Making use of Directory Privacy in cPanel

Directory Privacy is a valuable feature offered by cPanel that allows you to restrict access to specific directories on your website. This article will walk you through the step-by-step process of utilizing Directory Privacy effectively, giving you control over who can access sensitive information stored in specific directories.

1. Accessing Directory Privacy:
   To get started, log into your cPanel account and scroll down to the Files section. Click on "Directory Privacy." This will open the Directory Privacy interface in a new window.

2. Selecting the Directory:
   On the Directory Privacy page, you will see a list of directories within your account. Select the directory you want to restrict access to by clicking on its name.

3. Enabling Directory Privacy:
   To enable Directory Privacy, click on the "Edit" button. This will prompt a new window titled "Privacy Settings" to appear.

4. Setting Password Protection:

   • Password Protect This Directory: In the "Privacy Settings" window, ensure the "Password protect this directory" option is checked. This will prevent unauthorized access to the directory.

   • Name the Protected Directory: Assign a name to the protected directory that will appear in the login prompt for users.

5. Creating Usernames and Passwords:
   
   
   • Create User: To add a new username and password for accessing the protected directory, enter the desired username in the "Username" field and the corresponding password in the "New Password" field. Click "Add/modify authorized user" to save the credentials. Repeat this step for additional users, if necessary.
   • Edit User: To modify existing username and password combinations, click on the "Edit" button next to the desired user. Update the username and/or password as needed and save the changes.

6. Managing Permissions:
   To assign specific permissions for users accessing the protected directory, click on the "Manage" button next to each username. This will allow you to set read/write privileges for different files or folders within the protected directory.

7. Accessing the Protected Directory:
   Once Directory Privacy settings are in place, any time a user tries to access the protected directory through a web browser, they will be prompted to enter the assigned username and password.

8. Disabling Directory Privacy:
   If at any point you want to remove the directory protection, return to the Directory Privacy interface, select the directory, and click on the "Disable Protection" button.

With Directory Privacy in cPanel, you can effortlessly secure sensitive directories on your website, ensuring that only authorized users can access them.