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LPI 102-500 Practice Test 68

Question 670

A team maintaining a Linux host reports: A cloned image reuses the source server's private SSH host keys on multiple systems, confusing client identity verification. Which TWO complementary steps provide the best corrective action and its most direct diagnostic verification? Select TWO answers.

  1. Inspect `systemctl list-sockets`, service and socket unit states, live listeners and a controlled remote connection attempt.
  2. Grant narrowly scoped sudo privileges using visudo or a validated sudoers.d fragment, then test as the intended identity.
  3. Compare server host key fingerprint to an approved inventory, inspect /etc/ssh/ssh_host_* files and examine the user's known_hosts entry.
  4. Verify host-key fingerprints through a trusted channel and provision distinct server host keys for each machine, updating client trust only after authorized verification.
  5. Disable strict host-key checking permanently and copy one VM image's SSH host private keys unchanged to every clone.

Explanation

Correct Answers

C:

Most direct verification evidence: Compare server host key fingerprint to an approved inventory, inspect /etc/ssh/ssh_host_* files and examine the user's known_hosts entry. Linux principle: SSH server host keys identify the remote server and protect against impersonation; host keys are different from user public-key authentication keys.

D:

Recommended administrative action: Verify host-key fingerprints through a trusted channel and provision distinct server host keys for each machine, updating client trust only after authorized verification. Linux principle: SSH server host keys identify the remote server and protect against impersonation; host keys are different from user public-key authentication keys.

Incorrect Answers

A:

That option would inspect `systemctl list-sockets`, service and socket unit states, live listeners and a controlled remote connection attempt, but it addresses a different concern. SSH server host keys identify the remote server and protect against impersonation; host keys are different from user public-key authentication keys.

B:

This alternative addresses Sudoers least privilege and safe editing, not the specific issue of SSH server host keys and client trust decisions: Grant narrowly scoped sudo privileges using visudo or a validated sudoers.d fragment, then test as the intended identity.

E:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Disable strict host-key checking permanently and copy one VM image's SSH host private keys unchanged to every clone. SSH server host keys identify the remote server and protect against impersonation; host keys are different from user public-key authentication keys.

Question 671

While verifying a Linux change request, an engineer finds: A developer creates an SSH key pair but puts the private key into the remote ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Which administrative step is the MOST appropriate way to resolve this issue? Select ONE best answer.

  1. Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling.
  2. Restore restricted shadow database ownership and permissions using distribution-supported account tools and protect password hashes from general reads.
  3. Verify host-key fingerprints through a trusted channel and provision distinct server host keys for each machine, updating client trust only after authorized verification.
  4. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.

Explanation

Correct Answer

A:

Recommended administrative action: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key.

Incorrect Answers

B:

This alternative addresses Shadow password file permissions and hash protection, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Restore restricted shadow database ownership and permissions using distribution-supported account tools and protect password hashes from general reads. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

C:

That option would verify host-key fingerprints through a trusted channel and provision distinct server host keys for each machine, updating client trust only after authorized verification, but it addresses a different concern. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

D:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. It cannot establish a safe correction. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

Question 672

A Linux administrator investigates the following system incident: A developer creates an SSH key pair but puts the private key into the remote ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Which Linux behavior or technical principle BEST explains why the issue occurs? Select ONE best answer.

  1. sudo applies policy to which user may execute particular commands as another identity; unrestricted root privileges and unvalidated configuration edits are avoidable risks.
  2. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.
  3. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.
  4. SSH server host keys identify the remote server and protect against impersonation; host keys are different from user public-key authentication keys.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C:

Relevant Linux operating principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This alternative addresses Sudoers least privilege and safe editing, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: sudo applies policy to which user may execute particular commands as another identity; unrestricted root privileges and unvalidated configuration edits are avoidable risks. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

B:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

D:

This alternative addresses SSH server host keys and client trust decisions, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: SSH server host keys identify the remote server and protect against impersonation; host keys are different from user public-key authentication keys. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

Question 673

On a production Linux workstation or server, a technician observes: A developer creates an SSH key pair but puts the private key into the remote ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Which evidence or command result MOST directly tests the suspected root cause? Select ONE best answer.

  1. Compare server host key fingerprint to an approved inventory, inspect /etc/ssh/ssh_host_* files and examine the user's known_hosts entry.
  2. Inspect `systemctl list-sockets`, service and socket unit states, live listeners and a controlled remote connection attempt.
  3. Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent.
  4. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C:

Most direct verification evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key.

Incorrect Answers

A:

That option would compare server host key fingerprint to an approved inventory, inspect /etc/ssh/ssh_host_* files and examine the user's known_hosts entry, but it addresses a different concern. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

B:

That option would inspect `systemctl list-sockets`, service and socket unit states, live listeners and a controlled remote connection attempt, but it addresses a different concern. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

D:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. It cannot establish a safe correction. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key.

Question 674

During an LPIC-1 practice lab, the operator encounters this condition: A developer creates an SSH key pair but puts the private key into the remote ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Which observed outcome BEST confirms a successful and properly scoped correction? Select ONE best answer.

  1. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.
  2. Clients recognize the correct unique server identity and unexpected key changes trigger investigation rather than silent acceptance.
  3. Only approved interfaces and ports remain reachable, with a recorded accountable owner for each listening network service.
  4. Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

Observable acceptance criterion: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. It cannot establish a safe correction. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

B:

This alternative addresses SSH server host keys and client trust decisions, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Clients recognize the correct unique server identity and unexpected key changes trigger investigation rather than silent acceptance. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

C:

This alternative addresses Discovering exposed sockets and services, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Only approved interfaces and ports remain reachable, with a recorded accountable owner for each listening network service. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

Question 675

A helpdesk escalation describes this Linux behavior: A developer creates an SSH key pair but puts the private key into the remote ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Which misleading assumption MOST directly contributes to this failure and should be rejected? Select ONE best answer.

  1. Expose the internal service to every interface as a substitute for an SSH tunnel and assume -X forwards arbitrary TCP services exactly like -L.
  2. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.
  3. Make `/etc/shadow` readable by all users and place password hashes into `/etc/passwd` because hashed values are harmless to disclose.
  4. Disable strict host-key checking permanently and copy one VM image's SSH host private keys unchanged to every clone.

Explanation

Correct Answer

B:

Reject this specific misconception: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. It incorrectly assumes behavior that conflicts with the observed Linux conditions.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This alternative addresses SSH port forwarding and X11 tunnel purpose, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Expose the internal service to every interface as a substitute for an SSH tunnel and assume -X forwards arbitrary TCP services exactly like -L. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

C:

This alternative addresses Shadow password file permissions and hash protection, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Make `/etc/shadow` readable by all users and place password hashes into `/etc/passwd` because hashed values are harmless to disclose. ssh/authorized_keys file instead of the public key. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

D:

That option would disable strict host-key checking permanently and copy one VM image's SSH host private keys unchanged to every clone, but it addresses a different concern. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

Question 676

An operations handoff identifies this problem: An operator stores a private login key world-readable and ignores an SSH server denial about insecure local key permissions. Which administrative step is the MOST appropriate way to resolve this issue? Select ONE best answer.

  1. Restore restricted shadow database ownership and permissions using distribution-supported account tools and protect password hashes from general reads.
  2. Use `who`, `w` and `last` to distinguish active from historical logins and apply appropriate shell or PAM resource limits with ulimit and policy.
  3. Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling.
  4. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C:

Recommended administrative action: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This alternative addresses Shadow password file permissions and hash protection, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Restore restricted shadow database ownership and permissions using distribution-supported account tools and protect password hashes from general reads. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

B:

That option would use `who`, `w` and `last` to distinguish active from historical logins and apply appropriate shell or PAM resource limits with ulimit and policy, but it addresses a different concern. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

D:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. It cannot establish a safe correction. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

Question 677

A team maintaining a Linux host reports: An operator stores a private login key world-readable and ignores an SSH server denial about insecure local key permissions. Which Linux behavior or technical principle BEST explains why the issue occurs? Select ONE best answer.

  1. Encryption protects content for holders of the corresponding decryption key, whereas a digital signature demonstrates origin and integrity without concealing the data.
  2. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.
  3. Current sessions and login history answer different operational questions; per-process shell resource limits can constrain activity but are not equivalent to user authentication policies.
  4. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

Relevant Linux operating principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This alternative addresses GnuPG signing versus encryption and key revocation, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Encryption protects content for holders of the corresponding decryption key, whereas a digital signature demonstrates origin and integrity without concealing the data. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

B:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

C:

This alternative addresses Login history, active sessions and process limits, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Current sessions and login history answer different operational questions; per-process shell resource limits can constrain activity but are not equivalent to user authentication policies. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

Question 678

While verifying a Linux change request, an engineer finds: An operator stores a private login key world-readable and ignores an SSH server denial about insecure local key permissions. Which evidence or command result MOST directly tests the suspected root cause? Select ONE best answer.

  1. Run carefully scoped `find` checks for -perm -4000 and -perm -2000, review file ownership, ACLs, package provenance and intended use.
  2. Inspect `systemctl list-sockets`, service and socket unit states, live listeners and a controlled remote connection attempt.
  3. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.
  4. Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D:

Most direct verification evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent.

Incorrect Answers

A:

That option would run carefully scoped `find` checks for -perm -4000 and -perm -2000, review file ownership, ACLs, package provenance and intended use, but it addresses a different concern. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

B:

This alternative addresses Disabling unnecessary systemd and socket-activated services, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Inspect `systemctl list-sockets`, service and socket unit states, live listeners and a controlled remote connection attempt.

C:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. It cannot establish a safe correction. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

Question 679

A Linux administrator investigates the following system incident: An operator stores a private login key world-readable and ignores an SSH server denial about insecure local key permissions. Which observed outcome BEST confirms a successful and properly scoped correction? Select ONE best answer.

  1. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.
  2. Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.
  3. The intended client restrictions are enforced by a mechanism the actual running service honors rather than by unused legacy files.
  4. The authorized client reaches only the intended remote service or graphical display without exposing the server's internal listening port publicly.

Explanation

Correct Answer

B:

Observable acceptance criterion: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

C:

This alternative addresses TCP wrappers legacy access control and modern alternatives, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: The intended client restrictions are enforced by a mechanism the actual running service honors rather than by unused legacy files. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

D:

This alternative addresses SSH port forwarding and X11 tunnel purpose, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: The authorized client reaches only the intended remote service or graphical display without exposing the server's internal listening port publicly. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

Question 680

On a production Linux workstation or server, a technician observes: An operator stores a private login key world-readable and ignores an SSH server denial about insecure local key permissions. Which TWO complementary steps provide the best corrective action and its most direct diagnostic verification? Select TWO answers.

  1. Combine local `ss` or `lsof` socket ownership checks with authorized nmap testing to identify exposed services and unnecessary listeners.
  2. Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors.
  3. Inspect `systemctl list-sockets`, service and socket unit states, live listeners and a controlled remote connection attempt.
  4. Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling.
  5. Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent.

Explanation

Correct Answers

D:

Recommended administrative action: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

E:

Most direct verification evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

Incorrect Answers

A:

This alternative addresses Discovering exposed sockets and services, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Combine local `ss` or `lsof` socket ownership checks with authorized nmap testing to identify exposed services and unnecessary listeners. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts. Appropriate response: Install only the user's public key in the authorized_keys file, protect the private key and use ssh-agent or ssh-add when appropriate for approved key handling. Root-cause evidence: Inspect key file permissions, the authorized_keys contents, ssh -v authentication trace and `ssh-add -l` for an intended agent. Independent acceptance: Authorized users authenticate with their own protected private keys and the remote host contains no copied private credential.

B:

This shortcut is unsafe for the present Linux issue: Copy the private SSH key to authorized_keys on the server and make both key files world-readable to reduce login errors. Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

C:

This alternative addresses Disabling unnecessary systemd and socket-activated services, not the specific issue of SSH user keys, authorized_keys and agent handling: Inspect `systemctl list-sockets`, service and socket unit states, live listeners and a controlled remote connection attempt. Linux principle: Public keys can authorize remote login while the private key remains secret; agent software can hold usable key identities without copying secrets to remote hosts.

LPI Level 1 (102-500) Practice Tests