XK0-006 Security Practice Question
A system administrator needs to monitor file access attempts to /etc/shadow using auditd. Which auditctl command sets up the watch?
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
✓
auditctl -w /etc/shadow -p wa -k shadow_watch
The correct syntax is 'auditctl -w /etc/shadow -p wa -k shadow_watch'. The -w specifies the file, -p wa watches for write and attribute changes (access is implied), but the -k is for a key. The other options have incorrect flags or order.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
auditctl -a always,exit -F path=/etc/shadow -F perm=wa -k shadow_watch
Why it's wrong here
The `perm=wa` rule specified here only monitors write and attribute modification events, which fails to capture read access attempts to `/etc/shadow`. The question asks to monitor *file access attempts*, implying a broader scope including reads. This option is tempting as auditing writes and attribute changes is crucial for detecting unauthorised tampering with the file's content or permissions. It would be the correct command if the specific requirement was to track only modifications to `/etc/shadow`, rather than all forms of access.
- ✗
auditctl -W /etc/shadow -p rwxa -k shadow_watch
Why it's wrong here
-W is invalid; should be -w. rwxa is not standard.
- ✗
auditctl -w /etc/shadow -k shadow_watch
Why it's wrong here
Missing -p flag; no permission filter, so watches all, but not explicit.
- ✓
auditctl -w /etc/shadow -p wa -k shadow_watch
Why this is correct
Correct use of -w to watch file with write and attribute permissions.
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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.