QUOTE
If your PHP is run as mod_php (generic user for all scripts), then your only hope is that PHP open_basedir (see info.php) is set restrictive enough. PHP open_basedir should be set such that your g2data folder and your gallery2 folder are in this path but no other account should be in the account. If your PHP Server API is Apache and open_basedir is empty (no value), then talk to your webhost, this is a large security risk. There's no way to secure your Gallery 2 (unless you have a dedicated server, that is, a server that is dedicated only for you and no other customer).
Thanks in advance for any help - sorry if this is a dumb question!
Russ