What should be the default access level of a file owner?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Operating System Security Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your test!

The default access level for a file owner should be full access. This is because the owner of a file is typically the person who created it and therefore has the most knowledge and responsibility regarding that file. Full access allows the owner to read, write, and execute the file, enabling them to manage its content as needed.

Granting full access facilitates efficient file management since the owner can modify or delete the file, share it with others, and adjust permissions as required without needing to seek additional permissions. This default setting aligns with common practices in operating systems to support both usability and control for the file owner, emphasizing the principle of ownership that underlies many permission settings in file management systems.

In contrast, read-only access would significantly limit the owner's ability to interact with their own files, while having no access or limited access would be counterproductive, undermining the core intent of file ownership.