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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.
System Security — This question tests System Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The host key file is missing or corrupt. Run 'ssh-keygen -A' to regenerate all missing host keys. — The error message indicates that the SSH daemon cannot load the RSA host key file. Host keys are generated during package installation or manually via ssh-keygen. Option D is correct because running 'ssh-keygen -A' automatically generates all missing host key types (RSA, ECDSA, Ed25519) that are configured for use, resolving the missing or corrupt key issue without manual intervention.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This LPIC-2 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-2 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.