Proxmox User Management: Accounts and Permissions

User management is an essential aspect of Proxmox administration. Properly creating and managing user accounts and permissions ensures secure access control and effective collaboration within the Proxmox environment. This documentation provides a detailed guide on user management in Proxmox.

User Roles and Permissions in Proxmox #

Proxmox offers different user roles with varying levels of privileges and permissions.

Root User #

The root user is the superuser with unrestricted access and full control over the Proxmox environment. It is recommended to use the root account sparingly for administrative tasks only.

Administrator #

Administrators are users with elevated privileges who can perform most administrative tasks in Proxmox. They can create and manage virtual machines, containers, storage, networks, and user accounts.

Roles and Permissions #

Proxmox supports role-based access control (RBAC), allowing administrators to define custom roles and assign specific permissions to users. Permissions can be set at the data center, cluster, or individual object level, providing granular control over access rights.

User Management in Proxmox #

Proxmox provides straightforward methods for creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts.

Creating User Accounts #

To create a user account in Proxmox:

1. Log in to the Proxmox web interface as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the “Datacenter” or “Cluster” level.
3. Go to the “Permissions” tab.
4. Click on the “Add” button to create a new user account.
5. Enter the user details, including username, password, and email address.
6. Assign a role to the user, specifying the desired set of permissions.
7. Save the user account.

Modifying User Accounts #

To modify a user account in Proxmox:

1. Log in to the Proxmox web interface as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the “Datacenter” or “Cluster” level.
3. Go to the “Permissions” tab.
4. Locate the user account you wish to modify.
5. Select the user account and click on the “Edit” button.
6. Update the necessary user details or modify the assigned role and permissions.
7. Save the changes.

Deleting User Accounts #

To delete a user account in Proxmox:

1. Log in to the Proxmox web interface as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the “Datacenter” or “Cluster” level.
3. Go to the “Permissions” tab.
4. Locate the user account you want to delete.
5. Select the user account and click on the “Delete” button.
6. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Permission Management in Proxmox #

Proxmox allows administrators to assign, modify, and revoke permissions for user accounts.

Assigning Permissions to Users #

To assign permissions to a user account in Proxmox:

1. Log in to the Proxmox web interface as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the “Datacenter” or “Cluster” level.
3. Go to the “Permissions” tab.
4. Select the user account for which you want to assign permissions.
5. Click on the “Edit” button.
6. In the permissions settings, select the desired objects (data center, cluster, or specific objects).
7. Specify the permissions to assign to the user.
8. Save the changes.

Modifying Permissions #

To modify permissions for a user account in Proxmox:

1. Log in to the Proxmox web interface as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the “Datacenter” or “Cluster” level.
3. Go to the “Permissions” tab.
4. Select the user account for which you want to modify permissions.
5. Click on the “Edit” button.
6. Adjust the permissions settings according to the desired changes.
7. Save the modifications.

Revoking Permissions #

To revoke permissions from a user account in Proxmox:

1. Log in to the Proxmox web interface as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the “Datacenter” or “Cluster” level.
3. Go to the “Permissions” tab.
4. Select the user account from which you want to revoke permissions.
5. Click on the “Edit” button.
6. Remove the permissions you wish to revoke from the user.
7. Save the changes.

Best Practices for User Management #

Follow these best practices to ensure effective user management in Proxmox:

Principle of Least Privilege #

Assign permissions based on the principle of least privilege, granting users only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks. Restrict administrative privileges to reduce the risk of unauthorized actions or accidental modifications.

Regular Account Reviews #

Perform regular reviews of user accounts and their associated permissions to ensure they remain up-to-date and aligned with current roles and responsibilities. Remove or modify accounts and permissions as needed when users change roles or leave the organization.

Strong Password Policies #

Enforce strong password policies for user accounts, including the use of complex passwords and regular password changes. Encourage multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.

Conclusion #

Effective user management in Proxmox is vital for maintaining a secure and organized environment. By creating and managing user accounts and permissions with care, administrators can ensure proper access control and collaboration within the Proxmox environment while adhering to best practices.