VCP-DCV vSphere Security Practice Question
An administrator needs to lock down an ESXi host for FIPS 140-2 compliance. Which step must be taken?
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
✓
Enable lockdown mode on the ESXi host.
For FIPS 140-2 compliance, the ESXi host must be placed in lockdown mode to restrict direct root access and ensure only authorized users via vCenter can manage the host. Option A is incorrect because disabling the ESXi Shell and SSH services alone does not achieve FIPS compliance; lockdown mode is the required step. Option C is incorrect because host profiles can apply security settings but do not enforce lockdown mode for FIPS. Option D is incorrect because FIPS mode is not configured in the host's BIOS; it is a software-level cryptographic compliance enforced by ESXi lockdown and other settings.
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 the ESXi Shell and SSH services.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling services does not prevent access via vCenter; lockdown mode is required.
- ✓
Enable lockdown mode on the ESXi host.
Why this is correct
Lockdown mode restricts direct console and SSH access, enforcing FIPS requirements.
- ✗
Configure a host profile with a security policy.
Why it's wrong here
Host profiles only apply settings; they do not enforce lockdown automatically.
- ✗
Enable FIPS mode in the host's BIOS.
Why it's wrong here
FIPS mode is a vSphere feature configured in the host's advance settings, not BIOS.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This VCP-DCV practice question is part of Courseiva's free VMware 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 VCP-DCV exam.