File Permissions and User Management
What Are File Permissions?
File permissions determine who can read, write, or execute a given file or directory, forming a core part of an operating system's access control mechanism.
File Permission Basics (Linux Example)
In Linux, permissions are assigned to three categories - the file owner, the group, and everyone else - with each able to be granted read, write, and execute rights independently, allowing fine-grained control over access.
User Management
User management involves creating, modifying, and removing user accounts, assigning appropriate privilege levels, and ensuring that accounts no longer needed - such as those of former employees - are promptly disabled or deleted.
Principle of Least Privilege
Users and processes should only be granted the minimum permissions necessary to perform their function, reducing the potential damage if an account is compromised.
| Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Regular access reviews | Identifies and removes unnecessary permissions |
| Disabling inactive accounts | Reduces unused entry points for attackers |
| Separate admin and standard accounts | Limits damage from a compromised standard account |
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