How to Change Permissions for All Files and Folders in a Directory via SSH

If you’re managing a WordPress website, especially for security or troubleshooting purposes, you may need to change the file and folder permissions for specific directories. This guide will show you how to change all permissions for files and folders in a directory using SSH. We’ll also cover best practices for WordPress permissions to keep your site secure.

Why File and Folder Permissions Matter in WordPress?

Proper permissions ensure your WordPress site runs smoothly while preventing unauthorized access or malicious changes to your files. The typical WordPress recommendation is:

• Folders: 755 (read, write, and execute for the owner; read and execute for others)
• Files: 644 (read and write for the owner; read-only for others)

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing File and Folder Permissions

1. Connect to Your Server Using SSH

• Open an SSH client like PuTTY or Terminal (Mac/Linux users).
• Log in with your server credentials.

2. Navigate to the Directory

If you want to change permissions for a specific folder, use the cd command to navigate:

cd /home/bmart/public_html/wp-content/pluginsxxxxxxmalware

3. Change Permissions for All Files and Folders

If you want to set all files and directories to the same permission (e.g., 755), use this command:

chmod -R 755 /home/bmart/public_html/wp-content/pluginsxxxxxxmalware

• -R ensures that the permission is applied recursively to all files and subdirectories.
• 755 allows read, write, and execute for the owner, and read and execute for others.

4. Set Different Permissions for Files and Folders (Recommended for WordPress)

To change only folder permissions to 755:

find /home/bmart/public_html/wp-content/pluginsxxxxxxmalware -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;

To change only file permissions to 644:

find /home/bmart/public_html/wp-content/pluginsxxxxxxmalware -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;

This setup ensures proper WordPress security and functionality.

Best Practices for WordPress Permissions

1. Avoid Setting Permissions to 777: This is a major security risk because it grants full control to anyone.
2. Monitor Plugins and Themes: Ensure that you only use trusted and updated plugins and themes to reduce vulnerabilities.
3. Run Security Scans: Regularly scan your site for malware to detect potential threats early.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

• Permission Denied Errors: Ensure you are logged in as the correct user or have superuser privileges.
• Ownership Issues: Use the chown command if you need to change the file owner:

chown -R username:groupname /path/to/directory

Conclusion

Proper file and folder permissions are essential for keeping your WordPress website secure and running smoothly. By following this guide, you can quickly adjust permissions as needed. If you’re a HoganHost customer and need further assistance with your website’s file permissions, contact us.

Check out our Cheap and affordable Web Hosting.