New Technology File System(NTFS) permissions determine the level of access users have on files and folders, directly influencing user exposure to unsolicited files. But, excessive privileges, granted accidentally or deliberately, can give users unsolicited access to important organizational files, which could even lead to a data leak. Implement these NTFS file permissions best practices to avoid security vulnerabilities that could be caused by inconsistent or excessive permissions.
Keep the permissions assigned to users to a bare minimum, granting only the privileges needed to fulfill users' roles. For sensitive files, ensure only administrators grant users access, and verify that the files are not publicly accessible.
Curtail permissions granted to Domain Users in the root folder. Grant teams and individuals granular permissions down the folder structure.
Create groups based on specific organizational roles, and assign permissions to these groups rather than individual users. Add or remove users from these groups to assign or revoke permissions with ease.
Define regular intervals for systematic review of the permissions assigned to users.
Let inheritance flow from the root to all child folders. Keep track of inconsistent permissions that circumvent inheritance, and correct them.
Keep an eye on all permission and system access-control list (SACL) changes on crucial files. Be on the lookout for unwarranted actions by unauthorized personnel.
Check for files with open access, and set the right permissions to permit only authorized file activity. Prevent misuse of user privileges by curbing open access on files and folders.
Locate and assess files owned by former employees. Revoke permissions for orphaned files, and remove user accounts from the respective security groups so malicious users can't access network resources.
Plan for situations that require unusual permissions. Set guidelines to be followed when the standard-issue permissions don’t meet the requirements of users or roles.
Create a separate group for administrators to oversee permissions. Give full control over management of file and folder permissions only to this group.
