This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of system security. 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.
Which TWO of the following are effective methods to secure SSH access on a Linux server? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable password authentication and use only key-based authentication.
Options A and D are correct. Option A: Changing the SSH port reduces automated attacks. Option D: Using key-based authentication is more secure than passwords. Option B is wrong because using FTP over SSH (SFTP) is not an authentication method. Option C is wrong because regular password changes without key-only is less secure (though some may argue, but best practice is key-only). Option E is wrong because disabling root login prevents direct root access, but it is not a method to secure SSH itself; it's a separate measure.
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.
✗
Disable root login over SSH.
Why it's wrong here
This is a security best practice but not a method to 'secure SSH access' itself; it limits access but doesn't strengthen authentication.
Disable password authentication and use only key-based authentication.
Why this is correct
Key-based authentication is much stronger against brute-force and phishing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Require users to change their passwords every 30 days.
Why it's wrong here
Password aging does not prevent brute-force attacks; key-based authentication is recommended.
✓
Change the default SSH port from 22 to a non-standard port.
Why this is correct
This reduces the number of automated attacks targeting port 22.
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 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 LPIC-2 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.
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: Disable password authentication and use only key-based authentication. — Options A and D are correct. Option A: Changing the SSH port reduces automated attacks. Option D: Using key-based authentication is more secure than passwords. Option B is wrong because using FTP over SSH (SFTP) is not an authentication method. Option C is wrong because regular password changes without key-only is less secure (though some may argue, but best practice is key-only). Option E is wrong because disabling root login prevents direct root access, but it is not a method to secure SSH itself; it's a separate measure.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Identify which LPIC-2 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.
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Question Discussion
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