How To Password to Protect a Single File in .htaccess

.htaccess can be used to limit access or protect a directory from unauthorized access on a server. With the use of a password its even more easier protecting a single file from the the rest of the accessible files by random visitors. The need of a password is triggered by difficulties in files movement due to site coding especially in WordPress or in Website builder and also difficulties in creating a sub-folder in the directory. .htaccess gives you the privilege of keeping your file in the primary location but protected with a password which has a specific name known to you or your desired group of people.

Below is how to create a password to protect a single file in .htaccess;

• Create a desired username and a strong password that is encrypted from an external site. Use the htaccess tools and it will give you a code that will be used later in the cpanel. Ensure the file begins with a(htpassword) then place it in your root directory or save it somewhere.

• Login to cpanel

• Click on file manager of the hosting account. When the directory is searched through URL it cannot be accessible and this means more security.

• Create a new file and ensure the show hidden files found in the settings is checked.

• look for the file you created in the directory by clicking on search

• Right click on it to edit the file

• place the code there and ensure it stays as a single line then click save changes.

• Go to public-html, – .htaccess and right click to edit. This must be on your domain.

• Place this code; AuthUserFile /home/user/.htpassword
  AuthName “name of login prompt”
  AuthType basic
  <files pagename>
  require valid-user
  </files>

This ensures that the user is prompted to login

• Change the path to read as you would want, maybe replace the password or username with your own

• Click Save