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Home / Glossary / FACL
Glossary · Security

FACL

File System Access Control List

In plain language

A list on a file or folder that says which people may open it, change it or delete it.

The metaphor

Like the guest list on a door: each folder has its own list of who may come in.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Each file or folder carries its own list of permissions.
  • Permissions can be given to a person or to a group.
  • Settings can pass down from a folder to everything inside it.
  • Overly generous lists are a common way staff see files they should not.
In practice
  • Accounting files can be opened only by the finance group.
  • A shared folder lets everyone read but only two people edit.
  • A departed employee's access is removed from every folder.

A question owners ask

How do I check who can see a folder?

Open the folder's security settings, or ask your IT provider for a report of who has access to each shared folder.

Related terms
AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and AccountingAccount takeoverACLAccess Control ListAdmin accountAESAdvanced Encryption StandardAES-256Advanced Encryption Standards 256-bitAISAutomated Indicator SharingAPTAdvanced Persistent Threat

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