The answer is chmod 600 /etc/app/config.cfg. This command sets file permissions to owner only read/write by applying the octal value 600, which grants the root user read (4) and write (2) permissions while stripping all permissions from the group and others. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this tests your understanding of Linux file permission modes and the chmod command, often appearing in security audit scenarios where you must lock down sensitive configuration files. A common trap is confusing the octal values—remember that 6 combines read (4) and write (2) for the owner, while the two zeros remove all access for group and others. For a quick memory tip: think of 600 as "six hundred" where the six means the owner gets both read and write, and the two zeros mean nobody else gets anything.
220-1102 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
During a security audit, a Linux server is found to have a configuration file that is world-writable. The file /etc/app/config.cfg must only be readable and writable by the root user. Which command should the administrator run?
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 600 /etc/app/config.cfg
The correct answer is C because chmod 600 sets owner read/write and removes all permissions for group and others. This matches the requirement that only root can read and write the file.
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 777 /etc/app/config.cfg
Why it's wrong here
This makes the file readable, writable, and executable by everyone, which is the opposite of the security requirement.
✗
chmod 644 /etc/app/config.cfg
Why it's wrong here
This gives owner read/write but group and others read-only, which still allows non-root users to read the file.
✓
chmod 600 /etc/app/config.cfg
Why this is correct
This grants read and write only to the owner (root), and no permissions to group or others, securing the file.
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 400 /etc/app/config.cfg
Why it's wrong here
This gives owner read-only, which would prevent root from writing to the file, violating the requirement.
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 600 /etc/app/config.cfg — The correct answer is C because chmod 600 sets owner read/write and removes all permissions for group and others. This matches the requirement that only root can read and write the file.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a security audit, you find that a configuration file /etc/app/config.cfg has permissions -rwxrwxrwx. What command should you run to restrict it so only the owner can read and write, and the group can read, while others have no access?
medium
✓ A.chmod 640 /etc/app/config.cfg
B.chmod 750 /etc/app/config.cfg
C.chmod 644 /etc/app/config.cfg
D.chmod 600 /etc/app/config.cfg
Why A: The desired permissions are rw-r----- which is numeric 640. The chmod command with 640 sets owner read/write, group read, and no permissions for others.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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