Quick Answer
The answer is to enable FIPS 140-2 mode on the vCenter Server appliance. This is the correct security best practice because FIPS 140-2 compliance ensures that the cryptographic modules used by vCenter meet stringent federal security standards, which is critical when deploying in a DMZ where exposure to untrusted networks increases risk. On the VMware Certified Professional Data Center Virtualization VCP-DCV exam, this topic tests your understanding of hardening the appliance against cryptographic vulnerabilities, often appearing as a distractor against options like joining Active Directory or disabling SSH, which are not primary DMZ security measures. A common trap is assuming that deleting the root account or disabling SSH entirely is required, but vCenter’s default management interface does not rely on SSH, and the root account should be restricted, not removed. Memory tip: think “FIPS for DMZ crypto compliance” to recall that enabling FIPS mode directly addresses encryption standards in high-security zones.
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere 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.
An organization is deploying vCenter Server in a DMZ. Which security best practice should the administrator implement to protect the vCenter Server appliance?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Join the vCenter Server to the corporate Active Directory domain
Why wrong: Joining AD in DMZ may increase risk.
Enable SSH for remote administration
Why wrong: SSH is not recommended for vCenter management.
Enable FIPS 140-2 mode on the vCenter Server appliance
FIPS mode enforces strong cryptography.
Delete the root user account
Why wrong: Deleting root may break appliance management.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable FIPS 140-2 mode on the vCenter Server appliance
Option D is correct because enabling FIPS mode on the appliance ensures cryptographic compliance and strengthens security. Option A is wrong because joining Active Directory may introduce attack surface. Option B is wrong because vCenter does not use SSH by default for management. Option C is wrong because vCenter does not use root account in the same way; the appliance uses the 'root' user but best practice is to limit its use, not delete.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Join the vCenter Server to the corporate Active Directory domain
Why it's wrong here
Joining AD in DMZ may increase risk.
Enable SSH for remote administration
Why it's wrong here
SSH is not recommended for vCenter management.
Enable FIPS 140-2 mode on the vCenter Server appliance
Why this is correct
FIPS mode enforces strong cryptography.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Delete the root user account
Why it's wrong here
Deleting root may break appliance management.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the VCP-DCV 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
Identify which VCP-DCV 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.
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FAQ
vSphere Security — This question tests vSphere Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Enable FIPS 140-2 mode on the vCenter Server appliance — Option D is correct because enabling FIPS mode on the appliance ensures cryptographic compliance and strengthens security. Option A is wrong because joining Active Directory may introduce attack surface. Option B is wrong because vCenter does not use SSH by default for management. Option C is wrong because vCenter does not use root account in the same way; the appliance uses the 'root' user but best practice is to limit its use, not delete.
Identify which VCP-DCV 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.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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