Use the least permission required by the web server and application; avoid world-writable access.
Applies to: Files and directories in SiteWorx hosting accounts
Typical starting values
| Item | Typical permission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Directories | 755 | Owner can write; other users can traverse/read as permitted. |
| Normal files | 644 | Owner can write; web service can read. |
| Sensitive configuration | 600 or 640 | Use only when compatible with the application/web-server ownership. |
| Executable scripts | Only add execute permission where genuinely required. | Do not make ordinary PHP or configuration files executable merely to fix an error. |
Important: Do not use
777. It allows every local user/process to write and usually hides an ownership problem rather than fixing it.Change permissions
- Back up the file or directory and record its current permission.
- In SiteWorx, open Hosting Features > File Manager.
- Select the exact item and open its permissions control.
- Apply the least permissive suitable value.
- Test the affected page or upload action.
- Revert if the change does not solve the intended problem.
Related articles
- Use the SiteWorx File Manager
- Connect using FTP over TLS (FTPS)
- Fix website file ownership and permission problems
- Secure hosting and application passwords
- Fix a 500 Internal Server Error
- Fix a 403 Forbidden error
Last reviewed: 2026-07-25.
