How to Disable Directory Browsing in Minutes

Leaving directory browsing enabled on your website can expose sensitive files and make your site look unprofessional. Fortunately, disabling directory browsing is easy and an essential step to improve your website’s security and privacy.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to disable directory browsing using your .htaccess file and through your hosting control panel. Let’s get started!

What Is Directory Browsing and Why Is It Risky?

Directory browsing allows visitors to see all the files and folders in a directory without an index file (like index.html or index.php). For example, visiting https://yourdomain.com/uploads/ might display every image or file in that folder.

Here’s why you should disable directory browsing:

1. Prevent Data Exposure: Sensitive files (like backups or configurations) could become accessible.
2. Improve Website Security: Hackers can’t easily map out your file structure.
3. Maintain Professionalism: Visitors won’t see unorganized file lists, keeping your site polished and secure.

How to Disable Directory Browsing Using .htaccess

If your website is hosted on an Apache server, you can disable directory browsing by editing the .htaccess file in your root directory. Here’s how:

1. Access Your Website’s Files
   • Log in to your hosting account’s File Manager or connect via FTP.
   • Navigate to the root directory of your site (usually public_html).
2. Locate or Create the .htaccess File
   • If a .htaccess file exists, open it for editing.
   • If not, create a new file and name it .htaccess.
3. Insert the Code
   Add the following line to disable directory browsing:
   
   Options -Indexes

4. Save and Close the File
   Once the line is added, save your changes.
5. Test Your Website
   Visit a folder on your site without an index file. If directory browsing is disabled, you’ll see a “403 Forbidden” error or a blank page instead of a file list.

How to Disable Directory Browsing in cPanel

If you prefer a user-friendly method, follow these steps to disable directory browsing through cPanel:

1. Log in to Your cPanel
   Use your credentials to access cPanel.
2. Navigate to the Indexes Tool
   • Go to the Advanced section in cPanel.
   • Click on Indexes.
3. Choose the Directory
   • You’ll see a list of folders in your hosting account.
   • Select the directory you want to protect (e.g., public_html for your entire site).
4. Disable Directory Browsing
   • Choose the No Indexing option.
   • Save your changes.
5. Verify the Changes
   Open a directory in your browser to confirm that visitors no longer see a file list.

Why Choose HosterSale for Secure Hosting?

At HosterSale, we prioritize your website’s security and performance. By default, directory listing is disabled for all HosterSale customers, so your site is safe right from the start.

With features like free SSL, a user-friendly cPanel, and 24/7 customer support, HosterSale ensures your hosting experience is seamless and secure.

Final Thoughts

Disabling directory browsing is a simple yet effective way to protect your website. Whether you choose the .htaccess method or use cPanel, your site will stay secure and professional.

Start your affordable web hosting journey today with HosterSale. We’ve got all the tools you need to succeed online!