By design, when you add a new user to Ubuntu , the adduser utility creates a brand new home directory for the account usually in the /home/ followed by the username. The default profile for all new users are modeled after the content in /etc/skel directory.
One thing that most people don’t know or don’t care about is that all new users that are created in Ubuntu can read each other’s profile folder by default. User home folders or directories are created with world read/execute permissions, which give everyone rights to read all content in your home directory.
If you’re concern about security, you may want to change the permissions so that no one is able to read the content in your home directory.
You don’t have to do this if you’re not concern about security. You only want to implement this if you want to ensure confidentiality. It may be wise to use in a server environment.
Run the commands below to view your home directory permissions. Replace username with your account name.
ls -ld /home/username
If it comes back with the line below, then your profile is world readable. If you use a shared machine, anyone with account will be able to browse and read your content.
drwxr-xr-x 17 richard richard 4096 Sep 21 20:28 /home/richard
To change that so no one is able to view your content, run the commands below. Replace username with your account name.
sudo chmod 0750 /home/username
The commands above to make sure no one is able to view your content. When a user without permissions tries, he/she will get access denied.
To ensure all future users are created without world readable home folder, edit /etc/adduser.conf file and change DIR_MODE to 0750.
DIR_MODE=0750
Hope this helps.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent users from browsing my folders in Ubuntu?
To prevent users from browsing your folders in Ubuntu, you can change the permissions of your home directory to restrict access. Run the command 'sudo chmod 0750 /home/username' to ensure that only authorized users can view your content.
What are the default permissions for user home folders in Ubuntu?
User home folders in Ubuntu are created with world read/execute permissions by default, allowing everyone to read the content. It is important to be aware of this default setting and adjust permissions if needed for security reasons.
How can I check the permissions of my home directory in Ubuntu?
To check the permissions of your home directory in Ubuntu, you can use the command 'ls -ld /home/username'. If the output shows world-readable permissions, you may want to consider changing them to restrict access.
Why should I change the permissions of my home directory in Ubuntu?
Changing the permissions of your home directory in Ubuntu is important for enhancing security and ensuring confidentiality. By restricting access to your content, you can prevent unauthorized users from browsing your folders.
Is it necessary to change home directory permissions in Ubuntu for security reasons?
Changing home directory permissions in Ubuntu is not mandatory, but it is recommended for security-conscious users. If you want to prevent others from accessing your content, adjusting permissions can help enhance the privacy of your files.
How can I ensure future users have restricted access to their home folders in Ubuntu?
To ensure that all future users created in Ubuntu have restricted access to their home folders, you can edit the '/etc/adduser.conf' file and set the 'DIR_MODE' to '0750'. This configuration will help maintain the security of user profiles.
What happens if someone without permissions tries to access my home directory in Ubuntu?
If someone without permissions attempts to access your home directory in Ubuntu, they will receive an 'access denied' message. The permissions set on your home folder will prevent unauthorized users from browsing or reading your content.
In which environment is it advisable to change home directory permissions in Ubuntu?
It is advisable to change home directory permissions in Ubuntu, especially in a server environment where security is a top priority. By restricting access to user profiles, you can minimize the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
