Blog

What is Plesk?

Plesk is a commercial web hosting control panel that allows server administrators to manage websites, applications, email accounts, and other aspects of web hosting through a web-based interface. It provides tools for website management, domain name system (DNS) configuration, email server setup, file management, database management, security features, and more. Plesk is popular among web hosting providers and website owners for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive management capabilities.

What are the features in Plesk?

Plesk offers a wide range of features that make it a comprehensive web hosting control panel. Some of its key features include:

1. Web Server Management:
   • Supports various web servers like Apache, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS.
   • Allows configuration of server settings, virtual hosts, and SSL/TLS certificates.
2. Website and Domain Management:
   • Enables easy creation, deletion, and management of websites and domains.
   • Provides tools for domain name system (DNS) configuration and domain forwarding.
3. Email Management:
   • Facilitates creation and management of email accounts, mailboxes, and mailing lists.
   • Includes features such as email forwarding, autoresponders, and spam filtering.
4. Database Management:
   • Supports popular databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.
   • Allows creation, deletion, and management of databases and database users.
5. File Management:
   • Provides a file manager for uploading, downloading, and editing website files.
   • Supports FTP/SFTP access for file transfer and management.
6. Security Features:
   • Offers security measures such as password-protected directories, SSL/TLS support, and firewall configuration.
   • Includes tools for managing security certificates and encryption protocols.
7. Backup and Restore:
   • Allows scheduled backups of website data, databases, and configuration settings.
   • Supports easy restoration of backups in case of data loss or server issues.
8. Application Deployment:
   • Facilitates one-click installation of popular web applications like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
   • Provides application catalogs and repositories for easy deployment and management.
9. Performance Monitoring:
   • Includes tools for monitoring server performance, resource usage, and website traffic.
   • Generates reports and alerts for performance issues and optimizations.
10. Collaboration Tools:
    • Offers collaboration features such as shared calendars, contacts, and tasks.
    • Supports integration with Microsoft Exchange and other collaboration platforms.
11. Developer Tools:
    • Provides support for scripting languages like PHP, Python, and Ruby on Rails.
    • Includes tools for version control, code deployment, and development environments.

Why we need Password-Protected Directories:

Password-protected directories are essential for several reasons:

1. Security: They help protect sensitive information and resources from unauthorized access. For instance, if you have files or directories containing confidential data, such as financial records, personal information, or proprietary documents, password protection adds an extra layer of security.
2. Control Access: Password protection allows you to control who can access specific directories or files. You can grant access only to authorized users with the correct password, preventing unauthorized individuals from viewing or modifying sensitive content.
3. Compliance: In many industries, such as healthcare (HIPAA), finance (PCI DSS), and government (FISMA), there are legal requirements and regulations regarding data security and privacy. Using password protection helps organizations comply with these regulations by securing sensitive data.
4. Internal Use: Password-protected directories are also useful for internal purposes within organizations. For example, you may want to restrict access to certain documents or projects to specific teams or departments, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access or collaborate on them.

What are the Steps to set Password-Protected Directories in Plesk

Here are the steps to set up password-protected directories in Plesk:

1. Log in to Plesk:
   • Open your web browser and navigate to your Plesk control panel URL.
   • Log in with your username and password.
2. Navigate to the Website Settings:
   • Once logged in, click on “Websites & Domains” in the left-hand sidebar.
3. Select the Domain:
   • Click on the domain name for which you want to set up password protection.
4. Access Password Protection:
   • Scroll down to the “Security” section and click on “Password-Protected Directories.”
5. Choose Directory:
   • In the “Password-Protected Directories” section, click on “Add Protected Directory.”
6. Enter Directory Details:
   • In the popup window, enter the name of the directory you want to protect (e.g., “/private/”) and a description (optional).
   • Click on “OK” to proceed.
7. Set Username and Password:
   • In the next screen, click on “Add a User” to create a new user for accessing the protected directory.
   • Enter a username and password for the user.
   • Confirm the password and click on “OK” to save the user credentials.
8. Apply Changes:
   • After adding the user, you’ll see the directory listed with the username under “Protected Directories.”
   • Click on “OK” to apply the changes and activate password protection for the specified directory.
9. Test the Protection:
   • To test the password protection, try accessing the protected directory through a web browser. You should be prompted to enter the username and password you set up.