Prevent Direct Access Gold: File Access and Storage Options

Prevent Direct Access Gold handles files that should not be openly accessible through their original URLs. Use its WordPress Media Library interface to protect ebooks, documents, pictures, audio, videos, and other media.

Files in the Media Library

Gold works with unlimited files and all file types. Protect files individually or in groups, or set new uploads to be protected automatically or on the fly. Folder Protection applies to all files in a selected private folder under the WordPress root or uploads directory.

People, links, and IP rules

Restrict protected files to logged-in users or custom user roles, and control which users can view files in the Media Library. Create and customize unlimited Private Download Links for selected files, so you can share them without exposing their standard file URLs. Set each link to expire after a specified number of days or clicks.

Referrer Links grant access to individual files or groups based on the referring location. IP-based restrictions are also available for protected access. The WooCommerce Integration extension can restrict access to a WooCommerce order page by IP address.

Folders, URLs, and page controls

• Encryption can be applied to protected files to prevent unauthorized users from viewing their contents.
• Search content for unprotected file URLs and replace those references with protected ones.
• Disable text selection and right-click on web pages as an option to reduce content copying.

The add-on can prevent Google and other search engines from indexing protected files, helping keep their contents and original URLs out of search results. It can also prevent users from browsing the WordPress uploads directory and stop other sites from linking directly to images through hotlink prevention.

Storage and connected services

Amazon S3 Integration can synchronize or offload multiple files to Amazon S3, replace unprotected URLs in content, and set expiration times. The Amazon S3 and Wasabi Smart File Uploads Plugin can upload multiple files directly from a local computer to Amazon S3 or Wasabi.

Prevent Direct Access Gold integrates with WordPress Multisite Network and top membership extensions. LearnDash integration can grant course material access to enrolled students. These integrations support member resources, course materials, and private downloads managed through a WordPress site.

Set up file protection

Install and activate the add-on, then select files in the Media Library to protect them. Choose the applicable access, link, folder, or integration options, and share the available private URLs for protected downloads. For cloud storage, membership, WooCommerce, or LearnDash workflows, configure the relevant integration after activation.