Know About File Permissions on cPanel

Each of the files and directories (or folders) in your cPanel account has preset permissions. These permissions basically control the user’s ability to read, write, revise, edit, or execute these files and folders. When you set a permission, you can choose who amongst your users can perform these actions. Once you create files, the control panel automatically assign default permissions on each of them. Most of your users do not have the need to make changes to these permissions.

However, there are certain times, such as with updates or installation, wherein the default file permissions change.

Default home directories for cPanel users

All cPanel users will receive a home directory by default. You will find this home directory under this: /home/{username}. It is important for you to remember that every file and directory under a particular user’s home directory should have appropriate permissions and ownership.

Although all files and directories play major roles, you need to keep in mind that the most important directory you should set the correct permission and ownership for is the public_html.

How to view file permissions

You can view, alter, or revise file permissions through your cPanel File Manager. You can also do this via other FTP programs.

When you open your cPanel File Manager, a window will pop up, listing all of the files and directories a user has. On the right side of each file, you will see the permissions set for it. One thing to note is that certain file types and directories should have particular permission settings.permissions

Here are a few examples of the required permission settings for some of the most important files and folders:

  • public_html: 750
  • Folders: 755
  • CGI and Perl scripts: 755
  • .html .php and other types of documents: 644

What you should do with errors on permission settings

It is critical for you to understand that improper file permission settings can cause a lot of problems. The worst thing that can happen is unauthorized access to the most sensitive areas of your cPanel account. Incorrect settings on permissions can give unauthorized users the ability and the access they need to hack your website or even launch attacks. Once this takes place, these hackers can cause even more damage, as they can change a lot of your file permission settings, leading to the increased vulnerability of your site.

Here is a very important thing to keep in mind: the 777 permissions means that the file or directory is readable, executable, and writeable with only the single word “world.” Although rare, since situations wherein you would have to write or execute files or folders through the use of the “world” is uncommon, this is still a fact you should remember.

Another thing to note is that, once you locate files and directories that have permissions different to that of the default ones, change them back to the recommended settings.

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