# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.4.3 Ensure default group for the root account is GID 0

> Verify the root account default group is GID 0 to prevent root-owned files becoming accessible

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-4-3-ensure-default-group-for-the-root` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-4-3-ensure-default-group-for-the-root`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-4-3-ensure-default-group-for-the-root/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-4-3-ensure-default-group-for-the-root

---


# 5.4.3 Ensure default group for the root account is GID 0 (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The usermod command can be used to specify which group the root user belongs to. This affects permissions of files that are created by the root user.

## Rationale

Using GID 0 for the `root` account helps prevent `root`-owned files from accidentally becoming accessible to non-privileged users.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify the result is `0`:

```bash
grep "^root:" /etc/passwd | cut -f4 -d:
```

## Expected Result

```
0
```

## Remediation

Run the following command to set the `root` user default group to GID `0`:

```bash
usermod -g 0 root
```

## Default Value

GID 0

## References

- CIS Controls: 5 - Controlled Use of Administration Privileges

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation