VCP-DCV vSphere Security Practice Question
An administrator wants to prevent direct root access to an ESXi host via SSH and the DCUI. Which two configurations are necessary?
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 and remove root from permissions.
Enabling lockdown mode on an ESXi host disables direct root access via SSH and DCUI. Additionally, removing the root user from the permissions list ensures that root cannot be granted access through exception lists. Option A is wrong because setting lockdown mode with root exception would still allow root access under specific circumstances. Option B is wrong because disabling DCUI and SSH services does not prevent root access via other means (e.g., vCenter) and does not enforce persistent restriction. Option C is wrong because configuring SSO with Smart Card authentication does not affect local root access at the ESXi host level.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set the host to lockdown mode with root exception.
Why it's wrong here
Lockdown mode with exception still allows root access from the exception list.
- ✗
Disable DCUI and SSH services.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling both services is not the standard lockdown method; lockdown mode is more comprehensive.
- ✗
Configure SSO to require Smart Card authentication.
Why it's wrong here
SSO settings do not affect local ESXi root access.
- ✓
Enable lockdown mode and remove root from permissions.
Why this is correct
Lockdown mode disables SSH/DCUI and removing root from permissions prevents any root login.
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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.