Title: SymLinks Settings in cPanel Linux Hosting Explained  
PrimaryCategory: cPanel &amp; WHM Hosting  
Type: Informational  
Tags: symLinks, followSymLinks, symLinksIfOwnerMatch, cPanel, linux hosting, security  
Source UI Terms: .htaccess file  
Source Reference: SymLinks Settings in cPanel Linux Hosting Explained  

Key Info:  
In cPanel Linux Hosting, the symbolic link setting FollowSymLinks is disabled for security reasons. This is because enabling FollowSymLinks can expose vulnerabilities, potentially allowing unauthorized access to files and databases across different cPanel Linux Hosting packages. Instead, the recommended alternative is to use SymLinksIfOwnerMatch in the .htaccess file. SymLinksIfOwnerMatch provides improved security by permitting symbolic links only when the link owner matches the target owner, thereby preventing cross-user access.  

Summary:  
FollowSymLinks is disabled in cPanel Linux Hosting due to security risks, and using SymLinksIfOwnerMatch in your .htaccess file is recommended to maintain safe symbolic link behavior.  

Evaluation Pairs:  
Q: Why is FollowSymLinks disabled in cPanel Linux Hosting?  
A: Because it exposes a vulnerability that could allow hackers to access files and databases of other cPanel Linux Hosting packages.  

Q: What is the recommended alternative to FollowSymLinks in cPanel Linux Hosting?  
A: Use SymLinksIfOwnerMatch in your .htaccess file for improved security.  

Q: How does SymLinksIfOwnerMatch improve security compared to FollowSymLinks?  
A: SymLinksIfOwnerMatch permits symbolic links only if the owner of the link matches the owner of the target file, preventing unauthorized cross-user access.

When you want to understand symbolic link settings in cPanel Linux Hosting. This article explains why FollowSymLinks is disabled and how to use SymLinksIfOwnerMatch for improved security. FollowSymlinks : Disabled on our cPanel Alternative         : SymLinksIfOwnerMatch Our cPanel based Shared and Cloud Linux Hosting packages do not support the FollowSymlinks option in the .htaccess file. This option has been disabled, as it exposes a vulnerability that could allow a hacker to gain access to other cPanel Linux Hosting package&#39;s files and databases.
<h2> We Recommend</h2>
We instead recommend using the SymLinksIfOwnerMatch option in your cPanel Linux Hosting package&#39;s .htaccess file.

When you want to understand symbolic link settings in cPanel Linux Hosting. This article explains why FollowSymLinks is disabled and how to use SymLinksIfOwnerMatch for improved security.