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How to setup an anonymous http download
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msuper69
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Oct 11, 2011, 09:58 AM
 
I've got an iPad app ready for the iTunes App Store.

I need to set up a mechanism for my app to download a small XML file (<100kb) via using NSURLConnection. The address will be something like "http://www.mywebsite.com/somedirectory/XMLFile.xml".

I'm not sure if I can setup another site like "http://downloaddata.mywebside.com" instead of the "www" but this would be better I think.

The connection from my app should be anonymous save for an embedded code in the http request. That is, the app should not have to 'log in' but the code in the request will serve to prevent just anybody from accessing the file.

Can anybody help me? At least point me to a resource?

Thanks!
     
reader50
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Oct 11, 2011, 01:41 PM
 
You could set a referrer value and check it on the Apache end, like you're suggesting. But there's a simpler solution. Set Apache to not list directories. You can do this a few ways, such as in httpd.conf, or .htaccess files within the directory path to your XML files. Or even drop an empty index.html file "hello world" into each folder along the way.

Then put your XML file within one or several directories with long random filenames. That way no one can see the directory path, and the long random name(s) prevent guessing.

Someone could use a network packet sniffer to see what URL your app is requesting. But they could do the same with a referrer. This will keep most people out, except seriously curious geeks. If you *have* to lock people out (ie banking usage) then you need a login solution with extra security steps, like time-changing logins.
( Last edited by reader50; Oct 11, 2011 at 01:48 PM. )
     
msuper69  (op)
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Oct 11, 2011, 04:09 PM
 
Thanks reader50. I'll try what you described. I've no experience configuring Apache (I'm not even sure what the web hoster uses) but I'll fuddle through it.

If someone really wants to get at the file really bad, then they probably can but there's no value in it without the app.

Time for some head scratching while I go learn how to configure Apache, et. al.
     
besson3c
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Oct 11, 2011, 04:29 PM
 
You can also disguise the hosting of this file by changing Apache's default port to something other than 80. I think there is a problem with relying on referral and user agent headers in some browsers not supporting these properly, so I'd echo reader50's suggestion and just host this file in a stealthy manner. A subdomain for hosting this file would be fine.
     
Cold Warrior
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Oct 11, 2011, 05:31 PM
 
Open a dropbox account, post the file to the public folder and hit the link from your iPad. Only you will have that link, it doesn't get indexed or published.
     
   
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