- A
chown root:root /etc/shadow && chmod 600
Why wrong: Changes group to root; not necessary as group shadow is acceptable.
- B
chmod 600 /etc/shadow
Restricts access to root only, which is the standard requirement.
- C
chmod 640 /etc/shadow
Why wrong: Allows group shadow to read, which is not needed and weakens security.
- D
chmod 000 /etc/shadow
Why wrong: Completely denies access, even to root, which would break authentication.
Question 392 of 537
Securing /etc/shadow Permissions: chmod 600
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of manage users and groups. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During an audit, it is discovered that a critical file /etc/shadow has permissions 644 and is owned by root:shadow. The administrator needs to secure it. What is the correct action?
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
✓
chmod 600 /etc/shadow
The /etc/shadow file stores encrypted user passwords and must be readable only by the root user to prevent unauthorized access. The correct action is to set permissions to 600 (owner read/write, no access for group or others) using chmod 600 /etc/shadow. This ensures only root can read or write the file, maintaining security.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 /etc/shadow && chmod 600
Why it's wrong here
Changes group to root; not necessary as group shadow is acceptable.
- ✓
chmod 600 /etc/shadow
Why this is correct
Restricts access to root only, which is the standard requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
chmod 640 /etc/shadow
Why it's wrong here
Allows group shadow to read, which is not needed and weakens security.
- ✗
chmod 000 /etc/shadow
Why it's wrong here
Completely denies access, even to root, which would break authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common mistake is to think that /etc/shadow should be readable by the shadow group (option C) or that ownership must be changed (option A), but in Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the correct permission is 600 to restrict all non-root access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The /etc/shadow file uses SHA-512 (or yescrypt on modern systems) password hashes; even read access can enable offline brute-force attacks. The shadow group is traditionally used by some utilities (e.g., backup tools) but for strict security, only root should have access. Setting permissions to 600 aligns with the principle of least privilege and is the standard secure configuration on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the EX200 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Manage users and groups — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Manage users and groups — This question tests Manage users and groups — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: chmod 600 /etc/shadow — The /etc/shadow file stores encrypted user passwords and must be readable only by the root user to prevent unauthorized access. The correct action is to set permissions to 600 (owner read/write, no access for group or others) using chmod 600 /etc/shadow. This ensures only root can read or write the file, maintaining security.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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