How to password protect directories in cPanel. Password protecting a directory will allow you to require a username and password to access a folder or folders from the web. This tutorial will assume that you are logged into your cPanel. If you are having trouble doing that, please see the tutorial named "How to Login to cPanel".
On your main cPanel page, scroll down to the section called Security. Click on the icon named Password Protect Directories. This will open a screen with your folders listed. Open your folders until you find the directory that you wish to protect. Select the directory by clicking on its name.
This will open a new screen that will allow you to set permissions for your directory. Make sure the correct directory is listed at the top of the page. Under Security Settings, check the box to password protect this directory.
On the next line, enter a name for this protected directory in the box. This name should be something to help you identify the purpose of the directory, such as Members Ideas, or Friends Photos. Click the Save button.
You are now taken to a verification screen, showing that the directory is protected, and allows access only to authorized users. It now requires a password to enter it by way of a browser. So we now need to create at least one user, and assign them a password to access the directory. Click the GO BACK link.
Under Create User, enter a User name. Enter a password, and re-enter the password. Then click the Add/Modify authorized user button. This takes you to the verification screen to confirm that the directory now has one user who has access to it. Repeat this process for each additional user you want to grant access to. Click the GO BACK link, and you can see the authorized user listed in the box.
You can return to this screen at any time to modify existing users passwords, add more users, or delete users.
When listed, your directory will now have a lock icon next to it, to indicate that it is password protected.
This is the end of the tutorial. You now know how to setup password protection for specific directories within your account. Don't forget to create users for the protected directories. Click on the HOME link in the upper left corner to return to the main cPanel page. You can now exit cPanel by closing your browser, or by using the Logout button in the upper right corner. Remember, if you are using a public computer, ALWAYS log out of cPanel before closing due to security reasons.
