How to properly configure the permissions (CHMOD) of files and folders?

Setting up the right chmod is very important especially when you have shared hosting. A good configuration of permissions (CHMOD) of your files and folders helps you to better secure your website.

The chmod (abbreviation of change mode) is a Unix command executable in a Unix-like environment which defines an access right or permission that is assigned to a file or a folder on Unix systems.

The different permissions are:

• no rights: value 0
• execution only: value 1
• write only: value 2
• write and execute: value 3
• read only: value 4
• read and execute: value 5
• read and write: value 6
• all rights (read, write and execute): value 7

They are expressed by 3 digits (for example: 644, 755, ...):

• the first is the permission granted to the owner of the file or folder (ie you).
• the second is the permission granted to the user group (the users in your group).
• the third is permission granted to any other person.

Examples :

1. A chmod 755 for a folder gives the owner full permissions, group members and others read and access permissions. It is a chmod typically used for directories.
2. A 644 chmod for a file gives the owner edit and read permissions, group members, and others only read permissions. It is a chmod typically used for files.

WE RECOMMEND THE SETTINGS BELOW:

• For all php files: chmod 440.
• For all cgi and perl files: chmod 550.
• For all other html files or those accessible via the web: chmod 444.
• For all folders: chmod 551.

If you want to write to a file or folder, just increase the first digit by 2. For example:

• For all editable php files: chmod 640
• For all editable cgi and perl files: chmod 750
• For all other html files or those accessible via the web and which are editable: chmod 644
• For all editable folders: chmod 751

You can set up the chmod using an FTP client like FileZilla. The change can also be made through the cPanel file manager.