Containers and Files Security in SharePoint Embedded
Tags: sharepoint
Published: 2024-07-09 06:30:00

Imagine building a collaborative hub within SharePoint Embedded, where colleagues can access and work on crucial documents. But what if some documents contain sensitive information, like financial reports or client contracts? You wouldn't want everyone to have full access, right?

This is where understanding SharePoint Embedded security becomes essential. It goes beyond a simple on/off switch. SharePoint Embedded offers a more sophisticated approach with two key stages: applications and content. Applications refer to the programs that interact with your SharePoint Embedded solution (more specifically, your container type), while content encompasses the files you store within it.

![Locked green wooden door by Rob King from Unsplash](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5dd93976-9c49-4233-9f97-14fb80577095_1973x1481.png)

This article focuses on how SharePoint Embedded security is applied to the content stage, specifically containers and files. We'll break down the hierarchical permission structure, where container permissions establish the initial layer of security. Then, we'll explore the power of file-level permissions, empowering you to grant granular access control for specific users and documents.

By the end of this journey, you'll be equipped to build secure and efficient SharePoint Embedded solutions. You'll ensure only authorized users have access to the information they need, fostering a safe and productive collaborative environment.

Let's start with the basics.
 

## The Basics

Imagine your SharePoint Embedded solution like a filing cabinet. The cabinet itself (container) has a lock that controls who can access it. But what about the individual documents inside?

SharePoint Embedded offers an extra layer of security with file-level permissions. These permissions act like mini-locks on each document, allowing you to control who can access them, even if they have access to the main container.

Think of it like sharing a house key with a friend. They can enter the house (container), but you might have specific rooms (files) locked with their own keys (file-level permissions) that only certain people can access. This way, you can share information securely within your SharePoint Embedded solution.


## Containers Security

Following filing cabinet approach, this cabinet acts as the main container for all your essential documents. But not everyone needs access to everything inside, right?

Container permissions are like the lock on your filing cabinet. They define who can even approach the cabinet and what they can do once they're there. Here's a breakdown of these permission levels, from least to most access:

- **Reader (Visitor):** Can only see the cabinet itself and know there are files inside, and read them.
- **Writer (Contributor):** Can approach the cabinet, open it, and view the files within. They can even add new files but can't change the lock settings (container permissions).
- **Manager:** Has all the access of a *Writer*, plus the ability to grant *Reader* or *Writer* access to others. They essentially control who gets a key to the cabinet.
- **Owner:** Holds the master key. They can do everything a *Manager* can, and additionally, have the authority to remove the entire cabinet (container) if needed.

![SharePoint Embedded Container Permissions Table](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd0750919-11f7-4375-b990-ee5e03d0a528_800x800.png)


## File Permissions

We've established that container permissions act like a secure lock on your SharePoint Embedded filing cabinet. But what about the individual documents inside (files)?

While files inherit their base permissions from the container, SharePoint Embedded offers an extra layer of security – file-level permissions. These permissions act like unique keys for each document, allowing you to grant specific access beyond the container's lock.

Imagine a user with **Reader** access to the cabinet (container). They can see the cabinet exists and read each document. However, with file-level permissions, you can grant them **Writer**  access to a specific document inside. This allows them to open and modify that one file, even though they can't access the rest of the cabinet's contents.

Here are the two main file permission levels:

- **Reader:** Users can view the file, its details (properties), and its content.
- **Writer:** Users can do everything a Reader can, plus modify the file's content and properties.

By combining container permissions with file-level permissions, you can create a granular access control system within your SharePoint Embedded solution. This ensures only authorized users have access to the specific information they need.


## Conclusion

In conclusion, this exploration has equipped you with the foundational principles of SharePoint Embedded security – container and file-level permissions. 

We've delved into the hierarchical structure, where container permissions establish the initial layer of control. Furthermore, you've discovered the power of file-level permissions, empowering you to implement granular access control for specific users and documents within each container. 

By effectively leveraging these security features, you can construct a secure and collaborative environment for your SharePoint Embedded solution. 

Future articles will expand this information to applications and container types security and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to further enhance the security posture of your solution.


## References

- *SharePoint Embedded authentication and authorization: [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/embedded/concepts/app-concepts/auth](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/embedded/concepts/app-concepts/auth)*
- *Sharing and permissions in SharePoint Embedded: [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/embedded/concepts/app-concepts/sharing-and-perm](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/embedded/concepts/app-concepts/sharing-and-perm)*
- *Locked green wooden door by Rob King from Unsplash: [https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/puerta-de-madera-verde-cerrada-Au6eR7Yg9CY](https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/puerta-de-madera-verde-cerrada-Au6eR7Yg9CY)*