To permit root login over SSH by editing sshd_config and reloading SSH, which actions are performed?

• A. Run: Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config and set PermitRootLogin no; systemctl reload sshd
• B. Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config and set PermitRootLogin yes; systemctl restart sshd
• C. Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config and set PermitRootLogin yes; systemctl reload sshd
• D. Do nothing; SSH will still allow root login

Answer: (C)

Enabling root SSH login requires changing the SSH daemon’s configuration and then having the daemon re-read that configuration. The setting lives in /etc/ssh/sshd_config, and PermitRootLogin controls whether root can authenticate over SSH. Setting it to yes turns this capability on. After saving the change, you apply it by signaling the sshd service to reload its configuration with systemctl reload sshd. Reload reads the new settings without stopping the daemon, so existing sessions remain and new logins can occur under the updated rule. Using a full restart would also apply the change but would briefly drop and reconnect all active SSH sessions, which is more disruptive. Keep in mind enabling root login has security implications; in many cases it’s safer to disable it and use sudo for privileged actions.