/sys$common/syshlp/helplib.hlb SET, PROTECTION, /DEFAULT, Parameter  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

 code

    Specifies the SOGW protection to be assigned by default to all
    files subsequently created by the current process. To override
    this protection, you must specify an explicit protection using
    either the SET PROTECTION command or the /PROTECTION qualifier on
    the CREATE command. If you do not specify a protection code, the
    current default remains unchanged.

    The code is made up of the following components:

    o  Ownership category-system (S),  owner (O), group (G),  or
       world (W).  Each category can be abbreviated to its first
       character.

    o  Access category-Read (R),  write (W), execute (E),  or delete
       (D).  The access category is assigned to each ownership
       category. A null access specification means no access.

                                   NOTE

       Use the SET SECURITY command in place of other SET
       PROTECTION commands to reset security characteristics of
       the directory or file.