Subtask 01.05: Password Protect a Directory

Use a terminal connection and command line instructions to create a password protected directory

  • Log on to your Isis account using a terminal connection program and enter a temporary shell session at the command prompt (it should be $ in Unix).
  • Change to your public_html directory. cd public_html
  • Create a new subdirectory within public_html to password protect. mkdir newdirectory
  • The new directory doesn't have to be named "newdirectory", but you should get into the habit of using consistent and logical directory and file names.

Be careful not to inadvertently password-protect your public_html directory.

  • Type protect and hit Enter. This will activate a script that automatically creates several files for you.
  • Verify that you are in the directory you want to protect and follow the instructions on the screen.
  • Choose Restrict pages to protect the current directory. You have two choices:
    1. using an ONYEN to gain access to the directory
    2. using a username and password you create to gain access to the directory
  • Verify that you are in the directory you want to protect and follow the instructions on the screen.
  • Choose Remove Password Protection to unrestrict a password-protected directory.

The program creates two files in the directory you are protecting: .htaccess and .htpasswd

  • You won't see these files on a regular ls command, you must type ls -a.
  • Don't delete the files unless you want to remove the password protection.

Send me an email telling me the name of your password protected directory

  • It will probably be something like
    ~YourOnyen/PPDirectory
  • Although, clearly your directory name can be anything you want it to be (it doesn't have to be PPDirectory)
  • Also, be sure to tell me the userid and password I must use to access this directory. This will be the place you will store all future tasks and subtasks.

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