Securing your website’s sensitive areas is essential to protect data, control user access, and maintain overall site integrity. Govaio.com’s cPanel hosting includes a powerful Directory Privacy feature that allows you to password-protect specific folders on your website, ensuring only authorized visitors can view restricted content.

This guide is created exclusively for Govaio.com customers and offers a comprehensive overview of how to use the Directory Privacy interface, along with practical tips and troubleshooting solutions to common problems.

What is Directory Privacy in cPanel?

Directory Privacy is a security feature within cPanel that lets you restrict access to particular folders or directories on your website. When enabled, visitors attempting to access these protected directories must enter a username and password.

This feature is especially useful when you want to:

• Protect admin or backend folders
• Restrict access to client-specific or sensitive content
• Safeguard private documents or files
• Limit access during development or maintenance phases

Unlike general website security measures, Directory Privacy gives you fine-grained control over specific sections of your site.

Why Use Directory Privacy?

Here are some key benefits of password-protecting directories:

• Enhanced Security: Prevent unauthorized access to critical folders.
• User Management: Control who sees what on your website.
• Simple Setup: No need for complex coding or external plugins.
• Temporary Protection: Secure directories during website updates or testing phases.
• Compliance: Meet privacy regulations by restricting access to confidential files.

How to Access Directory Privacy in cPanel at Govaio.com

• Log in to your Govaio.com cPanel account.
• In the Files section, click on Directory Privacy (sometimes labeled “Password Protect Directories”).
• A directory tree will appear, showing your website’s folders.

Step-by-Step Guide to Password-Protect a Directory

Step 1: Select the Directory to Protect

Navigate through the folder tree to find the directory you want to protect. For example, a folder named /admin or /private.

Click on the folder name.

Step 2: Enable Password Protection

Check the box labeled Password protect this directory.

Enter a name for the protected directory. This name appears in the authentication dialog box that users will see when accessing the folder.

Step 3: Create Authorized Users

• Scroll down to the Create User section.
• Enter a username and password for the person authorized to access this directory.
• Click Save or Add/Modify User.
• Multiple users can be added to the same directory with different login credentials.

Step 4: Test Access

• Visit the URL corresponding to the protected directory in your browser (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/admin).
• You should be prompted to enter a username and password.
• Enter the credentials you just created.
• If successful, you will access the directory content. Otherwise, access is denied.

Managing Users and Access

To change passwords or remove users, return to the Directory Privacy interface, select the protected directory, and manage users.

To remove password protection altogether, uncheck the Password protect this directory box and save.

Common Use Cases for Directory Privacy on Govaio.com

• Protecting administrative dashboards (/admin) from public access.
• Securing staging or development environments before site launch.
• Restricting access to private document folders (/clients, /reports).
• Limiting access to downloadable resources for subscribers only.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem 1: “Authorization Required” Keeps Appearing Even After Login

• Ensure the username and password are correctly entered.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies and try again.
• Some browsers cache login credentials, so try accessing the site in private/incognito mode.
• Confirm that the directory is properly password-protected and users exist.

Problem 2: Protected Directory Not Prompting for Password

Verify that Password protect this directory is enabled.

Check if .htaccess and .htpasswd files exist in the protected directory (these files handle the protection).

Make sure no conflicting .htaccess rules are overriding the protection.

Problem 3: Users Can Access Protected Files Directly

Remember that password protection works at the directory level. If sensitive files are stored elsewhere, they need protection too.

Avoid linking to protected files from public areas without authentication.

Best Practices for Using Directory Privacy on Govaio.com

• Use Strong Passwords: Always create complex passwords combining letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Limit Number of Users: Only provide access to trusted users.
• Regularly Update Credentials: Change passwords periodically for better security.
• Monitor Access Logs: Use cPanel’s logging tools to check unauthorized access attempts.
• Backup .htaccess Files: Before making changes, save copies of configuration files.

Why Govaio.com Hosting is Perfect for Your Website Security

At Govaio.com, we prioritize your website’s security alongside performance and usability. Our cPanel hosting environment includes easy-to-use tools like Directory Privacy to empower you to safeguard your site efficiently, with dedicated support to guide you whenever you need help.

This article is developed exclusively for Govaio.com users to maximize the value of your hosting account.

Conclusion

The Directory Privacy feature in cPanel is an essential tool for anyone looking to restrict access to certain parts of their website. Whether you want to protect sensitive data, control access during development, or manage user privileges, cPanel’s password protection offers a straightforward, reliable solution.

This comprehensive guide was created exclusively for Govaio.com customers. If you face any issues or need further assistance with directory protection or other cPanel features, feel free to contact Govaio.com support — we’re here to help!