010-160 Security And File Permissions Practice Question
You need to prevent a standard user from accidentally deleting a critical configuration file owned by root. Which command ensures the file cannot be modified or deleted even by the root user?
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
✓
chattr +i file.conf
The chattr +i command sets the immutable attribute, which prevents any user, including root, from deleting, renaming, or modifying the file until the attribute is removed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
chown root:root file.conf
Why it's wrong here
This sets ownership but does not stop root from performing operations.
- ✗
chmod 400 file.conf
Why it's wrong here
This restricts permissions but does not prevent root from changing them.
- ✗
umask 000
Why it's wrong here
This affects default permissions for new files, not existing ones.
- ✓
chattr +i file.conf
Why this is correct
This sets the immutable flag, preventing all modifications.
About these practice questions
One of 190 original 010-160 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official LPI exam blueprint
This 010-160 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 010-160 exam.