What is an ACL file?

An ACL file, in computing, refers to an Access Control List file. It is a file that contains a list of permissions attached to an object, typically a file or a directory. These permissions specify which users or groups are granted access to the object and what actions they can perform, such as read, write, execute, or delete. ACL files are used in operating systems and file systems to manage and enforce security policies regarding access to resources.

In software, ACL stands for Access Control List. It refers to a set of rules or permissions that determine what actions users or processes are allowed to perform on a system or within an application. ACLs are commonly used in operating systems, databases, and network devices to regulate access to resources based on the identity of the user or the security context of the process requesting access.

Creating an ACL file typically involves using specific commands or tools provided by the operating system or application where the file will be used. For example, in Unix-like systems, commands like chmod or setfacl are used to set permissions and create ACLs for files and directories. In Windows, you can create ACLs using the Security tab in the file or folder properties dialog, where you can specify users, groups, and their corresponding permissions.

In Active Directory (AD), ACL stands for Access Control List as well. It refers to the security descriptor associated with each object stored in AD, including users, groups, computers, and organizational units (OUs). The ACL in Active Directory defines the permissions granted or denied to users or groups for accessing and manipulating these objects. It specifies who can perform operations such as reading attributes, modifying objects, resetting passwords, and managing group memberships within the AD domain or forest. Managing ACLs in Active Directory is essential for ensuring security and controlling access to directory resources based on organizational policies and user roles.

Hi, I’m Richard John, a technology writer dedicated to making complex tech topics easy to understand.

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