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200-201 Practice Question: A Linux server is configured with auditd to…
A Linux server is configured with auditd to monitor file access. Which audit rule will detect any attempt to read the /etc/shadow file?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the specific meaning of auditd permission flags (`r`, `w`, `x`, `a`) and expects candidates to know that `-p r` is for read access, not `-p x` which is for execute, a common confusion because both involve accessing a file.
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
✓
-w /etc/shadow -p r
The `-p r` flag in an auditd rule specifies that the rule should monitor for read access attempts. The `/etc/shadow` file contains hashed passwords, and reading it is a common post-exploitation reconnaissance step. The `-w` flag watches a file, and `-p r` triggers an audit event when the file is opened for reading.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
-w /etc/shadow -p x
Why it's wrong here
The -p x flag monitors execute access.
- ✗
-w /etc/shadow -p a
Why it's wrong here
The -p a flag monitors attribute changes, not reads.
- ✗
-w /etc/shadow -p w
Why it's wrong here
The -p w flag monitors write access.
- ✓
-w /etc/shadow -p r
Why this is correct
The -p r flag monitors read access exactly.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco 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 200-201 exam.