Internet Support >> Business Web Hosting Support >> password protected directories

You can protect information on your web site by requiring a username and password to view the information.

Here are some things you should know about the way password-protection is handled by our servers:

1. Password protection is available at the directory level only. This means that you can protect all contents within a single directory; you cannot mix protected and unprotected files in the same directory.
2. Since this is directory-level protection, all files used by the protected directory, including image files, must also be in that same directory or in another unprotected directory; you shouldn't include dependent files in another protected directory that the user may not have access to.

It all begins at the online control panel. When you began hosting with us, we assigned you a Control Panel Login ID and password combination.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: when you log into the online control panel, you must log out. If you do not click on the LOG OUT button before closing your browser, your account will be locked for 30 minutes.**

1. You need to know your log in id, password, and domain name. Your login ID is is most likely your first initial and last name, but it can be something different at your request. If you are unsure about what this is, please request your online control panel login information.
2. Make sure you are connected to the Internet and go to:
   https://yourdomain.com:8443
3. You will notice a Security Alert. Click YES to proceed. You will then be shown a LOG IN page. Enter your login ID and password.
4. You will see a list of domain names currently hosted with Friendly Network. Click on the name on the domain name you want to administer.
5. Click on the DIRECTORIES button.
6. Click on ADD
7. Enter in the directory name you want to protect. For example, /private
8. Most people will leave it as Non-SSL checked (unless you have a security certificate installed)
9. Under Header Text, enter the text you want the pop up login window to state. For example, you might enter: 'Private Area'.
10. Click on UPDATE
11. Now click on the name of the new protected directory you created to add login name and password combinations.
12. In the New User field, type in the first login ID you want, then click on ADD.
13. Next, enter the password for this user and click on UPDATE.
14. Once you have added all the login ID & password combinations for this directory, you need to transfer your files that you want protected into the new protected directory you just created. You can do this by establishing a FTP connection as you would normally to transfer files to your web site. When you FTP in, you will see your newly created directory. Make sure all the files you want protected are in the correct directory; otherwise, anyone will be able to access it.

Please contact us if you have additional questions.

Friendly Computer Systems, Inc. & Friendly Network
1383 Main Street, Suite 201
Stevensville, MD 21666
(410) 643.4606 • (410) 639.7799 • fax: (410) 643.4216

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