# Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 10 3

> Set Default Group for root Account

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-10-3` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-10-3`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-10-3/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-ubuntu1204-v110-10-3

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# 10.3 Set Default Group for root Account (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## 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

### Using Command Line

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

## Expected Result

The command should return `0`.

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

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

## Default Value

GID 0 is the default group for root.

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Scored