hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: Implementing a security policy that requires all…
A company is implementing a security policy that requires all files created in a shared directory /data to be owned by the group 'engineers' and have group read/write permissions, regardless of the user's umask. Which approach should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume the setgid bit alone is sufficient for both ownership and permissions, overlooking that it does not override the umask for permission bits.
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
✓
Set the setgid bit and configure ACL default permissions on /data
Setting the setgid bit on /data ensures that new files inherit the group ownership of the directory (engineers), but it does not override the user's umask for permissions. Configuring ACL default permissions on /data explicitly sets the group read/write permissions for new files, overriding the umask. Together, they guarantee both correct group ownership and group rw permissions regardless of the user's umask.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set the setgid bit only on /data
Why it's wrong here
Setgid makes new files inherit the group, but does not set default permissions.
- ✗
Set the sticky bit on /data
Why it's wrong here
The sticky bit prevents users from deleting files belonging to others, but does not affect ownership or permissions.
- ✗
Configure ACL default permissions only on /data
Why it's wrong here
ACL defaults set permissions but do not force group ownership; files still inherit the creator's primary group.
- ✓
Set the setgid bit and configure ACL default permissions on /data
Why this is correct
Setgid forces group inheritance, and ACL defaults set the desired permissions on new files.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
Key term
ACL
An Access Control List is a set of rules that determines who or what can access specific network resources or data.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 XK0-006 exam.