Permissions allow you to control access to files, folders, and applications on your computer. Setting up permissions properly is important for security and privacy. When you install new software or connect to networks, you may be prompted to allow certain permissions. Knowing how permissions work and which ones to allow or deny can help you avoid security risks. This article provides an overview of permissions, how to view and modify them, and tips for improving security through better permission management.
What are permissions?
Permissions determine who can access and modify files, folders, and settings on a computer. There are different types of permissions:
File/Folder Permissions
These control whether a user can view, edit, delete, or run a file or folder. For example, file permissions may determine who can open a document or execute an application. Folder permissions control access to all files within that folder.
Registry Permissions
The registry stores system settings and configuration for Windows. Registry permissions control who can modify registry keys and values, which can affect system behavior.
User Access Control (UAC) Permissions
UAC permissions check if a user has admin rights before allowing actions that could impact security or stability. When UAC prompts appear, admins must approve actions like installing software.
Network Permissions
Determine who can access shared files and printers over a network. They are set both on the share itself and user accounts accessing it.
Service Permissions
Control which user accounts can start, stop, or configure system services. Malware can exploit excess service permissions to execute malicious processes.
API Permissions
Grant access for programs to read or write data through an application programming interface (API). May be requested by apps, websites, or browser extensions.
So in summary, permissions allow selective access and prevent potentially harmful changes by limiting which users and applications can modify protected areas of your computer.
How to View Current Permissions
You can review permissions for various parts of your system to understand what level of access users and software currently have.
File/Folder Permissions
To see permissions for a specific file or folder on Windows:
1. Right click on the file or folder and select Properties
2. Go to the Security tab
3. Click Advanced
This will show the current permissions assigned, including any special permissions that override the default.
On Mac OSX:
1. Get Info on the file/folder
2. Expand the Sharing & Permissions section
This will show read/write permissions for the owner, group, and others.
Registry Permissions
To view registry permissions in Windows:
1. Open Registry Editor
2. Navigate to the key you want to check
3. Right click and select Permissions
You will see a list of users/groups and their level of access to that registry key.
User Access Control Settings
To see your current UAC settings in Windows:
1. Open the Start menu and search for “Change User Account Control Settings”
2. The current slider position shows your UAC level
Lower settings give admins more freedom without prompts, while higher settings strictly enforce confirmation for any system changes.
Network Share Permissions
To check permissions for a network share or drive:
1. Right click on the share and select Properties
2. Go to the Sharing tab
3. Click Permissions
This will show read/write access for various users and groups.
Service Permissions
The easiest way to review service permissions is using a free tool like Process Explorer from SysInternals. Simply right-click on a service and select Properties to view its current Access Control List (ACL) showing which accounts have access.
API Permissions
Websites and applications will typically prompt you to approve API access permissions as needed. You can review some granted website permissions in your browser settings under Site Settings or Website Data. For system applications, check their individual settings menu for any API permission sections.
How to Change Permissions
If you want to grant or restrict access to certain files, folders, settings, or applications, you can modify their permissions. Here are tips for some common permission changes:
File/Folder Permissions
To modify file or folder permissions on Windows:
1. Right click, go to Properties > Security
2. Click Edit, then Add or Remove users/groups as needed
3. Highlight a user/group and check Allow or Deny for each permission type
On Mac:
1. Get Info > Sharing & Permissions
2. Use the + icon to add users/groups
3. Assign privilege levels for each user/group
Registry Permissions
To edit registry permissions:
1. Open Registry Editor and navigate to the key
2. Right click on the key and choose Permissions
3. Add or remove users/groups as needed
4. Check Allow or Deny for each action type
User Access Control
To modify your UAC settings in Windows:
1. Search for “Change User Account Control Settings”
2. Drag the slider up to require more confirmation or down for fewer prompts
Lower UAC can improve convenience but reduces security, so balance appropriately.
Network Share Permissions
To modify share permissions:
1. Right click the share and choose Properties
2. Go to the Sharing tab and click Permissions
3. Add or remove users/groups, then set permissions
Make sure to consider both the share permissions and NTFS permissions underneath.
Service Permissions
Use a tool like Process Explorer or the built-in Services console to modify service permissions:
1. Right click the service and go to Properties > Log On tab
2. Choose the account type and specific user/group
3. Configure other options like password reset
Grant only necessary permissions so services aren’t exploited.
API Permissions
When software requests API access, carefully consider if it’s necessary for the application’s functionality vs. excess tracking or data gathering. Only allow required permissions and deny any that seem suspicious or unnecessary. You can also revoke website permissions in your browser settings later if needed.
How to Reset Permissions to Default
If your permission settings get too messy or incorrect, you may want to reset them to default values:
– For system files/folders, open Command Prompt as admin and run:
“`
icacls C:\Folder /reset /T
“`
Replace “C:\Folder” with the actual path. Add `/C` to also reset inherited permissions from parent objects.
– For registry key permissions, delete the key then recreate it. Parent keys will automatically assign default permissions.
– For UAC, set the slider back to default position. Typically 2nd from the bottom.
– For network shares, recreate the share which will build permissions from scratch.
– For services, assign the default built-in service accounts like Local System or Network Service where applicable.
– For websites/applications, look for a “Reset to default”, “Revoke access”, or similar option. Or uninstall/reinstall the application completely.
Resetting brings things back to a clean, known state if permissions get overly complex or botched.
Tips for Securing Permissions
Here are some general tips to keep permissions secure:
– Only allow file/folder access as needed for each user or group
– Restrict registry and service permission assignments
– Leave UAC on default or higher level
– Carefully consider permission requests from apps and websites
– Assign restrictive network share permissions
– Reset permissions after significant system changes
– Regularly review permissions on critical objects
– Use least privilege model – don’t give more access than required
Permissions provide flexible control of access on your system. Setting and reviewing them properly helps keep your computer secure. Monitor permission changes and investigate anything suspicious. Overall, aim to follow the principle of least privilege for all user accounts and applications on your computer.
Conclusion
Permissions allow granular access control to files, folders, settings, and software on a computer. You can view current permissions from various properties and settings windows. Modifying permissions involves adding/removing user accounts and checking allow/deny for access types. Resetting permissions can clean up messy states. Following best practices like least privilege ensures optimal system security. Reviewing and modifying permissions regularly on critical objects can prevent malicious access and abuse of excess privileges. With proper permission hygiene, you can confidently allow access as needed while maintaining a system that is locked down against threats.