What does Allow full disk access for all users. change?

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If I set up sharing of my drive on for a user with read and write access, what does the “Allow full disk access for all users.” option change?
 
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The "Allow full disk access for all users" option in macOS is related to file sharing and permissions. Here's a breakdown of what it changes:

Full Disk Access for All Users​

When you enable "Allow full disk access for all users" in the context of file sharing:

  1. Expanded Access:
    • Without Full Disk Access: Users who are granted read and write access to a specific folder or shared drive can only access files and directories within that designated share point. Their access is confined to the specific directories you've explicitly shared.
    • With Full Disk Access: Users who connect to the shared drive are granted access to the entire file system of the Mac. This means they can potentially read, write, and modify any file or directory on the system, not just the specific folders that were originally shared.
  2. Security Implications:
    • Increased Risk: Allowing full disk access significantly increases security risks. Users will have access to sensitive system files, other users' data, and system configuration files. This can lead to accidental or malicious changes that can compromise the entire system.
    • Administrative Consideration: This option should be used with caution, especially in environments where multiple users are accessing the same system. It is generally advisable to limit file sharing permissions to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of unintended consequences.

Practical Scenario​

If you have a Mac with multiple user accounts and you enable sharing on your drive for a user with read and write access, enabling "Allow full disk access for all users" would mean:

  • Shared Access: Users with access to the shared drive can now navigate through the entire file system of the Mac.
  • Potential Data Exposure: All files, including those in system directories and other user accounts' directories, can be accessed. This can expose sensitive information and make the system vulnerable to potential misuse.

Recommendations​

Given the implications, here are some recommendations:

  1. Evaluate Necessity: Carefully consider if full disk access is truly necessary. Typically, sharing specific folders or directories should suffice for most collaboration needs.
  2. Use Access Controls: Stick to granting permissions on a per-folder basis to minimize risk. Use macOS's built-in sharing settings to control which directories are accessible.
  3. User Education: Ensure that users understand the responsibilities and risks associated with full disk access. Educate them on best practices for handling shared resources securely.
 

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