755-rwxr-xr-x

Web Directories / Executable Scripts

Owner has full control; group & others can read and execute.

644-rw-r--r--

Web Files / HTML / CSS / Docs

Owner can read & write; group & others read-only.

700-rwx------

Private Folders & User Scripts

Owner has full control; no access for anyone else.

600-rw-------

SSH Keys / Secret Configurations

Owner can read & write; blocked for all others.

775-rwxrwxr-x

Shared Team Web Folders

Owner & group have full access; others read/execute.

664-rw-rw-r--

Shared Team Content Files

Owner & group can read/write; others read-only.

400-r--------

Read-Only Private Key Files

Owner read-only; highly restrictive key security.

500-r-x------

Read & Execute Only Scripts

Owner can read and run script, but cannot modify.

777-rwxrwxrwx

Full Access (High Security Hazard)

Everyone can read, write, and execute. Avoid on web servers!

How to Choose the Right Permission

When managing Linux servers, follow the Principle of Least Privilege: give users and processes only the minimum access necessary to perform their work.

  • For website directories: Use 755 so web servers can enter and read folders.
  • For website regular files: Use 644 so files can be served but not modified externally.
  • For secret environment files: Use 600 to prevent other users from reading passwords.
  • For executable scripts: Use 755 (public) or 700 (private).