removing write permission does not prevent root from writing to the file

"1) This is a normal behaviour. root has rw access on all files at all times.

2) You can protect a file even from root (not deliberate action, but accidental, anyway) by using

chattr +i filename.ext

That is ""change attributes add immutable"". To remove the protection:

chattr -i filename.ext

have a look at man chattr for more info"

"You can also restrict file access for the root user, by using Linux kernel ""Capabilities"": http://www.securityfocus.com/infocus/1400

There is also the possibility of using SE-Linux or some other kernel patch to make some files immutable even to root."