File permissions and access control in Cybersecurity - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What are file permissions in a computer system?

File permissions are rules that control who can read, write, or execute a file. They help protect files from unauthorized access or changes.

beginner

Name the three basic types of file permissions.

The three basic types are: Read (view file contents), Write (modify file), and Execute (run the file as a program).

beginner

What is access control in cybersecurity?

Access control is a security method that decides who can use or see resources like files or systems. It ensures only authorized users can access sensitive data.

intermediate

How do user, group, and others relate to file permissions?

Permissions are often set separately for the file owner (user), a group of users, and everyone else (others). This helps manage access for different people.

intermediate

What does the 'chmod' command do in Unix-like systems?

The 'chmod' command changes file permissions, letting you set who can read, write, or execute a file.

Which permission allows a user to run a file as a program?

A Read

B Write

C Execute

D Delete

Execute permission lets a user run the file as a program or script.

In file permissions, who does 'group' refer to?

A The file owner only

B A set of users assigned to the file

C All users on the system

D Only system administrators

'Group' means a collection of users who share the same access rights to the file.

What does 'read' permission allow you to do?

A View the file contents

B Change the file contents

C Run the file as a program

D Delete the file

Read permission lets you open and see the contents of the file.

Which command is used to change file permissions in Unix/Linux?

A ls

B mv

C cp

D chmod

'chmod' is the command to modify file permissions.

Access control helps to:

A Restrict file access to authorized users

B Allow everyone to access all files

C Speed up file access

D Delete files automatically

Access control restricts file or system access to only authorized users.

Explain the three basic file permissions and why they are important.

Think about what each permission allows a user to do with a file.

Describe how access control works to protect files in a computer system.

Consider who can access files and how the system decides this.