Inspect file ownership, permissions, active user context, and secure sensitive files on a Linux machine.
Build a solid understanding of Linux file access, ownership, and common permission troubleshooting.
Check which user is active and where you are in the system.
Run whoami
Run pwd
List files with ls -la
Practice reading and modifying permissions on test files.
Create or select a test file
Check current permissions
Use chmod to adjust permissions
Compare before and after
Review where stricter permissions are appropriate.
Inspect SSH key permissions
Document why 600 is safer than 644 for secrets
Summarize ownership and permission findings
Check current user and directory.
Inspect file permissions with ls -la.
Use chmod on test files.
Review permission impact.
Document safe and unsafe examples.
ls -la clearly shows ownership and permission changes
chmod updates file permissions successfully
You can explain symbolic permission meanings
Sensitive files are identified correctly
Permission audit notes
Screenshots or terminal proof
README with examples and explanations
Shows practical Linux knowledge and the ability to reason about access problems and security basics.
Using overly broad permissions like 777
Changing permissions without understanding impact
Ignoring ownership when debugging access issues
Not distinguishing files from directories
Add group-based access examples
Practice chown and chgrp
Audit permissions inside a container
Add Linux hardening notes