How to Secure Images?

  • Hi, I have created a website that offers free and purchased images. I want to secure the folder where the images that one must purchase so no one can get them for free. I have created a directory in the uploads folder for them. So far I have:

    • Made a blank index.html folder for the uploads and the image directories.
    • I have added this line to my Robots.txt file:
      Disallow: /wp-content/uploads/

    Unfortunately if someone types the path and name of the image it will still display in the browser like:

    https://www.mywebsite.com/wp-content/uploads/secure-images/whatever.jpg

    that is still open to the public.

    How can I secure them from normal browsing and download?

Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
  • LesTexas60

    (@lestexas60)

    The best method that most sites use is Watermarking. Put watermarks on the displayed image and no mark on the downloaded.

    Thread Starter enduro bikes

    (@garylong)

    Hi Les. thanks for your feedback but how do I block access to the ones without watermarks, this is my question?

    Andrew Nevins

    (@anevins)

    WCLDN 2018 Contributor | Volunteer support

    Your hosting providers can help you block access to things inside of specific folders, this isn’t really specific to WordPress

    Andrew Nevins

    (@anevins)

    WCLDN 2018 Contributor | Volunteer support

    Personally I just wouldn’t put them on the Internet

    LesTexas60

    (@lestexas60)

    It is next to impossible to stop someone from capturing an image on the web. Right click allows, “save image as” and things like Snipping tool will let any grab any image off the web. Watermarks are the only thing that would make the image undesirable to copy.

    Andrew Nevins

    (@anevins)

    WCLDN 2018 Contributor | Volunteer support

    I don’t think the subscription images will be displayed on the pages; however @enduro, Les is trying to say Watermarking is the only solution you have. You’re kinda ignoring that here:

    thanks for your feedback but how do I block access to the ones without watermarks

    Thread Starter enduro bikes

    (@garylong)

    I think we are all getting a bit confused here. Just forget that they are images, think of them as files. I want to stop people getting access to these files?

    I know this can be done with .httaccess or through root access which I have to my VPS. I thought people here might know, maybe not, I might need to try a hosting forum or something/…

    thanks anyway

Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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