Setting correct file permissions is crucial for the security of your WordPress website. Incorrect permissions can leave your website vulnerable to exploits and unauthorized access. File permissions in WordPress are set using a three-digit numeric system where each digit defines the permissions for the user, the group, and the public, respectively.
Here’s a basic guideline for WordPress file permissions:
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Files should be 644: Most files on your WordPress site should have a permission setting of 644. This setting means the owner has read and write permissions, while the group and public have read permissions only. This includes most files in your WordPress installation such as
.phpand.htmlfiles. -
Folders/directories should be 755: Directories in your WordPress installation should have a permission setting of 755. This means the owner can read, write, and execute, while the group and public can only read and execute. Directories need execute permissions so the contents inside can be listed.
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wp-config.phpshould be 600: Thewp-config.phpfile, which contains sensitive database information, should be set to 600. This gives the file owner read and write permissions and gives no permissions to anyone else. -
Other special files: Some files may need to be set to 660, 664, or 640. This might be needed if you’re having trouble with the WordPress auto-update feature, but should be used cautiously, as it could potentially expose sensitive information.
Remember, it’s always good to take a backup of your site before changing file permissions. Also, if your website is hosted on a shared hosting environment, it might be best to consult with your hosting provider before making changes, as these settings can vary from host to host.