Simplify NTFS Permissions Management

New Technology File System or NTFS permissions control the specific shared resources end-user accounts have access to. By configuring the user account, group member, and domain access permissions applied to network drives, files, and folders, administrators enable individual end users to share and exchange resources and can improve security by restricting access to sensitive or confidential materials. 

NTFS is the file system formatting used by all Windows operating systems and gives admins control over inherited permissions passed down to individual files and folders. NTFS share permissions can be applied to any NTFS-formatted drive. In addition to Windows folder permissions, NTFS permissions utilities can also be used to grant or restrict access to network containers and Active Directory objects.

NTFS folder permissions and other shared resource permissions can be applied to both local and networked users, so when someone logs into any Windows workstation on the network, or via a remote connection, they’ll receive the same set of NTFS file permissions.

NTFS file systems operate by applying permissions to files, folders, drives, containers, and other objects. Typically, this is done by using NTFS to modify permissions to a root folder, which subfolders and files then inherit by default (though this feature can be disabled as needed). 

Basic NTFS permissions allow administrators to control end-user access levels for multiple functions, including:

• Full control
• List folder contents
• Modify
• Read
• Read and execute
• Write

There’s also an advanced NTFS permissions list, which provides admins with more granular control over permissions access levels, though the specific permissions will vary based on object type.

NTFS permissions and share permissions can be applied in tandem. If a file or object is accessed locally, the NTFS permissions will be applied, but if an object is shared, then both sets of permissions activate, and the most restrictive permission is applied. Explicit Deny permissions, for instance, will supersede explicit Allow permissions. The permissions assigned to individual user accounts combine additively with permissions from any groups set for a user account.

To examine or change NTFS permissions for a file or folder, right-click the object and select Properties. This will bring up a new window. Navigate to the Security tab. From here, you should see two fields: Group or user names, which allows you to select or add accounts and groups, and Permissions for Administrators, where the specific permissions can be set, verified, or altered.

NTFS permissions management is a critical part of network security. A comprehensive and cohesive approach to granting and denying access to files, folders, and other resources is vital to helping prevent unauthorized or inappropriate access. Per data security best practices, users should have access to all data and assets they need to carry out their job responsibilities—but nothing further. Taking a restrictive approach helps ensure confidential materials, sensitive documents, personal data, and other forms of information are kept secure and protected.

NTFS permission management tools are applications designed to streamline the process of configuring and managing permissions as networks grow in size and complexity. Rather than updating the security setting for each individual file or folder, admins can use these software solutions to make changes more efficiently. NTFS permissions tools consolidate access rights management for different object types into one console, making it simple to deploy granular or widespread changes.

NTFS permissions reporter software often proves invaluable when troubleshooting access rights issues, as trying to navigate the complex layers of permissions and different local and networked relationships can quickly become complicated. Access rights inheritance, NTFS file system permissions, and network share permissions create a potentially complex hierarchy of configurations that can extend resolution time if you lack the proper reporting tools.

Many NTFS permissions management tools not only provide visibility and control, but also include features for auto-generating compliance reports to help keep key stakeholders informed of overall data security. Many free NTFS permissions reporters are sufficient for smaller networks, but enterprise-level companies will likely benefit from the advanced tools, improved usability, and increased functionality of paid options.

SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM) is more than just an NTFS permissions reporting tool. In addition to helping monitor access levels across entire networked environments, this software provides extensive user provisioning and tracking features designed to maximize security and simplify access rights management.

The easy-to-navigate use dashboard in ARM makes it simple and straightforward to create, delete, or change user access rights for shared drives, folders, and files—and even includes role-specific templates that allow new users to get up and running in minutes, while simultaneously giving admins tools to easily control access to specific network resources.

Other SolarWinds Tools to Help Prevent Data Breaches:

• SolarWinds Security Event Manager
• SolarWinds Patch Manager
• SolarWinds Identity Monitor

Related Features:

• Active Directory Management
• OneDrive Permissions Monitoring
• SharePoint Permissions Management
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
• Automate User Account Management