What is password protection?
In short
- Password protection puts a password in front of a shared link, so only people who know it can open the file.
- The link looks normal, and the file stays hidden until someone enters the right password.
- It is the simplest way to stop whoever finds the URL from opening a shared document.
Password protection adds a gate to a share link. Anyone who opens the URL sees a prompt instead of the file, and only the correct password gets them through. You can paste the link anywhere, because the contents stay sealed until someone proves they are meant to see them. It is access control at its simplest, with one secret shared among the people who should have it.
Reach for it when a link might travel further than you intend. A pricing proposal, a draft deck you send a client for review, or a document with personal details should not open for whoever receives a forwarded message. With a password in place, a leaked URL does not mean a leaked file. Add a link end date as well when you want to limit both who gets in and for how long.
On NudgeHost you can require a password before a file opens, and the password is stored only as a secure hash, never as plain text. Entering the right one opens the file for that visitor. Password protection comes with the Pro plan and above. It will not guard state secrets, but it stops an ordinary shared link from opening for the wrong person.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Where is my password stored?
Only as a secure hash, never as readable text. The file opens when a visitor enters a password that matches the hash.
Can I protect any file type?
Yes. The password sits in front of the link, so it works the same for a PDF, an image, an HTML page, or any other file.
What if I forget the password I set?
You can change or remove it from your dashboard at any time, which updates what visitors need to enter.
Put it into practice.
Drop a file and get a shareable link in seconds. Free, no card needed.