feat: support per-gallery password toggle

backend/migrations/core/044_add_event_password_toggle.js

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+exports.up = async function (knex) {
+  const hasColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'require_password');
+  if (!hasColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.boolean('require_password').notNullable().defaultTo(true);
+    });
+    await knex('events').update({ require_password: true });
+  }
+};
+
+exports.down = async function (knex) {
+  const hasColumn = await knex.schema.hasColumn('events', 'require_password');
+  if (hasColumn) {
+    await knex.schema.table('events', (table) => {
+      table.dropColumn('require_password');
+    });
+  }
+};

backend/src/database/db.js

@@ -82,6 +82,7 @@ async function initializeDatabase() {
       table.boolean('watermark_downloads').defaultTo(false);
       table.text('watermark_text');
       table.integer('hero_photo_id').references('id').inTable('photos').onDelete('SET NULL');
+      table.boolean('require_password').defaultTo(true);
     });
   } else {
     // Check if color_theme needs to be updated to TEXT type
@@ -116,7 +117,8 @@ async function initializeDatabase() {
             disable_right_click BOOLEAN DEFAULT 0,
             watermark_downloads BOOLEAN DEFAULT 0,
             watermark_text TEXT,
-            hero_photo_id INTEGER
+            hero_photo_id INTEGER,
+            require_password BOOLEAN DEFAULT 1
           )
         `);
         
@@ -138,6 +140,8 @@ async function initializeDatabase() {
               return 'watermark_text';
             case 'hero_photo_id':
               return 'hero_photo_id';
+            case 'require_password':
+              return 'COALESCE(require_password, 1) as require_password';
             default:
               return col;
           }

backend/src/middleware/gallery.js

@@ -2,13 +2,48 @@ const jwt = require('jsonwebtoken');
 const { db, withRetry } = require('../database/db');
 const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 const { getGalleryTokenFromRequest } = require('../utils/tokenUtils');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 
 // Middleware to verify gallery access
 async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
   try {
     const requestedSlug = req.params.slug || req.requestedSlug;
     const token = getGalleryTokenFromRequest(req, requestedSlug);
+    let event;
+
     if (!token) {
+      if (!requestedSlug) {
+        return res.status(401).json({ error: 'No token provided' });
+      }
+
+      event = await withRetry(async () => {
+        return await db('events')
+          .where({ 
+            slug: requestedSlug,
+            is_active: formatBoolean(true),
+            is_archived: formatBoolean(false)
+          })
+          .select('*')
+          .first();
+      });
+
+      if (!event) {
+        return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Gallery not found or expired' });
+      }
+
+      const requiresPassword = !(event.require_password === false || event.require_password === 0 || event.require_password === '0');
+      if (!requiresPassword) {
+        req.event = event;
+        req.sessionID = `gallery_public_${event.id}_${Date.now()}`;
+        req.clientInfo = {
+          ip: req.ip || req.connection.remoteAddress || 'unknown',
+          userAgent: req.get('User-Agent') || 'unknown',
+          fingerprint: `${req.ip}-${req.get('User-Agent')}`.substring(0, 32),
+          timestamp: Date.now()
+        };
+        return next();
+      }
+
       return res.status(401).json({ error: 'No token provided' });
     }
     
@@ -26,10 +61,9 @@ async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
         throw error;
       }
     }
-    console.log('[verifyGalleryAccess] Token decoded successfully, eventId:', decoded.eventId);
+    logger.debug('[verifyGalleryAccess] Token decoded successfully', { eventId: decoded.eventId, slug: requestedSlug });
     
     // If we have a slug in the URL params or from pre-middleware, verify it matches
-    let event;
     if (requestedSlug) {
       // Verify by slug and ensure it matches the token's event
       event = await withRetry(async () => {
@@ -62,11 +96,11 @@ async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
     }
     
     if (!event) {
-      console.log('[verifyGalleryAccess] Event not found for slug:', requestedSlug || 'no-slug', 'eventId:', decoded.eventId);
+      logger.warn('[verifyGalleryAccess] Event not found for slug', { slug: requestedSlug || 'no-slug', tokenEventId: decoded.eventId });
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Gallery not found or expired' });
     }
     
-    console.log('[verifyGalleryAccess] Event found:', event.id, event.slug);
+    logger.debug('[verifyGalleryAccess] Event located', { eventId: event.id, slug: event.slug });
     req.event = event;
     req.sessionID = decoded.sessionId || `gallery_${event.id}_${Date.now()}`;
     
@@ -78,10 +112,10 @@ async function verifyGalleryAccess(req, res, next) {
       timestamp: Date.now()
     };
     
-    console.log('[verifyGalleryAccess] Access granted for event:', event.id);
+    logger.debug('[verifyGalleryAccess] Access granted', { eventId: event.id, slug: event.slug });
     next();
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error('Error verifying gallery access:', error);
+    logger.error('Error verifying gallery access', { error: error.message, stack: error.stack });
     res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid token' });
   }
 }

backend/src/middleware/photoAuth.js

@@ -3,14 +3,13 @@ const jwt = require('jsonwebtoken');
 const { db } = require('../database/db');
 const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
 const { getGalleryTokenFromRequest } = require('../utils/tokenUtils');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
 
 async function photoAuth(req, res, next) {
   try {
     // Extract event slug from the path
     let eventSlug;
     
-    console.log('PhotoAuth middleware - path:', req.path);
-    
     // For thumbnails, we need to parse the filename to get the event info
     if (req.path.startsWith('/thumb_')) {
       // For now, we'll rely on JWT token for thumbnail access
@@ -80,29 +79,36 @@ async function photoAuth(req, res, next) {
           // For both thumbnails and photos with admin token, allow access
           return next();
         }
-      } catch (err) {
-        // Token invalid, fall through to password check
-        console.error('JWT verification failed:', err.message);
+    } catch (err) {
+      // Token invalid, fall through to password check
+      logger.warn('JWT verification failed in photoAuth', { error: err.message });
       }
     }
     
     // Check for password header (legacy support)
     const password = req.headers['x-gallery-password'];
     
-    if (!password && !tokenFromRequest) {
-      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Authentication required' });
-    }
-    
     // If no eventSlug (thumbnails), and we don't have valid auth yet, deny access
-    if (!eventSlug && !password) {
+    if (!eventSlug && !password && !tokenFromRequest) {
       return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Authentication required for thumbnails' });
     }
-    
+
     const event = await db('events').where({ slug: eventSlug, is_active: formatBoolean(true) }).first();
     if (!event) {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Gallery not found' });
     }
+
+    const requiresPassword = !(event.require_password === false || event.require_password === 0 || event.require_password === '0');
+
+    if (!requiresPassword) {
+      req.event = event;
+      return next();
+    }
     
+    if (!password && !tokenFromRequest) {
+      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Authentication required' });
+    }
+
     if (password) {
       const validPassword = await bcrypt.compare(password, event.password_hash);
       if (!validPassword) {
@@ -122,7 +128,7 @@ async function photoAuth(req, res, next) {
     req.event = event;
     next();
   } catch (error) {
-    console.error('Photo auth error:', error);
+    logger.error('Photo auth error', { error: error.message, stack: error.stack });
     res.status(500).json({ error: 'Authentication error' });
   }
 }

backend/src/routes/adminEvents.js

@@ -13,6 +13,29 @@ const { queueEmail } = require('../services/emailProcessor');
 const { escapeLikePattern } = require('../utils/sqlSecurity');
 // formatDate import removed - dates are formatted by email processor
 const { validatePasswordInContext, getBcryptRounds } = require('../utils/passwordValidation');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+
+const parseBooleanInput = (value, defaultValue = true) => {
+  if (value === undefined || value === null) {
+    return defaultValue;
+  }
+  if (typeof value === 'boolean') {
+    return value;
+  }
+  if (typeof value === 'number') {
+    return value !== 0;
+  }
+  if (typeof value === 'string') {
+    const normalized = value.trim().toLowerCase();
+    if (['false', '0', 'no', 'off'].includes(normalized)) {
+      return false;
+    }
+    if (['true', '1', 'yes', 'on'].includes(normalized)) {
+      return true;
+    }
+  }
+  return defaultValue;
+};
 
 // Create new event
 router.post('/', adminAuth, [
@@ -21,7 +44,30 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
   body('event_date').isDate(),
   body('host_email').isEmail().normalizeEmail(),
   body('admin_email').isEmail().normalizeEmail(),
-  body('password').isLength({ min: 6 }),
+  body('require_password').optional().isBoolean(),
+  body('password').optional().isString().custom((value, { req }) => {
+    const input = req.body.require_password;
+    const normalizeBoolean = (val, defaultValue = true) => {
+      if (val === undefined || val === null) return defaultValue;
+      if (typeof val === 'boolean') return val;
+      if (typeof val === 'number') return val !== 0;
+      if (typeof val === 'string') {
+        const normalized = val.trim().toLowerCase();
+        if (['false', '0', 'no', 'off'].includes(normalized)) return false;
+        if (['true', '1', 'yes', 'on'].includes(normalized)) return true;
+      }
+      return defaultValue;
+    };
+
+    const requirePassword = normalizeBoolean(input, true);
+    if (!requirePassword) {
+      return true;
+    }
+    if (typeof value !== 'string' || value.trim().length < 6) {
+      throw new Error('Password must be at least 6 characters long');
+    }
+    return true;
+  }),
   body('expiration_days').isInt({ min: 1, max: 365 }).optional(),
   body('welcome_message').optional().trim(),
   body('color_theme').optional().trim(),
@@ -34,7 +80,7 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
   body('watermark_text').optional().trim()
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
-    console.log('Create event request body:', req.body);
+    logger.debug('Create event request body', { body: req.body });
     const errors = validationResult(req);
     if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
       console.error('Validation errors:', errors.array());
@@ -58,6 +104,7 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
       disable_right_click = false,
       watermark_downloads = false,
       watermark_text = null,
+      require_password: requirePasswordInput = true,
       // Feedback settings
       feedback_enabled = false,
       allow_ratings = true,
@@ -69,12 +116,15 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
       show_feedback_to_guests = true
     } = req.body;
     
+    const requirePassword = parseBooleanInput(requirePasswordInput, true);
+
     // Debug logging
-    console.log('Download control values:', {
+    logger.debug('Download control values', {
       allow_downloads,
       disable_right_click,
       watermark_downloads,
       watermark_text,
+      require_password: requirePassword,
       types: {
         allow_downloads: typeof allow_downloads,
         disable_right_click: typeof disable_right_click,
@@ -82,18 +132,24 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
       }
     });
     
-    // Validate password strength
-    const passwordValidation = await validatePasswordInContext(password, 'gallery', {
-      eventName: event_name
-    });
-    
-    if (!passwordValidation.valid) {
-      return res.status(400).json({ 
-        error: 'Password does not meet security requirements',
-        details: passwordValidation.errors,
-        score: passwordValidation.score,
-        feedback: passwordValidation.feedback
+    let passwordValidation = null;
+    let galleryPassword = password;
+
+    if (requirePassword) {
+      passwordValidation = await validatePasswordInContext(password, 'gallery', {
+        eventName: event_name
       });
+
+      if (!passwordValidation.valid) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ 
+          error: 'Password does not meet security requirements',
+          details: passwordValidation.errors,
+          score: passwordValidation.score,
+          feedback: passwordValidation.feedback
+        });
+      }
+    } else {
+      galleryPassword = '';
     }
     
     // Generate unique slug
@@ -113,10 +169,14 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
     
     // Generate share link
     const shareToken = crypto.randomBytes(16).toString('hex');
-    const shareLink = `${process.env.FRONTEND_URL}/gallery/${slug}/${shareToken}`;
+    const sharePath = `/gallery/${slug}/${shareToken}`;
+    const frontendBase = (process.env.FRONTEND_URL || '').replace(/\/$/, '');
+    const shareLink = frontendBase ? `${frontendBase}${sharePath}` : sharePath;
     
-    // Hash password with configurable rounds
-    const password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(password, getBcryptRounds());
+    // Hash password with configurable rounds (random placeholder when not required)
+    const password_hash = requirePassword
+      ? await bcrypt.hash(password, getBcryptRounds())
+      : await bcrypt.hash(crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex'), getBcryptRounds());
     
     // Calculate expiration date (days after event date)
     // Parse YYYY-MM-DD format as local date to avoid timezone issues
@@ -155,7 +215,8 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
       allow_downloads: formatBoolean(allow_downloads !== undefined ? allow_downloads : true),
       disable_right_click: formatBoolean(disable_right_click !== undefined ? disable_right_click : false),
       watermark_downloads: formatBoolean(watermark_downloads !== undefined ? watermark_downloads : false),
-      watermark_text
+      watermark_text,
+      require_password: formatBoolean(requirePassword)
     }).returning('id');
     
     // Handle both PostgreSQL (returns array of objects) and SQLite (returns array of IDs)
@@ -180,7 +241,7 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
     
     // Log activity
     await logActivity('event_created', 
-      { event_type, expires_at }, 
+      { event_type, expires_at, require_password: requirePassword, password_strength: passwordValidation?.score }, 
       eventId, 
       { type: 'admin', id: req.admin.id, name: req.admin.username }
     );
@@ -197,7 +258,7 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
         event_name,
         event_date: event_date,  // Pass raw date - will be formatted by email processor
         gallery_link: shareLink,
-        gallery_password: password,
+        gallery_password: requirePassword ? password : 'No password required',
         expiry_date: expires_at.toISOString(),  // Pass ISO string - will be formatted by email processor
         welcome_message: welcome_message || ''
       }),
@@ -211,6 +272,7 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
       slug,
       event_name,
       event_type,
+      require_password: requirePassword,
       share_link: shareLink,
       expires_at: expires_at.toISOString(),
       created_at: new Date().toISOString()
@@ -398,19 +460,45 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, [
   body('watermark_downloads').optional().isBoolean(),
   body('watermark_text').optional().trim(),
   body('source_mode').optional().isIn(['managed', 'reference']),
-  body('external_path').optional({ nullable: true }).isString().trim()
+  body('external_path').optional({ nullable: true }).isString().trim(),
+  body('require_password').optional().isBoolean(),
+  body('password').optional().isString().custom((value, { req }) => {
+    if (value === undefined || value === null || value === '') {
+      return true;
+    }
+    if (typeof value !== 'string' || value.trim().length < 6) {
+      throw new Error('Password must be at least 6 characters long');
+    }
+    return true;
+  })
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const errors = validationResult(req);
     if (!errors.isEmpty()) {
-      console.log('Update event validation errors:', JSON.stringify(errors.array(), null, 2));
-      console.log('Request body:', req.body);
+      logger.debug('Update event validation errors', { errors: errors.array(), body: req.body });
       return res.status(400).json({ errors: errors.array() });
     }
 
     const { id } = req.params;
     const updates = { ...req.body };
 
+    const hasRequirePasswordUpdate = Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'require_password');
+    let requirePasswordUpdate;
+    if (hasRequirePasswordUpdate) {
+      requirePasswordUpdate = parseBooleanInput(updates.require_password, true);
+      updates.require_password = formatBoolean(requirePasswordUpdate);
+    }
+
+    let newPasswordPlain;
+    if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'password')) {
+      if (updates.password === undefined || updates.password === null || updates.password === '') {
+        delete updates.password;
+      } else {
+        newPasswordPlain = updates.password;
+        delete updates.password;
+      }
+    }
+
     if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'source_mode')) {
       updates.source_mode = updates.source_mode === 'reference' ? 'reference' : 'managed';
     }
@@ -429,7 +517,7 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, [
     }
 
     // Log the update request for debugging
-    console.log('Update event request:', {
+    logger.debug('Update event request', {
       id,
       updates,
       color_theme_length: updates.color_theme ? updates.color_theme.length : 0,
@@ -444,6 +532,18 @@ router.put('/:id', adminAuth, [
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Event not found' });
     }
 
+    const currentRequirePassword = parseBooleanInput(event.require_password, true);
+
+    if (hasRequirePasswordUpdate && requirePasswordUpdate === true && !currentRequirePassword && !newPasswordPlain) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Password must be provided when enabling password requirement.' });
+    }
+
+    if (newPasswordPlain) {
+      updates.password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(newPasswordPlain, getBcryptRounds());
+    } else if (hasRequirePasswordUpdate && requirePasswordUpdate === false && currentRequirePassword) {
+      updates.password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex'), getBcryptRounds());
+    }
+
     // Update event
     await db('events')
       .where('id', id)

backend/src/routes/auth-enhanced-v2.js

@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ router.post('/logout', async (req, res) => {
 // Gallery password verification with enhanced security
 router.post('/gallery/verify', [
   body('slug').notEmpty().trim(),
-  body('password').notEmpty()
+  body('password').optional().isString()
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const errors = validationResult(req);
@@ -232,53 +232,69 @@ router.post('/gallery/verify', [
     const ipAddress = req.ip || req.connection.remoteAddress;
     const userAgent = req.headers['user-agent'] || '';
     
-    // Check gallery-specific lockout
-    const lockoutStatus = await checkAccountLockout(`gallery:${slug}`);
-    if (lockoutStatus.isLocked) {
-      logger.warn('Gallery access attempt on locked gallery', { slug, ipAddress });
-      return res.status(423).json({ 
-        error: 'Too many failed attempts. Please try again later.',
-        retryAfter: lockoutStatus.remainingTime
-      });
-    }
-    
-    // Verify reCAPTCHA
-    const recaptchaValid = await verifyRecaptcha(recaptchaToken);
-    if (!recaptchaValid) {
-      await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
-      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'reCAPTCHA verification failed' });
-    }
-    
     const event = await db('events').where({ slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false) }).first();
+    const requiresPassword = !(event && (event.require_password === false || event.require_password === 0 || event.require_password === '0'));
+
+    if (requiresPassword) {
+      const lockoutStatus = await checkAccountLockout(`gallery:${slug}`);
+      if (lockoutStatus.isLocked) {
+        logger.warn('Gallery access attempt on locked gallery', { slug, ipAddress });
+        return res.status(423).json({ 
+          error: 'Too many failed attempts. Please try again later.',
+          retryAfter: lockoutStatus.remainingTime
+        });
+      }
+
+      const recaptchaValid = await verifyRecaptcha(recaptchaToken);
+      if (!recaptchaValid) {
+        await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'reCAPTCHA verification failed' });
+      }
+    }
+
     if (!event) {
       // Don't reveal if gallery exists
       await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
       return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
     }
-    
-    const validPassword = await bcrypt.compare(password, event.password_hash);
-    if (!validPassword) {
-      await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+
+    if (requiresPassword) {
+      if (!password) {
+        await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+        return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
+      }
+
+      const validPassword = await bcrypt.compare(password, event.password_hash);
+      if (!validPassword) {
+        await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+        await db('access_logs').insert({
+          event_id: event.id,
+          ip_address: ipAddress,
+          user_agent: userAgent,
+          action: 'login_fail'
+        });
+        return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
+      }
+
+      await trackSuccessfulLogin(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+
       await db('access_logs').insert({
         event_id: event.id,
         ip_address: ipAddress,
         user_agent: userAgent,
-        action: 'login_fail'
+        action: 'login_success'
+      });
+    } else {
+      logger.info('Public gallery access granted without password', { slug, ipAddress });
+      await trackSuccessfulLogin(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+      await db('access_logs').insert({
+        event_id: event.id,
+        ip_address: ipAddress,
+        user_agent: userAgent,
+        action: 'login_success'
       });
-      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
     }
     
-    // Successful access
-    await trackSuccessfulLogin(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
-    
-    // Log successful access
-    await db('access_logs').insert({
-      event_id: event.id,
-      ip_address: ipAddress,
-      user_agent: userAgent,
-      action: 'login_success'
-    });
-    
     // Generate session token with additional security info
     const token = jwt.sign({ 
       eventId: event.id, 
@@ -302,7 +318,8 @@ router.post('/gallery/verify', [
         color_theme: event.color_theme,
         expires_at: event.expires_at,
         allow_user_uploads: event.allow_user_uploads,
-        upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id
+        upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id,
+        require_password: requiresPassword
       }
     });
   } catch (error) {
@@ -372,4 +389,4 @@ router.post('/password-strength', [
   }
 });
 
-module.exports = router;
+module.exports = router;

backend/src/routes/auth-enhanced.js

@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ router.post('/logout', async (req, res) => {
 // Gallery password verification with enhanced security
 router.post('/gallery/verify', [
   body('slug').notEmpty().trim(),
-  body('password').notEmpty()
+  body('password').optional().isString()
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const errors = validationResult(req);
@@ -173,55 +173,68 @@ router.post('/gallery/verify', [
     const { slug, password, recaptchaToken } = req.body;
     const ipAddress = req.ip || req.connection.remoteAddress;
     const userAgent = req.headers['user-agent'] || '';
-    
-    // Check gallery-specific lockout
-    const lockoutStatus = await checkAccountLockout(`gallery:${slug}`);
-    if (lockoutStatus.isLocked) {
-      logger.warn('Gallery access attempt on locked gallery', { slug, ipAddress });
-      return res.status(423).json({ 
-        error: 'Too many failed attempts. Please try again later.',
-        retryAfter: lockoutStatus.remainingTime
-      });
-    }
-    
-    // Verify reCAPTCHA
-    const recaptchaValid = await verifyRecaptcha(recaptchaToken);
-    if (!recaptchaValid) {
-      await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
-      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'reCAPTCHA verification failed' });
-    }
-    
-    const event = await db('events').where({ slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false) }).first();
+    const event = await db('events')
+      .where({ slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false) })
+      .first();
+
     if (!event) {
-      // Don't reveal if gallery exists
       await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
       return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
     }
-    
-    const validPassword = await bcrypt.compare(password, event.password_hash);
-    if (!validPassword) {
-      await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+
+    const requiresPassword = !(event.require_password === false || event.require_password === 0 || event.require_password === '0');
+
+    if (requiresPassword) {
+      const lockoutStatus = await checkAccountLockout(`gallery:${slug}`);
+      if (lockoutStatus.isLocked) {
+        logger.warn('Gallery access attempt on locked gallery', { slug, ipAddress });
+        return res.status(423).json({ 
+          error: 'Too many failed attempts. Please try again later.',
+          retryAfter: lockoutStatus.remainingTime
+        });
+      }
+
+      const recaptchaValid = await verifyRecaptcha(recaptchaToken);
+      if (!recaptchaValid) {
+        await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'reCAPTCHA verification failed' });
+      }
+
+      if (!password) {
+        await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+        return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
+      }
+
+      const validPassword = await bcrypt.compare(password, event.password_hash);
+      if (!validPassword) {
+        await trackFailedAttempt(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+        await db('access_logs').insert({
+          event_id: event.id,
+          ip_address: ipAddress,
+          user_agent: userAgent,
+          action: 'login_fail'
+        });
+        return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
+      }
+
+      await trackSuccessfulLogin(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
       await db('access_logs').insert({
         event_id: event.id,
         ip_address: ipAddress,
         user_agent: userAgent,
-        action: 'login_fail'
+        action: 'login_success'
+      });
+    } else {
+      logger.info('Public gallery access granted without password', { slug, ipAddress });
+      await trackSuccessfulLogin(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
+      await db('access_logs').insert({
+        event_id: event.id,
+        ip_address: ipAddress,
+        user_agent: userAgent,
+        action: 'login_success'
       });
-      return res.status(401).json({ error: 'Invalid gallery or password' });
     }
-    
-    // Successful access
-    await trackSuccessfulLogin(`gallery:${slug}`, ipAddress, userAgent);
-    
-    // Log successful access
-    await db('access_logs').insert({
-      event_id: event.id,
-      ip_address: ipAddress,
-      user_agent: userAgent,
-      action: 'login_success'
-    });
-    
-    // Generate session token with additional security info
+
     const token = jwt.sign({ 
       eventId: event.id, 
       eventSlug: event.slug,
@@ -246,7 +259,8 @@ router.post('/gallery/verify', [
         color_theme: event.color_theme,
         expires_at: event.expires_at,
         allow_user_uploads: event.allow_user_uploads,
-        upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id
+        upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id,
+        require_password: requiresPassword
       }
     });
   } catch (error) {
@@ -301,6 +315,8 @@ router.post('/gallery/share-login', [
     await trackSuccessfulLogin(`gallery:${slug}:share`, ipAddress, userAgent);
     setGalleryAuthCookies(res, jwtToken, event.slug);
 
+    const requiresPassword = !(event.require_password === false || event.require_password === 0 || event.require_password === '0');
+
     res.json({
       token: jwtToken,
       event: {
@@ -312,7 +328,8 @@ router.post('/gallery/share-login', [
         color_theme: event.color_theme,
         expires_at: event.expires_at,
         allow_user_uploads: event.allow_user_uploads,
-        upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id
+        upload_category_id: event.upload_category_id,
+        require_password: requiresPassword
       }
     });
   } catch (error) {

backend/src/routes/events.js

@@ -4,11 +4,34 @@ const bcrypt = require('bcrypt');
 const crypto = require('crypto');
 const { db } = require('../database/db');
 const { formatBoolean } = require('../utils/dbCompat');
+const { validatePasswordInContext, getBcryptRounds } = require('../utils/passwordValidation');
 const { adminAuth } = require('../middleware/auth-enhanced-v2');
 const fs = require('fs').promises;
 const path = require('path');
 const router = express.Router();
 
+const parseBooleanInput = (value, defaultValue = true) => {
+  if (value === undefined || value === null) {
+    return defaultValue;
+  }
+  if (typeof value === 'boolean') {
+    return value;
+  }
+  if (typeof value === 'number') {
+    return value !== 0;
+  }
+  if (typeof value === 'string') {
+    const normalized = value.trim().toLowerCase();
+    if (['false', '0', 'no', 'off'].includes(normalized)) {
+      return false;
+    }
+    if (['true', '1', 'yes', 'on'].includes(normalized)) {
+      return true;
+    }
+  }
+  return defaultValue;
+};
+
 // Create new event
 router.post('/', adminAuth, [
   body('event_type').isIn(['wedding', 'birthday', 'corporate', 'other']),
@@ -16,7 +39,17 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
   body('event_date').isDate(),
   body('host_email').isEmail(),
   body('admin_email').isEmail(),
-  body('password').isLength({ min: 6 }),
+  body('require_password').optional().isBoolean(),
+  body('password').optional().isString().custom((value, { req }) => {
+    const requirePassword = parseBooleanInput(req.body.require_password, true);
+    if (!requirePassword) {
+      return true;
+    }
+    if (typeof value !== 'string' || value.trim().length < 6) {
+      throw new Error('Password must be at least 6 characters long');
+    }
+    return true;
+  }),
   body('expiration_days').isInt({ min: 1, max: 365 }).optional()
 ], async (req, res) => {
   try {
@@ -32,10 +65,28 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
       host_email,
       admin_email,
       password,
+      require_password: requirePasswordInput = true,
       welcome_message,
       color_theme,
       expiration_days = 30
     } = req.body;
+
+    const requirePassword = parseBooleanInput(requirePasswordInput, true);
+
+    if (requirePassword) {
+      const passwordValidation = await validatePasswordInContext(password, 'gallery', {
+        eventName: event_name
+      });
+
+      if (!passwordValidation.valid) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ 
+          error: 'Password does not meet security requirements',
+          details: passwordValidation.errors,
+          score: passwordValidation.score,
+          feedback: passwordValidation.feedback
+        });
+      }
+    }
     
     // Generate unique slug
     const baseSlug = `${event_type}-${event_name.toLowerCase().replace(/[^a-z0-9]/g, '-')}-${event_date}`;
@@ -49,10 +100,15 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
     
     // Generate share link (just slug/token, not full URL)
     const shareToken = crypto.randomBytes(16).toString('hex');
-    const shareLink = `${slug}/${shareToken}`;
+    const sharePath = `/gallery/${slug}/${shareToken}`;
+    const frontendBase = (process.env.FRONTEND_URL || '').replace(/\/$/, '');
+    const fullShareLink = frontendBase ? `${frontendBase}${sharePath}` : sharePath;
+    const shareLinkSlug = `${slug}/${shareToken}`;
     
-    // Hash password
-    const password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(password, 10);
+    // Hash password (or placeholder when not required)
+    const password_hash = requirePassword
+      ? await bcrypt.hash(password, getBcryptRounds())
+      : await bcrypt.hash(crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex'), getBcryptRounds());
     
     // Calculate expiration date (days after event date)
     const expires_at = new Date(event_date);
@@ -75,8 +131,9 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
       password_hash,
       welcome_message,
       color_theme,
-      share_link: shareLink,
-      expires_at
+      share_link: shareLinkSlug,
+      expires_at,
+      require_password: formatBoolean(requirePassword)
     }).returning('id');
     
     // Handle both PostgreSQL (returns array of objects) and SQLite (returns array of IDs)
@@ -88,17 +145,18 @@ router.post('/', adminAuth, [
       host_name: host_email.split('@')[0], // Extract name from email
       event_name,
       event_date: event_date,  // Pass raw date - will be formatted by email processor
-      gallery_link: shareLink,
-      gallery_password: password,
+      gallery_link: fullShareLink,
+      gallery_password: requirePassword ? password : 'No password required',
       expiry_date: expires_at.toISOString(),  // Pass ISO string - will be formatted by email processor
       welcome_message: welcome_message || ''
     });
-    
+
     res.json({
       id: eventId,
       slug,
-      share_link: shareLink,
-      expires_at
+      share_link: fullShareLink,
+      expires_at,
+      require_password: requirePassword
     });
   } catch (error) {
     console.error(error);
@@ -137,17 +195,46 @@ router.get('/', adminAuth, async (req, res) => {
 router.put('/:id', adminAuth, async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const { id } = req.params;
-    const updates = req.body;
+    const updates = { ...req.body };
     
     // Don't allow updating certain fields
     delete updates.id;
     delete updates.slug;
     delete updates.created_at;
-    
-    // If updating password, hash it
-    if (updates.password) {
-      updates.password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(updates.password, 10);
-      delete updates.password;
+    delete updates.password_confirmation;
+
+    const hasRequirePasswordUpdate = Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'require_password');
+    let requirePasswordUpdate;
+    if (hasRequirePasswordUpdate) {
+      requirePasswordUpdate = parseBooleanInput(updates.require_password, true);
+      updates.require_password = formatBoolean(requirePasswordUpdate);
+    }
+
+    let newPasswordPlain;
+    if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(updates, 'password')) {
+      if (updates.password === undefined || updates.password === null || updates.password === '') {
+        delete updates.password;
+      } else {
+        newPasswordPlain = updates.password;
+        delete updates.password;
+      }
+    }
+
+    const event = await db('events').where('id', id).first();
+    if (!event) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Event not found' });
+    }
+
+    const currentRequirePassword = parseBooleanInput(event.require_password, true);
+
+    if (hasRequirePasswordUpdate && requirePasswordUpdate === true && !currentRequirePassword && !newPasswordPlain) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Password must be provided when enabling password requirement.' });
+    }
+
+    if (newPasswordPlain) {
+      updates.password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(newPasswordPlain, getBcryptRounds());
+    } else if (hasRequirePasswordUpdate && requirePasswordUpdate === false && currentRequirePassword) {
+      updates.password_hash = await bcrypt.hash(crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex'), getBcryptRounds());
     }
     
     await db('events').where('id', id).update(updates);

backend/src/routes/gallery.js

@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/verify-token/:token', async (req, res) => {
     const { slug, token } = req.params;
     
     const event = await db('events')
-      .where({ share_link: slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false) })
+      .where({ slug, is_active: formatBoolean(true), is_archived: formatBoolean(false) })
       .select('id', 'share_link')
       .first();
     
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ router.get('/:slug/info', async (req, res) => {
     const event = await db('events')
       .where({ slug: slug })
       .select('event_name', 'event_type', 'event_date', 'expires_at', 'is_active', 'is_archived', 'share_link', 
-              'allow_downloads', 'disable_right_click', 'watermark_downloads', 'watermark_text')
+              'allow_downloads', 'disable_right_click', 'watermark_downloads', 'watermark_text', 'require_password', 'color_theme')
       .first();
     
     if (!event) {
@@ -74,6 +74,8 @@ router.get('/:slug/info', async (req, res) => {
       }
     }
     
+    const requiresPassword = !(event.require_password === false || event.require_password === 0 || event.require_password === '0');
+
     res.json({
       event_name: event.event_name,
       event_type: event.event_type,
@@ -81,11 +83,11 @@ router.get('/:slug/info', async (req, res) => {
       expires_at: event.expires_at,
       is_active: event.is_active,
       is_expired: !event.is_active || new Date(event.expires_at) < new Date(),
-      requires_password: true,
+      requires_password: requiresPassword,
       color_theme: event.color_theme,
-      allow_downloads: event.allow_downloads !== false,
-      disable_right_click: event.disable_right_click === true,
-      watermark_downloads: event.watermark_downloads === true,
+      allow_downloads: !(event.allow_downloads === false || event.allow_downloads === 0 || event.allow_downloads === '0'),
+      disable_right_click: event.disable_right_click === true || event.disable_right_click === 1 || event.disable_right_click === '1',
+      watermark_downloads: event.watermark_downloads === true || event.watermark_downloads === 1 || event.watermark_downloads === '1',
       watermark_text: event.watermark_text
     });
   } catch (error) {

backend/src/services/emailProcessor.js

@@ -132,6 +132,12 @@ async function processTemplate(template, variables, language = 'en') {
       ? '(Aus Sicherheitsgründen nicht angezeigt)' 
       : '(Not shown for security reasons)';
   }
+
+  if (processedVariables.gallery_password === 'No password required') {
+    processedVariables.gallery_password = language === 'de'
+      ? 'Kein Passwort erforderlich'
+      : 'No password required';
+  }
   
   // Format dates if they exist
   if (processedVariables.event_date) {
@@ -546,4 +552,4 @@ module.exports = {
   queueEmail,
   stopEmailQueueProcessor,
   testEmailConnection
-};
+};

frontend/src/contexts/GalleryAuthContext.tsx

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import type { ReactNode } from 'react';
 import { api } from '../config/api';
 import { authService, galleryService } from '../services';
 import { cleanupOldGalleryAuth } from '../utils/cleanupGalleryAuth';
+import { normalizeRequirePassword } from '../utils/accessControl';
 import {
   clearActiveGallerySlug,
   clearGalleryToken,
@@ -18,12 +19,24 @@ interface GalleryEvent {
   welcome_message?: string;
   color_theme?: string;
   expires_at: string;
+  require_password?: boolean;
 }
 
+const normalizeEvent = (incoming: GalleryEvent | null | undefined): GalleryEvent | null => {
+  if (!incoming) {
+    return null;
+  }
+
+  return {
+    ...incoming,
+    require_password: normalizeRequirePassword(incoming.require_password, true),
+  };
+};
+
 interface GalleryAuthContextType {
   isAuthenticated: boolean;
   event: GalleryEvent | null;
-  login: (slug: string, password: string, recaptchaToken?: string | null) => Promise<void>;
+  login: (slug: string, password?: string, recaptchaToken?: string | null) => Promise<void>;
   logout: () => void;
   isLoading: boolean;
   error: string | null;
@@ -83,7 +96,11 @@ export const GalleryAuthProvider: React.FC<GalleryAuthProviderProps> = ({ childr
         try {
           const parsed = JSON.parse(storedEvent);
           if (parsed && parsed.id) {
-            setEvent(parsed);
+            const normalizedStored = normalizeEvent(parsed);
+            setEvent(normalizedStored);
+            if (normalizedStored) {
+              sessionStorage.setItem(`gallery_event_${currentSlug}`, JSON.stringify(normalizedStored));
+            }
           }
         } catch (err) {
           sessionStorage.removeItem(`gallery_event_${currentSlug}`);
@@ -104,8 +121,11 @@ export const GalleryAuthProvider: React.FC<GalleryAuthProviderProps> = ({ childr
             // Fetch gallery details to hydrate context
             const galleryData = await galleryService.getGalleryPhotos(currentSlug);
             if (galleryData?.event) {
-              setEvent(galleryData.event);
-              sessionStorage.setItem(`gallery_event_${currentSlug}`, JSON.stringify(galleryData.event));
+              const normalizedEvent = normalizeEvent(galleryData.event);
+              setEvent(normalizedEvent);
+              if (normalizedEvent) {
+                sessionStorage.setItem(`gallery_event_${currentSlug}`, JSON.stringify(normalizedEvent));
+              }
             }
           }
 
@@ -121,9 +141,12 @@ export const GalleryAuthProvider: React.FC<GalleryAuthProviderProps> = ({ childr
           if (verify?.valid) {
             const response = await authService.shareLinkLogin(currentSlug, urlToken);
             if (response?.event) {
-              setEvent(response.event);
+              const normalizedEvent = normalizeEvent(response.event);
+              setEvent(normalizedEvent);
               setIsAuthenticated(true);
-              sessionStorage.setItem(`gallery_event_${currentSlug}`, JSON.stringify(response.event));
+              if (normalizedEvent) {
+                sessionStorage.setItem(`gallery_event_${currentSlug}`, JSON.stringify(normalizedEvent));
+              }
               if (response.token) {
                 storeGalleryToken(currentSlug, response.token);
               }
@@ -154,12 +177,13 @@ export const GalleryAuthProvider: React.FC<GalleryAuthProviderProps> = ({ childr
     };
   }, []);
 
-  const login = async (slug: string, password: string, recaptchaToken?: string | null) => {
+  const login = async (slug: string, password?: string, recaptchaToken?: string | null) => {
     try {
       setError(null);
       setIsLoading(true);
       const response = await authService.verifyGalleryPassword(slug, password, recaptchaToken);
-      setEvent(response.event);
+      const normalizedEvent = normalizeEvent(response.event);
+      setEvent(normalizedEvent);
       setIsAuthenticated(true);
       if (response.token) {
         storeGalleryToken(slug, response.token);
@@ -167,7 +191,9 @@ export const GalleryAuthProvider: React.FC<GalleryAuthProviderProps> = ({ childr
       setActiveGallerySlug(slug);
 
       // Store event data for quick reloads (non-sensitive)
-      sessionStorage.setItem(`gallery_event_${slug}`, JSON.stringify(response.event));
+      if (normalizedEvent) {
+        sessionStorage.setItem(`gallery_event_${slug}`, JSON.stringify(normalizedEvent));
+      }
     } catch (err: any) {
       setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Invalid password');
       throw err;

frontend/src/i18n/locales/de.json

@@ -496,6 +496,8 @@
     "expiresIn": "Galerie läuft in {{count}} Tag ab",
     "expiresIn_plural": "Galerie läuft in {{count}} Tagen ab",
     "downloadBefore": "Laden Sie Ihre Fotos herunter, bevor sie nicht mehr verfügbar sind.",
+    "publicGalleryTitle": "Diese Galerie ist öffentlich zugänglich",
+    "publicGallerySubtitle": "Fotos werden geladen...",
     "viewGallery": "Galerie anzeigen",
     "downloadAll": "Alle herunterladen",
     "downloading": "Lade {{count}} Foto herunter...",
@@ -607,6 +609,7 @@
     "created": "Erstellt",
     "expires": "Läuft ab",
     "shareWithGuests": "Teilen Sie diesen Link mit Gästen. Sie benötigen das Passwort, um auf die Galerie zuzugreifen.",
+    "shareWithGuestsPublic": "Teilen Sie diesen Link mit Gästen. Für diese Galerie ist kein Passwort erforderlich.",
     "resetGalleryPassword": "Galerie-Passwort zurücksetzen",
     "resendCreationEmail": "Erstellungs-E-Mail erneut senden",
     "creationEmailResent": "Die Erstellungs-E-Mail wurde zur Warteschlange hinzugefügt",
@@ -632,10 +635,14 @@
     "adminEmailHelp": "Erhält Systembenachrichtigungen und Archivbestätigungen",
     "securityAccess": "Sicherheit & Zugriff",
     "galleryPassword": "Galerie-Passwort",
+    "requirePasswordToggle": "Galerie mit Passwort schützen",
+    "requirePasswordToggleHelp": "Deaktivieren Sie diese Option, wenn die Galerie ohne Passwort geteilt werden soll. Jeder mit dem Link kann die Fotos ansehen.",
+    "publicGalleryWarning": "Öffentliche Galerien sind für jeden mit dem Link zugänglich. Aktivieren Sie gegebenenfalls Wasserzeichen und behalten Sie die Aktivität im Blick.",
     "passwordHelperText": "Sie können Datumsangaben wie \"04.07.2025\" oder beliebigen Text mit mindestens 6 Zeichen verwenden",
     "passwordPlaceholder": "Sicheres Passwort eingeben",
     "confirmPassword": "Passwort bestätigen",
     "showPasswords": "Passwörter anzeigen",
+    "newPasswordLabel": "Neues Galerie-Passwort",
     "gallerySettings": "Galerie-Einstellungen",
     "colorTheme": "Farbthema",
     "galleryExpiration": "Galerie-Ablauf",
@@ -735,6 +742,9 @@
     "noEventsDescription": "Erstellen Sie Ihre erste Veranstaltung, um zu beginnen.",
     "eventsSelected": "{{count}} Veranstaltung ausgewählt",
     "eventsSelected_plural": "{{count}} Veranstaltungen ausgewählt",
+    "publicAccess": "Öffentlicher Zugriff",
+    "passwordProtected": "Passwortgeschützt",
+    "newPasswordRequired": "Bitte legen Sie vor dem Aktivieren des Passwortschutzes ein Passwort fest.",
     "viewDetails": "Details anzeigen",
     "archiveEventAction": "Veranstaltung archivieren",
     "downloadArchiveAction": "Archiv herunterladen",
@@ -853,7 +863,6 @@
     "security": {
       "title": "Sicherheit",
       "passwordSettings": "Passworteinstellungen",
-      "requirePassword": "Passwort für alle Galerien erforderlich",
       "minPasswordLength": "Minimale Passwortlänge",
       "minPasswordLengthHelp": "Mindestanzahl von Zeichen für Galerie-Passwörter",
       "passwordComplexity": "Passwort-Komplexität",

frontend/src/i18n/locales/en.json

@@ -161,6 +161,8 @@
     "expiresIn": "Gallery expires in {{count}} day",
     "expiresIn_plural": "Gallery expires in {{count}} days",
     "downloadBefore": "Download your photos before they're no longer available.",
+    "publicGalleryTitle": "This gallery is publicly accessible",
+    "publicGallerySubtitle": "Loading the photos now...",
     "viewGallery": "View Gallery",
     "downloadAll": "Download All",
     "downloading": "Downloading {{count}} photo...",
@@ -290,6 +292,7 @@
     "created": "Created",
     "expires": "Expires",
     "shareWithGuests": "Share this link with guests. They'll need the password to access the gallery.",
+    "shareWithGuestsPublic": "Share this link with guests. No password is required for this gallery.",
     "resetGalleryPassword": "Reset Gallery Password",
     "resendCreationEmail": "Resend Creation Email",
     "creationEmailResent": "Creation email has been queued for sending",
@@ -316,9 +319,13 @@
     "adminEmailHelp": "Will receive system notifications and archive confirmations",
     "securityAccess": "Security & Access",
     "galleryPassword": "Gallery Password",
+    "requirePasswordToggle": "Require password for this gallery",
+    "requirePasswordToggleHelp": "Disable this if you want to share the gallery without a password. Anyone with the link will be able to view the photos.",
+    "publicGalleryWarning": "Public galleries are accessible to anyone with the link. Consider enabling download watermarks and monitoring activity.",
     "passwordHelperText": "You can use dates like \"04.07.2025\" or any text with 6+ characters",
     "confirmPassword": "Confirm Password",
     "showPasswords": "Show passwords",
+    "newPasswordLabel": "New Gallery Password",
     "gallerySettings": "Gallery Settings",
     "themeAndStyle": "Theme & Style",
     "colorTheme": "Color Theme",
@@ -373,6 +380,9 @@
     "eventsSelected_plural": "{{count}} events selected",
     "clear": "Clear",
     "archiveSelected": "Archive Selected",
+    "publicAccess": "Public access",
+    "passwordProtected": "Password protected",
+    "newPasswordRequired": "Please set a password before enabling protection.",
     "event": "Event",
     "type": "Type",
     "date": "Date",
@@ -533,7 +543,6 @@
     "security": {
       "title": "Security",
       "passwordSettings": "Password Settings",
-      "requirePassword": "Require password for all galleries",
       "minPasswordLength": "Minimum Password Length",
       "minPasswordLengthHelp": "Minimum number of characters for gallery passwords",
       "passwordComplexity": "Password Complexity",

frontend/src/pages/GalleryPage.tsx

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import { analyticsService } from '../services/analytics.service';
 import { api } from '../config/api';
 import { GALLERY_THEME_PRESETS } from '../types/theme.types';
 import { buildResourceUrl } from '../utils/url';
+import { isGalleryPublic, normalizeRequirePassword } from '../utils/accessControl';
 
 export const GalleryPage: React.FC = () => {
   const { slug, token } = useParams<{ slug: string; token?: string }>();
@@ -25,9 +26,11 @@ export const GalleryPage: React.FC = () => {
   const [isLoggingIn, setIsLoggingIn] = useState(false);
   const [loginError, setLoginError] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [recaptchaToken, setRecaptchaToken] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [autoLoginAttempted, setAutoLoginAttempted] = useState(false);
 
   // Fetch gallery info (public data)
   const { data: galleryInfo, isLoading: isLoadingInfo, error: infoError } = useGalleryInfo(slug!, token);
+  const requiresPassword = normalizeRequirePassword(galleryInfo?.requires_password, true);
   
   // Fetch branding settings
   const { data: settingsData } = useQuery({
@@ -87,6 +90,30 @@ export const GalleryPage: React.FC = () => {
     }
   }, [galleryInfo, settingsData, isAuthenticated, setTheme]);
 
+  React.useEffect(() => {
+    if (!slug) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (galleryInfo && isGalleryPublic(galleryInfo.requires_password) && !isAuthenticated && !autoLoginAttempted) {
+      setAutoLoginAttempted(true);
+      setIsLoggingIn(true);
+      login(slug, '')
+        .then(() => {
+          setLoginError(null);
+        })
+        .catch((error: any) => {
+          const message = error?.response?.data?.error;
+          if (message) {
+            setLoginError(message);
+          }
+        })
+        .finally(() => {
+          setIsLoggingIn(false);
+        });
+    }
+  }, [galleryInfo, isAuthenticated, autoLoginAttempted, login, slug]);
+
   // Calculate days until expiration
   const daysUntilExpiration = galleryInfo
     ? differenceInDays(parseISO(galleryInfo.expires_at), new Date())
@@ -96,7 +123,7 @@ export const GalleryPage: React.FC = () => {
     e.preventDefault();
     e.stopPropagation(); // Prevent any bubbling
     
-    if (!password.trim()) {
+    if (requiresPassword && !password.trim()) {
       setLoginError(t('auth.pleaseEnterPassword'));
       return;
     }
@@ -104,13 +131,14 @@ export const GalleryPage: React.FC = () => {
     try {
       setIsLoggingIn(true);
       setLoginError(null);
-      await login(slug!, password, recaptchaToken);
+      await login(slug!, requiresPassword ? password : '', recaptchaToken);
       
-      // Track successful password entry
-      analyticsService.trackGalleryEvent('password_entry', {
-        gallery: slug,
-        success: true
-      });
+      if (requiresPassword) {
+        analyticsService.trackGalleryEvent('password_entry', {
+          gallery: slug,
+          success: true
+        });
+      }
     } catch (error: any) {
       console.error('Login error:', error);
       const errorMessage = error.response?.data?.error || 'Invalid password';
@@ -128,11 +156,13 @@ export const GalleryPage: React.FC = () => {
       }
       
       // Track failed password entry
-      analyticsService.trackGalleryEvent('password_entry', {
-        gallery: slug,
-        success: false,
-        statusCode
-      });
+      if (requiresPassword) {
+        analyticsService.trackGalleryEvent('password_entry', {
+          gallery: slug,
+          success: false,
+          statusCode
+        });
+      }
       
       // Keep the password field to allow retry
       // Do not clear the password
@@ -311,43 +341,61 @@ export const GalleryPage: React.FC = () => {
             </div>
           )}
 
-          {/* Login Card */}
           <Card>
             <CardContent className="p-4 sm:p-6">
-              <h2 className="text-base sm:text-lg lg:text-xl font-semibold mb-4">{t('auth.enterPassword')}</h2>
-              
-              <form onSubmit={handleLogin} className="space-y-4">
-                <Input
-                  type="password"
-                  label={t('auth.password')}
-                  placeholder={t('auth.passwordPlaceholder')}
-                  value={password}
-                  onChange={(e) => setPassword(e.target.value)}
-                  error={loginError || undefined}
-                  autoFocus
-                  className="text-sm sm:text-base"
-                />
-                
-                <ReCaptcha
-                  onChange={setRecaptchaToken}
-                  onExpired={() => setRecaptchaToken(null)}
-                />
-                
-                <Button
-                  type="submit"
-                  variant="primary"
-                  size="lg"
-                  className="w-full text-sm sm:text-base"
-                  isLoading={isLoggingIn}
-                  disabled={isLoggingIn}
-                >
-                  {t('gallery.viewGallery')}
-                </Button>
-              </form>
+              {requiresPassword ? (
+                <>
+                  <h2 className="text-base sm:text-lg lg:text-xl font-semibold mb-4">{t('auth.enterPassword')}</h2>
+                  
+                  <form onSubmit={handleLogin} className="space-y-4">
+                    <Input
+                      type="password"
+                      label={t('auth.password')}
+                      placeholder={t('auth.passwordPlaceholder')}
+                      value={password}
+                      onChange={(e) => setPassword(e.target.value)}
+                      error={loginError || undefined}
+                      autoFocus
+                      className="text-sm sm:text-base"
+                    />
+                    
+                    <ReCaptcha
+                      onChange={setRecaptchaToken}
+                      onExpired={() => setRecaptchaToken(null)}
+                    />
+                    
+                    <Button
+                      type="submit"
+                      variant="primary"
+                      size="lg"
+                      className="w-full text-sm sm:text-base"
+                      isLoading={isLoggingIn}
+                      disabled={isLoggingIn}
+                    >
+                      {t('gallery.viewGallery')}
+                    </Button>
+                  </form>
 
-              <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500 text-center mt-4 sm:mt-6">
-                {t('auth.passwordHint')}
-              </p>
+                  <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500 text-center mt-4 sm:mt-6">
+                    {t('auth.passwordHint')}
+                  </p>
+                </>
+              ) : (
+                <div className="text-center space-y-3">
+                  <h2 className="text-base sm:text-lg lg:text-xl font-semibold">
+                    {t('gallery.publicGalleryTitle', 'This gallery is publicly accessible')}
+                  </h2>
+                  <p className="text-sm text-neutral-600">
+                    {t('gallery.publicGallerySubtitle', 'Loading the photos now...')}
+                  </p>
+                  <div className="flex justify-center py-4">
+                    <Loading size="sm" text={t('gallery.loading')} />
+                  </div>
+                  {loginError && (
+                    <p className="text-xs text-red-600">{loginError}</p>
+                  )}
+                </div>
+              )}
             </CardContent>
           </Card>
 
@@ -376,4 +424,4 @@ export const GalleryPage: React.FC = () => {
       </div>
     </div>
   );
-};
+};

frontend/src/pages/admin/CreateEventPage.tsx

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ interface FormData {
   event_date: string;
   host_email: string;
   admin_email: string;
+  require_password: boolean;
   password: string;
   confirm_password: string;
   welcome_message: string;
@@ -123,6 +124,7 @@ export const CreateEventPage: React.FC = () => {
     event_date: format(new Date(), 'yyyy-MM-dd'),
     host_email: '',
     admin_email: '',
+    require_password: true,
     password: '',
     confirm_password: '',
     welcome_message: '',
@@ -208,17 +210,18 @@ export const CreateEventPage: React.FC = () => {
       newErrors.admin_email = t('validation.invalidEmailFormat');
     }
 
-    if (!formData.password) {
-      newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordRequired');
-    } else if (formData.password.length < 6) {
-      newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordMinLength');
-    } else if (/^\d{1,6}$/.test(formData.password)) {
-      // Prevent simple numeric passwords like "123456"
-      newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordTooSimple', 'Password cannot be just numbers. Consider using a date format like "04.07.2025"');
-    }
+    if (formData.require_password) {
+      if (!formData.password) {
+        newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordRequired');
+      } else if (formData.password.length < 6) {
+        newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordMinLength');
+      } else if (/^\d{1,6}$/.test(formData.password)) {
+        newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordTooSimple', 'Password cannot be just numbers. Consider using a date format like "04.07.2025"');
+      }
 
-    if (formData.password !== formData.confirm_password) {
-      newErrors.confirm_password = t('validation.passwordsDoNotMatch');
+      if (formData.password !== formData.confirm_password) {
+        newErrors.confirm_password = t('validation.passwordsDoNotMatch');
+      }
     }
 
     if (formData.expires_in_days < 1 || formData.expires_in_days > 365) {
@@ -244,7 +247,8 @@ export const CreateEventPage: React.FC = () => {
       event_date: formData.event_date,
       host_email: formData.host_email,
       admin_email: formData.admin_email,
-      password: formData.password,
+      require_password: formData.require_password,
+      password: formData.require_password ? formData.password : '',
       welcome_message: formData.welcome_message || '',
       color_theme: selectedTheme ? JSON.stringify(selectedTheme.theme) : undefined,
       expiration_days: formData.expires_in_days,
@@ -426,81 +430,109 @@ export const CreateEventPage: React.FC = () => {
         <Card padding="md" className="mb-6">
           <h2 className="text-lg font-semibold text-neutral-900 mb-4">{t('events.securityAndAccess')}</h2>
           
-          <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
-            {/* Password */}
-            <div>
-              <label htmlFor="password" className="block text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-1">
-                {t('events.galleryPassword')}
-              </label>
-              <div className="relative">
-                <Input
-                  id="password"
-                  type={showPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
-                  value={formData.password}
-                  onChange={handleInputChange('password')}
-                  error={errors.password}
-                  placeholder={t('events.enterPassword')}
-                  helperText={t('events.passwordHelperText', 'You can use dates like "04.07.2025" or any text with 6+ characters')}
-                  leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400" />}
-                  className="pr-10"
-                />
-                <button
-                  type="button"
-                  onClick={() => setShowPassword(!showPassword)}
-                  className="absolute inset-y-0 right-0 pr-3 flex items-center"
-                  style={{ top: errors.password ? '0' : '0' }}
-                >
-                  {showPassword ? (
-                    <EyeOff className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
-                  ) : (
-                    <Eye className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
-                  )}
-                </button>
+          <div className="space-y-4">
+            <label className="flex items-start gap-2">
+              <input
+                type="checkbox"
+                className="mt-1 w-4 h-4 text-primary-600 border-neutral-300 rounded focus:ring-primary-500"
+                checked={formData.require_password}
+                onChange={(e) => {
+                  const checked = e.target.checked;
+                  setFormData(prev => ({ ...prev, require_password: checked }));
+                  if (!checked) {
+                    setErrors(prev => ({ ...prev, password: '', confirm_password: '' }));
+                  }
+                }}
+              />
+              <div>
+                <span className="text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700">{t('events.requirePasswordToggle')}</span>
+                <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500 mt-1">
+                  {t('events.requirePasswordToggleHelp', 'Disable this if you want to share the gallery without a password. Anyone with the link will be able to view the photos.')}
+                </p>
               </div>
-              
-              {/* Password Generator */}
-              <div className="mt-2">
-                <PasswordGenerator
-                  eventName={formData.event_name}
-                  eventDate={formData.event_date}
-                  eventType={formData.event_type}
-                  onPasswordGenerated={handlePasswordGenerated}
-                  passwordComplexity={passwordComplexity?.complexityLevel || 'moderate'}
-                  className="w-full"
-                />
-              </div>
-            </div>
+            </label>
 
-            {/* Confirm Password */}
-            <div>
-              <label htmlFor="confirm_password" className="block text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-1">
-                {t('events.confirmPassword')}
-              </label>
-              <div className="relative">
-                <Input
-                  id="confirm_password"
-                  type={showPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
-                  value={formData.confirm_password}
-                  onChange={handleInputChange('confirm_password')}
-                  error={errors.confirm_password}
-                  placeholder={t('events.confirmPasswordPlaceholder')}
-                  leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400" />}
-                  className="pr-10"
-                />
-                <button
-                  type="button"
-                  onClick={() => setShowPassword(!showPassword)}
-                  className="absolute inset-y-0 right-0 pr-3 flex items-center"
-                  style={{ top: errors.confirm_password ? '0' : '0' }}
-                >
-                  {showPassword ? (
-                    <EyeOff className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
-                  ) : (
-                    <Eye className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
-                  )}
-                </button>
+            {!formData.require_password && (
+              <div className="rounded-md border border-orange-200 bg-orange-50 p-3 text-xs text-orange-800">
+                {t('events.publicGalleryWarning', 'Public galleries are accessible to anyone with the link. Consider enabling download watermarks and monitoring activity.')} 
               </div>
-            </div>
+            )}
+
+            {formData.require_password && (
+              <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                <div>
+                  <label htmlFor="password" className="block text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-1">
+                    {t('events.galleryPassword')}
+                  </label>
+                  <div className="relative">
+                    <Input
+                      id="password"
+                      type={showPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
+                      value={formData.password}
+                      onChange={handleInputChange('password')}
+                      error={errors.password}
+                      placeholder={t('events.enterPassword')}
+                      helperText={t('events.passwordHelperText', 'You can use dates like "04.07.2025" or any text with 6+ characters')}
+                      leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400" />}
+                      className="pr-10"
+                    />
+                    <button
+                      type="button"
+                      onClick={() => setShowPassword(!showPassword)}
+                      className="absolute inset-y-0 right-0 pr-3 flex items-center"
+                      style={{ top: errors.password ? '0' : '0' }}
+                    >
+                      {showPassword ? (
+                        <EyeOff className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
+                      ) : (
+                        <Eye className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
+                      )}
+                    </button>
+                  </div>
+                  
+                  <div className="mt-2">
+                    <PasswordGenerator
+                      eventName={formData.event_name}
+                      eventDate={formData.event_date}
+                      eventType={formData.event_type}
+                      onPasswordGenerated={handlePasswordGenerated}
+                      passwordComplexity={passwordComplexity?.complexityLevel || 'moderate'}
+                      className="w-full"
+                    />
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                <div>
+                  <label htmlFor="confirm_password" className="block text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-1">
+                    {t('events.confirmPassword')}
+                  </label>
+                  <div className="relative">
+                    <Input
+                      id="confirm_password"
+                      type={showPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
+                      value={formData.confirm_password}
+                      onChange={handleInputChange('confirm_password')}
+                      error={errors.confirm_password}
+                      placeholder={t('events.confirmPasswordPlaceholder')}
+                      leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400" />}
+                      className="pr-10"
+                    />
+                    <button
+                      type="button"
+                      onClick={() => setShowPassword(!showPassword)}
+                      className="absolute inset-y-0 right-0 pr-3 flex items-center"
+                      style={{ top: errors.confirm_password ? '0' : '0' }}
+                    >
+                      {showPassword ? (
+                        <EyeOff className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
+                      ) : (
+                        <Eye className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
+                      )}
+                    </button>
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            )}
           </div>
         </Card>
 
@@ -645,4 +677,4 @@ export const CreateEventPage: React.FC = () => {
   );
 };
 
-CreateEventPage.displayName = 'CreateEventPage';
+CreateEventPage.displayName = 'CreateEventPage';

frontend/src/pages/admin/CreateEventPageEnhanced.tsx

@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ interface FormData {
   host_name: string;
   host_email: string;
   admin_email: string;
+  require_password: boolean;
   password: string;
   confirm_password: string;
   welcome_message: string;
@@ -88,6 +89,7 @@ export const CreateEventPageEnhanced: React.FC = () => {
     host_name: '',
     host_email: '',
     admin_email: '',
+    require_password: true,
     password: '',
     confirm_password: '',
     welcome_message: '',
@@ -198,17 +200,19 @@ export const CreateEventPageEnhanced: React.FC = () => {
       newErrors.admin_email = t('validation.invalidEmailFormat');
     }
 
-    if (!formData.password) {
-      newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordRequired');
-    } else if (formData.password.length < 6) {
-      newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordMinLength');
-    } else if (/^\d{1,6}$/.test(formData.password)) {
-      // Prevent simple numeric passwords like "123456"
-      newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordTooSimple', 'Password cannot be just numbers. Consider using a date format like "04.07.2025"');
-    }
+    if (formData.require_password) {
+      if (!formData.password) {
+        newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordRequired');
+      } else if (formData.password.length < 6) {
+        newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordMinLength');
+      } else if (/^\d{1,6}$/.test(formData.password)) {
+        // Prevent simple numeric passwords like "123456"
+        newErrors.password = t('validation.passwordTooSimple', 'Password cannot be just numbers. Consider using a date format like "04.07.2025"');
+      }
 
-    if (formData.password !== formData.confirm_password) {
-      newErrors.confirm_password = t('validation.passwordsDoNotMatch');
+      if (formData.password !== formData.confirm_password) {
+        newErrors.confirm_password = t('validation.passwordsDoNotMatch');
+      }
     }
 
     if (formData.expires_in_days < 1 || formData.expires_in_days > 365) {
@@ -235,7 +239,8 @@ export const CreateEventPageEnhanced: React.FC = () => {
       host_name: formData.host_name,
       host_email: formData.host_email,
       admin_email: formData.admin_email,
-      password: formData.password,
+      require_password: formData.require_password,
+      password: formData.require_password ? formData.password : '',
       welcome_message: formData.welcome_message || '',
       color_theme: JSON.stringify(formData.theme_config),
       expiration_days: formData.expires_in_days,
@@ -495,51 +500,87 @@ export const CreateEventPageEnhanced: React.FC = () => {
               />
             </div>
 
-            <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
-              <div>
+            <div className="space-y-3">
+              <label className="flex items-start gap-2">
+                <input
+                  type="checkbox"
+                  className="mt-1 w-4 h-4 text-primary-600 border-neutral-300 rounded focus:ring-primary-500"
+                  checked={formData.require_password}
+                  onChange={(e) => {
+                    const checked = e.target.checked;
+                    setFormData(prev => ({
+                      ...prev,
+                      require_password: checked,
+                    }));
+                    if (!checked) {
+                      setErrors(prev => ({ ...prev, password: undefined, confirm_password: undefined }));
+                    }
+                  }}
+                />
+                <div>
+                  <span className="text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700">
+                    {t('events.requirePasswordToggle')}
+                  </span>
+                  <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500 mt-1">
+                    {t('events.requirePasswordToggleHelp', 'Disable this if you want to share the gallery without a password. Anyone with the link will be able to view the photos.')}
+                  </p>
+                </div>
+              </label>
+
+              {!formData.require_password && (
+                <div className="rounded-md border border-orange-200 bg-orange-50 p-3 text-xs text-orange-800">
+                  {t('events.publicGalleryWarning', 'Public galleries are accessible to anyone with the link. Consider enabling download watermarks and monitoring activity.')} 
+                </div>
+              )}
+            </div>
+
+            {formData.require_password && (
+              <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                <div>
+                  <Input
+                    type={showPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
+                    label={t('events.galleryPassword')}
+                    placeholder={t('events.passwordPlaceholder')}
+                    value={formData.password}
+                    onChange={handleInputChange('password')}
+                    error={errors.password}
+                    helperText={t('events.passwordHelperText', 'You can use dates like "04.07.2025" or any text with 6+ characters')}
+                    leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5" />}
+                    rightIcon={
+                      <button
+                        type="button"
+                        onClick={() => setShowPassword(!showPassword)}
+                        className="p-1"
+                      >
+                        {showPassword ? <EyeOff className="w-5 h-5" /> : <Eye className="w-5 h-5" />}
+                      </button>
+                    }
+                  />
+                  
+                  {/* Password Generator */}
+                  <div className="mt-2">
+                    <PasswordGenerator
+                      eventName={formData.event_name}
+                      eventDate={formData.event_date}
+                      eventType={formData.event_type}
+                      onPasswordGenerated={handlePasswordGenerated}
+                      passwordComplexity="moderate"
+                      className="w-full"
+                    />
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
                 <Input
                   type={showPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
-                  label={t('events.galleryPassword')}
-                  placeholder={t('events.passwordPlaceholder')}
-                  value={formData.password}
-                  onChange={handleInputChange('password')}
-                  error={errors.password}
-                  helperText={t('events.passwordHelperText', 'You can use dates like "04.07.2025" or any text with 6+ characters')}
+                  label={t('events.confirmPassword')}
+                  placeholder={t('events.confirmPasswordPlaceholder')}
+                  value={formData.confirm_password}
+                  onChange={handleInputChange('confirm_password')}
+                  error={errors.confirm_password}
                   leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5" />}
-                  rightIcon={
-                    <button
-                      type="button"
-                      onClick={() => setShowPassword(!showPassword)}
-                      className="p-1"
-                    >
-                      {showPassword ? <EyeOff className="w-5 h-5" /> : <Eye className="w-5 h-5" />}
-                    </button>
-                  }
                 />
-                
-                {/* Password Generator */}
-                <div className="mt-2">
-                  <PasswordGenerator
-                    eventName={formData.event_name}
-                    eventDate={formData.event_date}
-                    eventType={formData.event_type}
-                    onPasswordGenerated={handlePasswordGenerated}
-                    passwordComplexity="moderate"
-                    className="w-full"
-                  />
-                </div>
               </div>
-
-              <Input
-                type={showPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
-                label={t('events.confirmPassword')}
-                placeholder={t('events.confirmPasswordPlaceholder')}
-                value={formData.confirm_password}
-                onChange={handleInputChange('confirm_password')}
-                error={errors.confirm_password}
-                leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5" />}
-              />
-            </div>
+            )}
 
             <div>
               <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-2">

frontend/src/pages/admin/EventDetailsPage.tsx

@@ -17,7 +17,10 @@ import {
   Image,
   Key,
   Mail,
-  MessageSquare
+  MessageSquare,
+  Lock,
+  Eye,
+  EyeOff
 } from 'lucide-react';
 import { parseISO, differenceInDays } from 'date-fns';
 import { toast } from 'react-toastify';
@@ -27,6 +30,7 @@ import { Button, Input, Card, Loading } from '../../components/common';
 import { EventCategoryManager, AdminPhotoGrid, AdminPhotoViewer, PhotoFilters, PasswordResetModal, ThemeCustomizerEnhanced, ThemeDisplay, HeroPhotoSelector, PhotoUploadModal, FeedbackSettings, FeedbackModerationPanel } from '../../components/admin';
 import { useQuery, useMutation, useQueryClient } from '@tanstack/react-query';
 import { eventsService } from '../../services/events.service';
+import { isGalleryPublic, normalizeRequirePassword } from '../../utils/accessControl';
 import { archiveService } from '../../services/archive.service';
 import { externalMediaService } from '../../services/externalMedia.service';
 import { photosService, AdminPhoto, type PhotoFilters as PhotoFilterParams } from '../../services/photos.service';
@@ -121,6 +125,9 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
     host_name: string;
     source_mode: 'managed' | 'reference';
     external_path: string;
+    require_password: boolean;
+    new_password: string;
+    confirm_new_password: string;
   };
 
   const [isEditing, setIsEditing] = useState(false);
@@ -134,6 +141,9 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
     host_name: '',
     source_mode: 'managed',
     external_path: '',
+    require_password: true,
+    new_password: '',
+    confirm_new_password: '',
   });
   const [feedbackSettings, setFeedbackSettings] = useState<FeedbackSettingsType>({
     feedback_enabled: false,
@@ -156,6 +166,7 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
   const [importing, setImporting] = useState<boolean>(false);
   const [selectedPhoto, setSelectedPhoto] = useState<{ photo: AdminPhoto; index: number } | null>(null);
   const [showPasswordReset, setShowPasswordReset] = useState(false);
+  const [showNewPassword, setShowNewPassword] = useState(false);
   const [currentTheme, setCurrentTheme] = useState<ThemeConfig | null>(null);
   const [currentPresetName, setCurrentPresetName] = useState<string>('default');
   
@@ -274,7 +285,12 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
       host_name: event.host_name || '',
       source_mode: event.source_mode === 'reference' ? 'reference' : 'managed',
       external_path: event.external_path || '',
+      require_password: normalizeRequirePassword(event.require_password),
+      new_password: '',
+      confirm_new_password: '',
     });
+
+    setShowNewPassword(false);
     
     // Set feedback settings if available
     if (eventFeedbackSettings) {
@@ -324,6 +340,26 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
 
     const externalPathToSave = editForm.external_path?.trim() || '';
 
+    const currentRequirePassword = normalizeRequirePassword(event.require_password);
+    const requirePasswordChanged = editForm.require_password !== currentRequirePassword;
+
+    if (editForm.require_password) {
+      if (requirePasswordChanged && !editForm.new_password) {
+        toast.error(t('events.newPasswordRequired', 'Please set a password before enabling protection.'));
+        return;
+      }
+      if (editForm.new_password) {
+        if (editForm.new_password.length < 6) {
+          toast.error(t('validation.passwordMinLength'));
+          return;
+        }
+        if (editForm.new_password !== editForm.confirm_new_password) {
+          toast.error(t('validation.passwordsDoNotMatch'));
+          return;
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
     if (editForm.source_mode === 'reference' && !externalPathToSave) {
       toast.error(t('events.externalFolderRequired', 'Please select an external folder before saving.'));
       return;
@@ -333,6 +369,7 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
     const updateData: any = {
       expires_at: editForm.expires_at,
       allow_user_uploads: editForm.allow_user_uploads,
+      require_password: editForm.require_password,
     };
     
     // Only include fields that have defined values
@@ -355,6 +392,10 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
     if (editForm.host_name !== undefined && editForm.host_name !== null) {
       updateData.host_name = editForm.host_name;
     }
+
+    if (editForm.new_password) {
+      updateData.password = editForm.new_password;
+    }
     
     // Remove any keys with undefined values
     Object.keys(updateData).forEach(key => {
@@ -437,6 +478,15 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
                 {format(parseISO(event.event_date), 'PPP')}
               </span>
               <span className="capitalize">{event.event_type}</span>
+              <span
+                className={`inline-flex items-center gap-1 px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full text-xs font-medium ${
+                  isGalleryPublic(event.require_password)
+                    ? 'bg-green-100 text-green-700'
+                    : 'bg-neutral-100 text-neutral-700'
+                }`}
+              >
+                {isGalleryPublic(event.require_password) ? t('events.publicAccess', 'Public access') : t('events.passwordProtected', 'Password protected')}
+              </span>
               {event.is_archived ? (
                 <span className="text-neutral-500 flex items-center">
                   <Archive className="w-4 h-4 mr-1" />
@@ -641,6 +691,84 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
                   isEditing={isEditing}
                 />
 
+                <div>
+                  <label className="flex items-start gap-2">
+                    <input
+                      type="checkbox"
+                      className="mt-1 w-4 h-4 text-primary-600 border-neutral-300 rounded focus:ring-primary-500"
+                      checked={editForm.require_password}
+                      onChange={(e) => {
+                        const checked = e.target.checked;
+                        setEditForm(prev => ({
+                          ...prev,
+                          require_password: checked,
+                          new_password: checked ? prev.new_password : '',
+                          confirm_new_password: checked ? prev.confirm_new_password : '',
+                        }));
+                        if (!checked) {
+                          setShowNewPassword(false);
+                        }
+                      }}
+                    />
+                    <div>
+                      <span className="text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700">{t('events.requirePasswordToggle')}</span>
+                      <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500 mt-1">
+                        {t('events.requirePasswordToggleHelp', 'Disable this if you want to share the gallery without a password. Anyone with the link will be able to view the photos.')}
+                      </p>
+                    </div>
+                  </label>
+
+                  {!editForm.require_password && (
+                    <div className="mt-2 rounded-md border border-orange-200 bg-orange-50 p-3 text-xs text-orange-800">
+                      {t('events.publicGalleryWarning', 'Public galleries are accessible to anyone with the link. Consider enabling download watermarks and monitoring activity.')} 
+                    </div>
+                  )}
+                </div>
+
+                {editForm.require_password && (
+                  <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                    <div>
+                      <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-1">
+                        {t('events.newPasswordLabel', 'New gallery password')}
+                      </label>
+                      <div className="relative">
+                        <Input
+                          type={showNewPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
+                          value={editForm.new_password}
+                          onChange={(e) => setEditForm(prev => ({ ...prev, new_password: e.target.value }))}
+                          placeholder={t('events.enterPassword')}
+                          leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400" />}
+                          className="pr-10"
+                        />
+                        <button
+                          type="button"
+                          onClick={() => setShowNewPassword(!showNewPassword)}
+                          className="absolute inset-y-0 right-0 pr-3 flex items-center"
+                        >
+                          {showNewPassword ? (
+                            <EyeOff className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
+                          ) : (
+                            <Eye className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400 hover:text-neutral-600" />
+                          )}
+                        </button>
+                      </div>
+                    </div>
+
+                    <div>
+                      <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-1">
+                        {t('events.confirmPassword')}
+                      </label>
+                      <Input
+                        type={showNewPassword ? 'text' : 'password'}
+                        value={editForm.confirm_new_password}
+                        onChange={(e) => setEditForm(prev => ({ ...prev, confirm_new_password: e.target.value }))}
+                        placeholder={t('events.confirmPasswordPlaceholder')}
+                        leftIcon={<Lock className="w-5 h-5 text-neutral-400" />}
+                      />
+                    </div>
+                  </div>
+                )}
+
                 <div>
                   <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-1">
                     {t('events.sourceMode', 'Source Mode')}
@@ -848,7 +976,9 @@ export const EventDetailsPage: React.FC = () => {
             </div>
             
             <p className="text-sm text-neutral-600 mt-2">
-              {t('events.shareWithGuests')}
+              {isGalleryPublic(event.require_password)
+                ? t('events.shareWithGuestsPublic', 'Anyone with this link can view the gallery. No password is required.')
+                : t('events.shareWithGuests')}
             </p>
             
             {!event.is_archived && (

frontend/src/pages/admin/EventsListPage.tsx

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import { Button, Input, Card, SkeletonTable, ErrorBoundary } from '../../compone
 import { BulkArchiveModal } from '../../components/admin';
 import { useQuery, useMutation, useQueryClient } from '@tanstack/react-query';
 import { eventsService } from '../../services/events.service';
+import { isGalleryPublic } from '../../utils/accessControl';
 import type { Event } from '../../types';
 import { useTranslation } from 'react-i18next';
 
@@ -428,6 +429,17 @@ export const EventsListPage: React.FC = () => {
                         <div>
                           <p className="text-sm font-medium text-neutral-900">{event.event_name}</p>
                           <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500">{event.host_email}</p>
+                          <div className="mt-1">
+                            <span
+                              className={`inline-flex items-center gap-1 px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full text-[11px] font-medium ${
+                                isGalleryPublic(event.require_password)
+                                  ? 'bg-green-100 text-green-700'
+                                  : 'bg-neutral-100 text-neutral-700'
+                              }`}
+                            >
+                              {isGalleryPublic(event.require_password) ? t('events.publicAccess', 'Public access') : t('events.passwordProtected', 'Password protected')}
+                            </span>
+                          </div>
                         </div>
                       </td>
                       <td className="px-6 py-4 text-sm text-neutral-700">

frontend/src/services/auth.service.ts

@@ -1,5 +1,16 @@
 import { api } from '../config/api';
 import type { LoginResponse, GalleryAuthResponse } from '../types';
+import { normalizeRequirePassword } from '../utils/accessControl';
+
+const normalizeGalleryResponse = (response: GalleryAuthResponse): GalleryAuthResponse => ({
+  ...response,
+  event: response.event
+    ? {
+        ...response.event,
+        require_password: normalizeRequirePassword((response.event as any)?.require_password, true),
+      }
+    : response.event,
+});
 
 export const authService = {
   // Admin authentication
@@ -24,7 +35,7 @@ export const authService = {
   },
 
   // Gallery authentication
-  async verifyGalleryPassword(slug: string, password: string, recaptchaToken?: string | null): Promise<GalleryAuthResponse> {
+  async verifyGalleryPassword(slug: string, password?: string, recaptchaToken?: string | null): Promise<GalleryAuthResponse> {
     const response = await api.post<GalleryAuthResponse>('/auth/gallery/verify', {
       slug,
       password,
@@ -32,7 +43,7 @@ export const authService = {
     });
     
     // Token is now handled by GalleryAuthContext with slug-specific storage
-    return response.data;
+    return normalizeGalleryResponse(response.data);
   },
 
   async shareLinkLogin(slug: string, token: string): Promise<GalleryAuthResponse> {
@@ -40,7 +51,7 @@ export const authService = {
       slug,
       token,
     });
-    return response.data;
+    return normalizeGalleryResponse(response.data);
   },
 
   async galleryLogout(slug?: string | null) {

frontend/src/services/events.service.ts

@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 import { api } from '../config/api';
 import type { Event } from '../types';
+import { normalizeRequirePassword } from '../utils/accessControl';
+
+const normalizeEvent = (event: Event): Event => ({
+  ...event,
+  require_password: normalizeRequirePassword((event as any)?.require_password, true),
+});
 
 interface CreateEventData {
   event_type: string;
@@ -7,6 +13,7 @@ interface CreateEventData {
   event_date: string;
   host_email: string;
   admin_email: string;
+  require_password?: boolean;
   password: string;
   welcome_message?: string;
   color_theme?: string;
@@ -28,6 +35,7 @@ interface UpdateEventData {
   event_date?: string;
   host_email?: string;
   admin_email?: string;
+  require_password?: boolean;
   password?: string;
   welcome_message?: string;
   color_theme?: string;
@@ -64,19 +72,25 @@ export const eventsService = {
     }
 
     const response = await api.get<EventsListResponse>(`/admin/events?${params}`);
-    return response.data;
+    const data: any = response.data;
+    if (Array.isArray(data?.events)) {
+      data.events = data.events.map((event: Event) => normalizeEvent(event));
+    } else if (Array.isArray(data)) {
+      return data.map((event: Event) => normalizeEvent(event)) as any;
+    }
+    return data;
   },
 
   // Get single event details (admin)
   async getEvent(id: number): Promise<Event> {
     const response = await api.get<Event>(`/admin/events/${id}`);
-    return response.data;
+    return normalizeEvent(response.data as Event);
   },
 
   // Create new event (admin)
   async createEvent(data: CreateEventData): Promise<Event> {
     const response = await api.post<Event>('/admin/events', data);
-    return response.data;
+    return normalizeEvent(response.data as Event);
   },
 
   // Update event (admin)

frontend/src/services/gallery.service.ts

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { api } from '../config/api';
 import type { GalleryInfo, GalleryData, GalleryStats } from '../types';
+import { normalizeRequirePassword } from '../utils/accessControl';
 
 export const galleryService = {
   // Verify share token
@@ -12,7 +13,11 @@ export const galleryService = {
   async getGalleryInfo(slug: string, token?: string): Promise<GalleryInfo> {
     const params = token ? { token } : {};
     const response = await api.get<GalleryInfo>(`/gallery/${slug}/info`, { params });
-    return response.data;
+    const data = response.data;
+    return {
+      ...data,
+      requires_password: normalizeRequirePassword((data as any)?.requires_password, true),
+    };
   },
 
   // Get gallery photos (requires auth)
@@ -29,7 +34,17 @@ export const galleryService = {
       }
     }
     const response = await api.get<GalleryData>(`/gallery/${slug}/photos`, { params });
-    return response.data;
+    const data = response.data;
+    const normalizedEvent = data?.event
+      ? {
+          ...data.event,
+          require_password: normalizeRequirePassword((data.event as any)?.require_password, true),
+        }
+      : data.event;
+    return {
+      ...data,
+      event: normalizedEvent,
+    };
   },
 
   // Download single photo

frontend/src/types/index.ts

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ export interface Event {
   is_archived: boolean;
   archive_path?: string;
   archived_at?: string;
+  require_password?: boolean;
   photo_count?: number;
   total_size?: number;
   recent_photos?: Array<{
@@ -92,6 +93,7 @@ export interface GalleryData {
     disable_right_click?: boolean;
     watermark_downloads?: boolean;
     watermark_text?: string;
+    require_password?: boolean;
     protection_level?: 'basic' | 'standard' | 'enhanced' | 'maximum';
     image_quality?: number;
     use_canvas_rendering?: boolean;
@@ -134,6 +136,7 @@ export interface GalleryAuthResponse {
     expires_at: string;
     allow_user_uploads?: boolean;
     upload_category_id?: number | null;
+    require_password?: boolean;
   };
 }
 

frontend/src/utils/accessControl.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+export const normalizeRequirePassword = (value: unknown, defaultValue = true): boolean => {
+  if (value === undefined || value === null) {
+    return defaultValue;
+  }
+
+  if (typeof value === 'boolean') {
+    return value;
+  }
+
+  if (typeof value === 'number') {
+    return value !== 0;
+  }
+
+  if (typeof value === 'string') {
+    const normalized = value.trim().toLowerCase();
+    if (normalized === 'false' || normalized === '0' || normalized === 'no' || normalized === 'off') {
+      return false;
+    }
+    if (normalized === 'true' || normalized === '1' || normalized === 'yes' || normalized === 'on') {
+      return true;
+    }
+  }
+
+  return defaultValue;
+};
+
+export const isGalleryPublic = (value: unknown, defaultValue = true): boolean => {
+  return !normalizeRequirePassword(value, defaultValue);
+};