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Adjusting file permissions in the Webspace Explorer

Valid for Linux Web Hosting.

File permissions allow you to define who is authorized to read, write, or execute your files and folders in the webspace. This is a basic security function and often a requirement for the correct functioning of web applications such as WordPress or Joomla!

In this article, we will show you how you can easily adjust the permissions for your files and folders using the Webspace Explorer dialogue box.

Basics: What do the permissions mean?

Each file and folder on your web space has permissions for three different user types.

  • Owner: This is you, as the user of the web space.
  • Group: Users who belong to the same group. This is technically relevant for IONOS Webhosting, but is usually not directly manageable for you, as a user.
  • Others: All other visitors to your website.

Three basic rights can be assigned for each of these types:

  • Read: The content of a file may be read, or the files in a folder may be listed.
  • Write: A file may be changed or deleted. Files may be added to, or removed from a folder.
  • Execute: A file (e.g. a script) may be executed. A folder can be opened to access its contents.

Adjusting permissions: step-by-step instructions

Please Note

The access rights for the clickandbuilds folder, if present, must not be changed, as this may impair the functionality of the IONOS Click & Build applications.

  • Log in to your IONOS account.
  • Click Menu > Hosting in the title bar. If you have multiple contracts, select the desired Hosting contract.
  • Click on Use Webspace in the Webspace area. The Webspace Explorer page opens.
  • Search for the file or folder whose permissions you want to change.
  • In the corresponding line under the Actions column, click on the three dots and select Change Permissions in the context menu.
  • A new window opens. You now have two options:

    Visual mode (recommended for beginners): tick or untick the read, write, and execute options for the respective user types (User, Group, Public). 

    Octal mode (for advanced users): Enter the desired three-digit number combination directly in the Octal Representation field.

    The Octal Representation and Text Representation fields (e.g. rwxr-xr-x) update automatically and serve as a check.
  • Click on Save to apply the changes. The new permissions are active immediately.

Which permissions are the right ones?

At IONOS, a simple rule applies for the best combination of security and function: keep the default settings.

The following table shows you the correct values. Only change these if an application (e.g. a plug-in) explicitly requires this and otherwise does not work.

What? IONOS Standard (Safe & Recommended) Alternative (Only if required)
Folders 705 755
Files 604 644

Please Note

Permissions 777 (full access for all) should never be used. It represents a considerable security risk.

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