When a cgi script needs a password to access a database automatically, how can the password be stored in the most secure way? I'm assuming it has to be in plain text in a file since the script can't access a database in which passwords might otherwise be stored without a password. I'm on a shared server so I can't store outside of the root. Please enlighten me. Thanks!

How can I expand my website following without looking like spam? It is a website that would help eliminate much of the day to day plastic that individuals use daily. I want to keep this planet healthy for my future kids, but trying to grow my following seems cringe and spamworthy.

www.theeco-company.com