LINUX USER MANAGEMENT AND FILE PERMISSION SECURITY LAB

Abstract

The project titled “Linux User Management and File Permissions Security Lab” focuses on understanding and implementing access control and security mechanisms in the Linux operating system. As a multi-user environment widely used in servers and enterprise systems, Linux requires effective user management and strict file permission policies to ensure data security and prevent unauthorized access. This project explores core concepts such as user and group management, file ownership, and permission settings, including read, write, and execute privileges. It also demonstrates practical implementation using Linux command-line tools like useradd, userdel, groupadd, chmod, chown, and chgrp. Both symbolic and numeric methods of assigning permissions are examined, along with special permissions such as setuid, setgid, and sticky bit. Additionally, the project highlights the importance of proper permission configuration in preventing security vulnerabilities. Through practical scenarios, it shows how misconfigured permissions can lead to unauthorized access and system risks, and how such issues can be mitigated using best practices. Overall, this lab provides a strong foundation in Linux security and emphasizes its relevance in areas such as system administration, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity.