Securing files so that only members can access them
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Hi Everyone,
When I make a link to a file using the standard C5 file block only logged in members of my site can download the file. This is what I want.
When I use File List Pro to give me a list of files from a Set then anyone can download the file. I didn't realise this initially and several websites have downloaded PDF documents that I offer free on my sites. These other sites are selling them. What I'm more concerned about is that some of them are linking directly to my files and using my bandwidth.
I'm also able to search Google for my files and download them from direct links now. I don't want this, I only want my members to receive the files.
My questions are:
A - Can I prevent those sites from linking to those files?
B - Am I going to have to place them in a new set or am I going to have to 're-link' them somehow?
C - Is there a way to lock down File List Pro? I like the addon, I would like to continue to use it but I can't under the circumstances.
Many thanks guys,
Mike
When I make a link to a file using the standard C5 file block only logged in members of my site can download the file. This is what I want.
When I use File List Pro to give me a list of files from a Set then anyone can download the file. I didn't realise this initially and several websites have downloaded PDF documents that I offer free on my sites. These other sites are selling them. What I'm more concerned about is that some of them are linking directly to my files and using my bandwidth.
I'm also able to search Google for my files and download them from direct links now. I don't want this, I only want my members to receive the files.
My questions are:
A - Can I prevent those sites from linking to those files?
B - Am I going to have to place them in a new set or am I going to have to 're-link' them somehow?
C - Is there a way to lock down File List Pro? I like the addon, I would like to continue to use it but I can't under the circumstances.
Many thanks guys,
Mike
A - once permissions are in place for the files, hotlinking shouldn't work
B - I don't think you'll need to change the sets
C - I'm pretty sure File List Pro will use the proper download URLs for files, and not just directly link to the files in the file system, so both the visibility of the links and the ability to download the files should be able to be controlled via the file (manager) permissions set.