hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A security policy requires auditing of all file…
A security policy requires auditing of all file access attempts. Which Linux kernel feature should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse `auditd` with general logging tools like `journald` or `syslog`, assuming any logging service can fulfill file access auditing requirements, but only the Linux Audit subsystem provides the necessary kernel-level system call interception and rule-based filtering.
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
✓
auditd
The `auditd` service is the user-space component of the Linux Audit subsystem, which is the kernel feature designed to record file access events. It uses kernel audit rules (configured via `auditctl`) to capture system calls like `open`, `execve`, and `unlink`, enabling detailed auditing of all file access attempts as required by security policies.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
auditd
Why this is correct
The audit daemon can be configured to watch file accesses using audit rules.
- ✗
journald
Why it's wrong here
Journald collects logs from various sources but is not designed for file access auditing.
- ✗
syslog
Why it's wrong here
Syslog handles general system logging but does not provide granular file access auditing.
- ✗
sysstat
Why it's wrong here
Sysstat collects system performance metrics, not audit events.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
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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.