Setup Password protect file via shell

1. Create a file name .htaccess in the folder that you want to password protect with the content below.

AuthType Basic
AuthUserFile /home/username/pass
AuthName "Members Area"
require valid-user

2. In shell, type

/usr/local/apache/bin/htpasswd -c /home/username/pass your_desire_username

You will be prompt for a new password.

3. Enter the password and confirm it.

Once you enter your password, file with name .htpasswd will be created at /home/username directory and now the website folder has been password protected.

4. To add additional users,

/usr/local/apache/bin/htpasswd /home/username/pass your_desire_username

5. To remove users edit /home/username/pass and remove the line contains the username.

More information: http://blog.dreamhosters.com/kbase/index.cgi?area=834