The answer is the find / -type f -perm -4000 command. This is correct because the SUID (Set User ID) bit is represented by the octal value 4000, and using the -perm -4000 flag tells find to match any file where that specific bit is set, regardless of the other permission bits. The -type f option further restricts the search to regular files, excluding directories or special files that might also have the SUID bit. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file permissions and security hardening, often appearing in scenarios about incident response or privilege escalation risks. A common trap is confusing -perm -4000 (at least the SUID bit) with -perm 4000 (exactly 4000), which would miss files with additional permissions like 4755. For a quick memory tip, think of the 4 in 4000 as the “four” legs of a chair that lifts the user up to root privileges, and remember the dash means “at least this bit is set.”
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 security incident response team needs to identify all files on a system that have the SUID bit set, as these may pose a security risk. Which command should they use?
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
✓
find / -type f -perm -4000
The correct answer is C because find / -perm -4000 searches for files with the SUID bit set (octal 4000). The -4000 notation matches any file that has the SUID bit, regardless of other permissions.
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.
✗
find / -type f -perm 0777
Why it's wrong here
This finds world-writable files, not files with SUID set.
✗
find / -type f -perm 4000
Why it's wrong here
This would only find files with exactly the permission 4000 (---S------), which is rare; most SUID files have other bits set.
✓
find / -type f -perm -4000
Why this is correct
This finds any file with the SUID bit set, regardless of other permission bits, which is the correct approach.
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.
✗
find / -type f -perm /4000
Why it's wrong here
The / syntax is used for some find versions, but -perm -4000 is the standard POSIX way to match any file with the SUID bit.
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: find / -type f -perm -4000 — The correct answer is C because find / -perm -4000 searches for files with the SUID bit set (octal 4000). The -4000 notation matches any file that has the SUID bit, regardless of other permissions.
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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Question Discussion
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