mod_hosts_access This is a DSO (dynamically shared object) module for the Apache webserver that uses libwrap (TCP Wrapper) to check if the connecting hosts is allowed. To enable it, add to /etc/apache/httpd.conf following lines: LoadModule hosts_access_module libexec/apache/mod_hosts_access.so AddModule mod_hosts_access.c At appropriate places (i.e. where other modules are loaded similarly). The /etc/hosts.{allow,deny} access control checking for the "httpd" service can now be enabled or disabled on a per directory basis, by adding HostsAccess directive to its declaration, e.g.: # First, we configure the "default" to be a very restrictive set of # permissions. # HostsAccess On Options FollowSymLinks AllowOverride None The same can be done in a .htaccess file if AllowOverride Limit has been set.