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 valid methods to authenticate with OpenVPN? (Select two.)
LDAP
Why wrong: LDAP authentication is possible via a plugin, but not a native method.
RADIUS
Why wrong: RADIUS authentication is possible via a plugin, but not native.
NIS
Why wrong: NIS is not a supported authentication method for OpenVPN.
Static key
Static key authentication uses a pre-shared key between client and server.
TLS/SSL certificates
Certificate-based authentication is the most common method in OpenVPN.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Static key
OpenVPN supports static key and TLS/SSL certificates as native authentication methods. LDAP and RADIUS can be used via plugins but are not native. NIS is not supported.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
LDAP
Why it's wrong here
LDAP authentication is possible via a plugin, but not a native method.
RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS authentication is possible via a plugin, but not native.
NIS
Why it's wrong here
NIS is not a supported authentication method for OpenVPN.
Static key
Why this is correct
Static key authentication uses a pre-shared key between client and server.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
TLS/SSL certificates
Why this is correct
Certificate-based authentication is the most common method in OpenVPN.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related LPIC-2 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
System Security — This question tests System Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Static key — OpenVPN supports static key and TLS/SSL certificates as native authentication methods. LDAP and RADIUS can be used via plugins but are not native. NIS is not supported.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related LPIC-2 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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