Using linux file permissions as an operating system makes it easy to offer access to multiple users simultaneously. However, this access also poses a potential security risk. Understanding the different file permissions in Linux for users and groups will ensure your system is well protected.
This guide covers the basics of file permissions in Linux and also explains how to perform some essential tasks, including
- How to Change Directory Permissions in Linux
- Change directory permissions for group owners and others
- Managing permissions for groups of records and directories
- Change of owner
- How to change permissions for a numeric code
How to change directory permissions in Linux?
To change directory permissions on Linux, use the following:
- chmod +rwx filename to add permissions
- , chmod -rwx dirname to remove permissions.
- chmod +x filename to allow permissions on the executable file.
- chmod -wx filename to give mark and executable permissions.
Message that “r” is for read, “w” is for write, and “x” is for execute.
This only changes the file owner’s permissions.
What are the three groups of permissions?
There are three options for linux permissions groups that you can use on Linux. This
- Owners: These permissions spirit only apply to owners and will not move other groups.
- Groups: You can give a group of users specific permissions that will only affect users within the group.
- All users: These permissions will relate to all users, so they pose the most significant security risk and should be assigned with care.
What are the three types of file permissions in Linux?
There are three types of file approvals in linux file permissions:
- Read (r): A user or group can view a file.
- Write (w): The user can write or modify a file or directory.
- Execute (x): A user or group with execute permissions can execute a file or browse a directory.
Additional ways to manage permissions
Here’s a comprehensive list of ways to manage permissions, groups, and linux file permissions titles beyond the basic commands listed at the best of this leader.
How to Change Directory Permissions in Linux for Group Owners and Others
The command to change directory permissions for group owners is similar but adds “g” for group or “o” for users:
- chmod g+w filename
- file name chmod g-wx
- chmod o+w file name
- chmod o -rwx folder name
To change directory permissions for everybody, use “u” for workers, “g” for group, “o” for others, and “ugo” or “a” (for everyone).
- chmod ugo+rwx folder name to allow everyone to read, write, and execute.
- chmod a=r folder name to give everyone read-only permission.
How to change file and directory groups in Linux
By running these commands, you can change groups of files and directories in Linux.
- group name chgrp file name
- chgrp group name folder name
Note that the group must appear before you can assign groups to files and directories.
Changing Ownership in linux Permissions
Another useful command is to change the owner of linux file permissions and directories in linux permissions:
- chown name file name
- folder name
These commands will transfer ownership to someone, but all subfiles and directories will still belong to the original owner.
You can also combine group and ownership commands using:
- Chown -R name: filename /home/name/directory name
Changing Linux permissions to numeric code
You may want to know how to change permissions in numeric code in linux permissions, so use numbers instead of “r,” “w,” or “x” to do this.
- 0 = no permission
- 1 = Execute
- 2 = Record
- 4 = Read
Essentially, you add numbers depending on the permission level you want to provide.
Authorization numbers:
- 0 = —
- 1 = –x
- 2 = -sh-
- 3 = -wx
- 4 = p-
- 5 = p-x
- 6 = rw-
- 7 = rwx
Example:
- The chmod 777 folder name will grant permission to read, write, and execute everything.
- The chmod 700 folder name will grant the user permission to read, write, and execute.
- chmod 327 folder name will grant write and execute permission (3) for the user, w (2) for the group, and read, write, and perform for users.
As you can see, there are several linux file permissions options. You can dictate the user experience. While it might be easier to permit everyone, it could backfire in the long run. So choose wisely.
