Quick Answer
The answer is IMA/EVM with fs-verity, the correct choice to enforce GPG script signing on Linux because this combination provides mandatory file-level integrity verification before execution. IMA (Integrity Measurement Architecture) measures file hashes and can be configured to require a valid GPG signature, while fs-verity adds a per-file Merkle tree that ensures the script hasn’t been tampered with, effectively locking down the specified directory to signed scripts only. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of advanced kernel security features beyond basic permissions or SELinux—a common trap is confusing IMA with simple file hashing tools like sha256sum, but IMA enforces the policy at the kernel level, not just reports a hash. Remember the mnemonic: “IMA signs the script, fs-verity verifies the tree” to keep the roles straight.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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.
A security team requires that all scripts run from a specific directory must be signed with a GPG key before execution. Which Linux feature can enforce this policy?
IMA/EVM with fs-verity
IMA/EVM can enforce that files are signed and verified before execution.
setuid bit
Why wrong: setuid changes the effective user, it does not verify signatures.
dm-verity
Why wrong: dm-verity is typically used for block device integrity, not per-file script execution.
SELinux boolean
Why wrong: SELinux can control access but does not enforce digital signatures on execution.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
IMA/EVM with fs-verity
IMA/EVM (Integrity Measurement Architecture / Extended Verification Module) with fs-verity is the correct choice because it provides file-level integrity enforcement by requiring a valid GPG signature on scripts before execution. fs-verity enables per-file Merkle tree verification, and IMA can be configured to measure and enforce signatures, ensuring only signed scripts from the specified directory are allowed to run.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
IMA/EVM with fs-verity
Why this is correct
IMA/EVM can enforce that files are signed and verified before execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
setuid bit
Why it's wrong here
setuid changes the effective user, it does not verify signatures.
dm-verity
Why it's wrong here
dm-verity is typically used for block device integrity, not per-file script execution.
SELinux boolean
Why it's wrong here
SELinux can control access but does not enforce digital signatures on execution.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse dm-verity (block-level integrity for read-only filesystems) with fs-verity (file-level integrity for mutable files), leading them to choose dm-verity despite it not supporting per-file signing enforcement.
Detailed technical explanation
IMA/EVM with fs-verity works by computing a Merkle tree hash of the file content, which is then verified against a digital signature stored in extended attributes (e.g., security.ima). The kernel enforces that only files with a valid GPG signature matching a trusted key can be executed, providing a robust mechanism against tampered scripts. In practice, this is used in secure boot chains and container image verification to prevent unauthorized code execution.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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FAQ
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: IMA/EVM with fs-verity — IMA/EVM (Integrity Measurement Architecture / Extended Verification Module) with fs-verity is the correct choice because it provides file-level integrity enforcement by requiring a valid GPG signature on scripts before execution. fs-verity enables per-file Merkle tree verification, and IMA can be configured to measure and enforce signatures, ensuring only signed scripts from the specified directory are allowed to run.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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