> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.n8n.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.n8n.io/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/security/block-specific-nodes.md).

# Block specific nodes

For security reasons, you may want to block your users from accessing or working with specific n8n nodes. This is helpful if your users might be untrustworthy.

Use the `NODES_EXCLUDE` environment variable to prevent your users from accessing specific nodes.

## Exclude nodes <a href="#exclude-nodes" id="exclude-nodes"></a>

Update your `NODES_EXCLUDE` environment variable to include an array of strings containing any nodes you want to block your users from using.

For example, setting the variable this way:

```
NODES_EXCLUDE: "[\"n8n-nodes-base.executeCommand\", \"n8n-nodes-base.readWriteFile\"]"
```

Blocks the [Execute Command](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.executecommand.md) and [Read/Write Files from Disk](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.readwritefile.md) nodes.

Your n8n users won't be able to search for or use these nodes.

## Suggested nodes to block <a href="#suggested-nodes-to-block" id="suggested-nodes-to-block"></a>

The nodes that can pose security risks vary based on your use case and user profile. Here are some nodes you might want to start with:

* [Execute Command](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.executecommand.md)
* [Read/Write Files from Disk](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.readwritefile.md)

## Enable nodes that are blocked by default <a href="#enable-nodes-that-are-blocked-by-default" id="enable-nodes-that-are-blocked-by-default"></a>

Some nodes, like Execute Command, are blocked by default. Remove them from the exclude list to enable them:

```
NODES_EXCLUDE: "[]"
```

## Related resources <a href="#related-resources" id="related-resources"></a>

Refer to [Nodes environment variables](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/basic-configuration/use-environment-variables/nodes.md) for more information on this environment variable.

Refer to [Configuration](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/basic-configuration.md) for more information on setting environment variables.