How can I disable MacOS file security?

I am currently using MacOS Catalina (10.15.4). It seems that recent updates have introduced file security that goes way beyond what I want or need, to the extents that it prevents me from being able to use m machine effectively. As an example, I am unable to access directories on my system. I have read advice that I can update my Security & Privacy settings and grant Full Disk Access on an application by application basis, but to be frank, this is much to much of a hassle. I am also having issues with Java programs that I have written, that are unable to read files or directories - even those in my home directory. Finally, I am having issues mounting a remote Samba share, which I wouldn't be be surprised if were also down to this misplaced focus on security.

So my question remains - can I simply disable disk access restrictions? The old-style *nix chmod/chown were always fine for me.