The answer is chmod 644 /etc/passwd because this command sets the file’s permissions to rw-r--r--, which is the standard default for the password file on Linux systems. The chmod utility changes file mode bits, and the numeric 644 grants read and write to the owner, read-only to the group, and read-only to others, effectively removing the world-writable and executable bits that a malicious script may have set with 777. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file permissions and the chmod command, often appearing in security or troubleshooting scenarios where you must harden a compromised system. A common trap is confusing chmod with chown or forgetting that 644 is octal notation; remember that the first digit (6) represents the owner’s read+write, while the two 4s mean read-only for group and others. A simple memory tip: “644 is the standard for passwd—owner can write, everyone else just reads.”
220-1202 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A malicious script is suspected to have changed permissions on critical system files. The administrator needs to restore the /etc/passwd file to its default permissions, which are 644. The file is currently 777. Which command will set the correct permissions?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
chmod 644 /etc/passwd
The correct answer is A because chmod 644 /etc/passwd sets the permissions to rw-r--r--, which is the standard for /etc/passwd. This removes the world-writable and executable bits.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
chmod 644 /etc/passwd
Why this is correct
This sets owner read/write, group read, others read, which is the correct default for /etc/passwd.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
chmod 600 /etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
This would make the file only readable by root, which would break system tools that need to read the file.
✗
chmod 755 /etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
This adds execute permission, which is unnecessary and a security risk for a text file.
✗
chmod 444 /etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
This makes the file read-only for everyone, preventing root from writing to it, which is not the default.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: chmod 644 /etc/passwd — The correct answer is A because chmod 644 /etc/passwd sets the permissions to rw-r--r--, which is the standard for /etc/passwd. This removes the world-writable and executable bits.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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