easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A shared directory requires that any new files…
A shared directory requires that any new files created within it are automatically writable by the group. What umask value should be set for users working in this directory?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse umask with the final permission value, mistakenly thinking a higher umask like 0022 is safer, but it actually removes group write access, which is the opposite of what the question requires.
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
✓
0002
(0002) is correct because the umask subtracts permissions from the default 0666 for files. A umask of 0002 removes the 'write' permission for others (o-w), leaving the group with read/write (rw) and the owner with read/write (rw). This ensures new files are group-writable, as required for a shared directory.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
0777
Why it's wrong here
This umask is too permissive and does not enforce group write specifically; also unusual.
- ✗
0027
Why it's wrong here
This umask removes all group permissions, contradicting the requirement.
- ✓
0002
Why this is correct
This umask subtracts 0002, giving group write permission on new files.
- ✗
0022
Why it's wrong here
This umask gives default permissions but does not grant group write (typically 755/644).
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
Key term
umask
Umask (user file-creation mode mask) is a Linux/Unix setting that determines the default permissions assigned to new files and directories by subtracting or masking permission bits from a base set.
Key term
Value
Value is the perceived worth, benefit, or usefulness that a service, product, or activity delivers to stakeholders, especially customers and the business.
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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.