Question 58 of 513
1Z0-829 Java I/O API and Securing Applications Practice Question
A Java application running on a server reads configuration from a file 'config.properties' located in the same directory as the JAR. The application uses java.util.Properties.load(InputStream) to read the file. Recently, the file was modified by an unauthorized user, and the application started throwing runtime exceptions due to corrupted property values. The security team requires that the file be protected from unauthorized modifications while still being readable by the application. Which action should be taken to ensure the integrity of the configuration file?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse encryption (confidentiality) with integrity, or assume file permissions are sufficient, but the exam tests understanding that only digital signing provides non-repudiation and tamper detection against unauthorized modifications.
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
✓
Digitally sign the file and verify the signature before loading properties.
Digital signing provides both integrity and authenticity. By signing the file with a private key and verifying the signature with a public key before calling Properties.load(InputStream), the application can detect any unauthorized modification. This directly addresses the security requirement without relying on encryption (which protects confidentiality, not integrity) or file permissions (which can be bypassed by a privileged attacker).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Encrypt the file using AES and decrypt it in the application.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects confidentiality, not integrity; a corrupted encrypted file may still decrypt to garbage.
- ✗
Set the file permissions to read-only for the application user.
Why it's wrong here
Permissions can be bypassed by a privileged user or if the attacker gains the same user context.
- ✗
Store the file in a ZIP archive with a checksum.
Why it's wrong here
Checksums without a keyed hash are easily forged; an attacker can recompute the checksum after modifying.
- ✓
Digitally sign the file and verify the signature before loading properties.
Why this is correct
Digital signatures provide integrity and authenticity; any modification invalidates the signature.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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