What are security considerations for cp command usage?

The cp command in Linux is widely used for copying files and directories. However, there are several security considerations to keep in mind when using this command to prevent unauthorized access or data loss.

Security Considerations

  • File Permissions: Always check the permissions of the source and destination files to ensure that you have the necessary rights to read and write.
  • Overwriting Files: Use the -i (interactive) option to prompt before overwriting existing files. This can help prevent accidental data loss.
  • Symbolic Links: Be cautious of copying symbolic links as they can point to unexpected files outside your intended directories.
  • Use Absolute Paths: When specifying the source and destination, consider using absolute paths to avoid confusion about the current working directory.
  • Backup Important Files: Always make backups of any critical files before copying. This ensures that you have a recoverable version in case of mistakes.

Example

cp -i /path/to/source/file.txt /path/to/destination/file.txt

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