- A
Contains hashed passwords for local users.
This is the primary purpose of /etc/shadow.
- B
Contains the user's UID.
Why wrong: UID is stored in /etc/passwd.
- C
Is used to store encrypted group passwords.
Why wrong: Group passwords are stored in /etc/gshadow.
- D
Is readable by all users.
Why wrong: The shadow file is restricted to root (and shadow group) for security.
- E
Contains password aging information such as minimum and maximum days.
Fields include last change, min, max, warn, etc.
Question 324 of 537
Contents of the /etc/shadow File for RHCSA
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of manage security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO statements about the /etc/shadow file are true? (Select exactly two.)
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
✓
Contains hashed passwords for local users.
The /etc/shadow file stores hashed user passwords using algorithms like SHA-512 or yescrypt, as defined by the pam_unix module. It also contains password aging fields (e.g., minimum days, maximum days, warning period) that enforce password expiration policies. These two functions make options A and E correct.
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.
- ✓
Contains hashed passwords for local users.
Why this is correct
This is the primary purpose of /etc/shadow.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Contains the user's UID.
Why it's wrong here
UID is stored in /etc/passwd.
- ✗
Is used to store encrypted group passwords.
Why it's wrong here
Group passwords are stored in /etc/gshadow.
- ✗
Is readable by all users.
Why it's wrong here
The shadow file is restricted to root (and shadow group) for security.
- ✓
Contains password aging information such as minimum and maximum days.
Why this is correct
Fields include last change, min, max, warn, etc.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall on Red Hat exams is confusing /etc/passwd (which contains UIDs and is world-readable) with /etc/shadow (which contains hashed passwords and is root-only). Many candidates incorrectly think /etc/shadow contains UIDs or is readable by all users.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The /etc/shadow file uses a colon-delimited format with nine fields: username, hashed password, last change date, minimum days, maximum days, warning period, inactivity period, expiration date, and a reserved field. The password hash includes a salt and algorithm identifier (e.g., $6$ for SHA-512, $y$ for yescrypt). In Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the chage command manipulates aging fields, and the authconfig or authselect tools manage the hashing algorithm system-wide.
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.
- →
Manage security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Manage security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Manage security — This question tests Manage security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Contains hashed passwords for local users. — The /etc/shadow file stores hashed user passwords using algorithms like SHA-512 or yescrypt, as defined by the pam_unix module. It also contains password aging fields (e.g., minimum days, maximum days, warning period) that enforce password expiration policies. These two functions make options A and E correct.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on EX200
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which file contains the hashed passwords for local user accounts?
easy- A./etc/security/passwd
- B./etc/passwd
- ✓ C./etc/shadow
- D./etc/gshadow
Why C: The /etc/shadow file stores hashed passwords for local user accounts, along with password aging and expiration information. It is readable only by root (or privileged processes) to prevent unauthorized access to password hashes, unlike /etc/passwd which is world-readable.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This EX200 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Red Hat 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 EX200 exam.
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