The foundation of Windows security is simple — if you want access to a network resource such as a file or folder, you need the appropriate permissions. But implementation is more complex because the Windows operating system has two types of permissions: NTFS permissions, which operate at the file system level, and share permissions, which govern network access to shared resources.
In his latest article, Mr. Dirk Schrader, Resident CISO (EMEA) and VP of Security Research at Netwrix, explores NTFS permissions vs share permissions, including what each of these permission types can do, how they are different, and how you can use NTFS and share permissions together to enforce the principle of least privilege across all your Windows machines.
What Is NTFS?
NTFS (New Technology File System) is the standard file system for Microsoft Windows NT and later operating systems, replacing an older file system called File Allocation Table (FAT). However, FAT (especially FAT32) is still used, especially on removable storage devices.
NTFS supports efficient storage and retrieval through its Master File Table (MFT), which tracks all files and directories on the disk. This structure allows NTFS to manage large amounts of data effectively while maintaining quick access times. Moreover, its file size support can handle the demands of today’s modern applications and media storage. In terms of security, it supports encryption at both the file and folder levels, and it allows administrators to set detailed permissions for files and folders as well.
What Are NTFS Permissions?
NTFS permissions are used to manage access to data stored in NTFS file systems. The main advantages of NTFS share permissions are that they affect both local users and network users and that they are based on the permissions granted to an individual user at Windows logon, regardless of where the user is connecting from.
There are both basic and advanced NTFS permissions. You can set each of the permissions to Allow or Deny to control access to NTFS objects. Here are the basic types of access permissions:
- Full Control — Users can add, modify, move and delete files and directories, as well as their associated properties. In addition, users can change permissions settings for all files and subdirectories.
- Modify — Users can view and modify files and file properties, including adding files to or deleting files from a directory, or file properties to or from a file.
- Read & Execute — Users can run executable files, including scripts.
- Read — Users can view files, file properties and directories.
- Write — Users can write to a file and add files to directories.
How to Set NTFS Permissions (Step-by-Step Guide)
Find the complete step-by-step guide here.
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