mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Which two commands can be used to modify existing…
Which two commands can be used to modify existing file permissions on a Linux system? (Select TWO)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between commands that modify existing permissions (`chmod`, `setfacl`) versus commands that set defaults for new files (`umask`) or change file ownership (`chown`), leading candidates to mistakenly select `umask` or `chown` as tools for altering current permissions.
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
✓
setfacl
B is correct because `setfacl` is used to modify Access Control Lists (ACLs) on a file or directory, which are an extended mechanism for setting permissions beyond the standard owner/group/others model. E is correct because `chmod` is the standard command for changing the read, write, and execute permissions for the file owner, group, and others using symbolic or octal notation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
chattr
Why it's wrong here
chattr changes file attributes (like immutable, append-only) on ext2/3/4 filesystems, not standard permissions.
- ✓
setfacl
Why this is correct
setfacl sets or modifies Access Control Lists (ACLs) that can define permissions for specific users or groups.
- ✗
umask
Why it's wrong here
umask sets the default permission mask for newly created files; it does not affect existing files.
- ✗
chown
Why it's wrong here
chown changes the owner of a file, not the permissions directly.
- ✓
chmod
Why this is correct
chmod changes read, write, and execute permissions for owner, group, and others.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 SSCP exam.