What is htpasswd and why do I need it?
htpasswd is a utility used to create and update password files for Apache HTTP server basic authentication. It stores usernames and encrypted passwords that Apache uses to authenticate users accessing protected directories.
Which encryption method should I choose?
Bcrypt is the most secure option and is recommended for new installations. MD5 is widely supported but less secure. SHA-1 is legacy and should be avoided. Crypt is the oldest method and least secure but may be needed for compatibility with very old systems.
How do I use the generated .htpasswd file?
Upload the .htpasswd file to your web server (typically outside your web root for security). Then create or modify your .htaccess file to reference it using directives like "AuthUserFile /path/to/.htpasswd" along with "AuthType Basic" and "Require valid-user".
Where should I place the .htpasswd file?
Place the .htpasswd file outside your web document root (public_html, www, etc.) for security. This prevents direct access via web browsers. Common locations include /home/username/.htpasswd or /etc/apache2/.htpasswd.
Is my password data secure with this tool?
Yes, all password processing happens locally in your browser. No passwords or generated hashes are sent to any server. The encryption is performed using industry-standard algorithms directly in your browser.
Can I add more users later?
Yes, you can edit the .htpasswd file by adding new lines with the format "username:encrypted_password". You can also use this tool to generate additional entries and append them to your existing file.
What is the difference between the encryption methods?
Bcrypt: Most secure, adaptive hashing with salt. MD5: Fast but less secure, uses salt. SHA-1: Legacy method, not recommended for new systems. Crypt: Oldest method, very basic encryption, least secure.
How do I set up basic authentication with .htaccess?
Create a .htaccess file in the directory you want to protect with these directives: AuthType Basic, AuthName "Restricted Area", AuthUserFile /path/to/.htpasswd, and Require valid-user. Make sure the path to .htpasswd is absolute.
Can I use special characters in usernames and passwords?
Usernames should avoid colons (:) as they are used as delimiters in the htpasswd format. Passwords can contain most special characters, but be careful with characters that might need escaping in your specific environment.
Why is bcrypt recommended over other methods?
Bcrypt is designed to be slow and computationally expensive, making it resistant to brute-force attacks. It also includes built-in salt generation and is adaptive, meaning you can increase the cost factor as computers become faster.