How FTP works.

FTP is based on a client-server configuration. Therefore, it allows you to transmit information regardless of the operating system you use. Even the system used by the hosting provider (Windows, Linux, MAC, etc.) is not relevant. To be able to use it, it is necessary to have a server and also a client. Check our tutorials to learn more about each type.

The communication is initiated when a connection is made from the client to the server. In addition, this connection is negotiated through the network port 21, also called control port. However, this will not be the port through which the information will be sent or downloaded. Indeed, this depends on the FTP mode selected.

FTP modes

Active mode: the server opens the initial connection. Consequently, it opens the connection on its port 20 and connects to the client on a random port greater than 1024. Moreover, this port is specified by the FTP client itself. Note that this is the least recommended option. Indeed, its use implies having a fairly wide range of ports open on your computer. It certainly carries many security risks.

Passive mode: the client opens the initial connection. In addition, it is the server that indicates which port to open. It will always be done on a network port greater than 1024 of the servers. Therefore, it is not necessary to have open ports on the computer. This is logical, since it will be the server that will open the connection.

We have already mentioned that the FT protocol was created several years ago. Even before hackers existed. Therefore, it was not recognized as a secure protocol. In fact, the information that travels between computer and server is in plain text. That is, without any kind of encryption.

What does the lack of encryption imply?

Well, this implies a considerable risk that the data will be captured. Indeed, an attacker could see our connection data and even view the information we are uploading. Even worse, they could download it using a Sniffer type software. These tools are capable of scanning the network for vulnerabilities.

Suppose you make a connection using plain FTP. As a result, you will see a warning that the connection is not secure. We have established that the FTP connection is not secure at all. Because of this, two secure versions were subsequently born: FTPS and SFTP. Although they are almost the same acronym, they are not at all the same. Let’s take a look at what each one consists of.

Secure versions of FTP: FTPS and SFTP

What is FTPS?

FTPS works in the same way as conventional FTP. However, the main difference is that it has an SSL/TLS encryption layer underneath. Also, this layer is provided by a security certificate. It is known as Secure FTP and there are two types of connection:

• Explicit FTPS: This is the month used. In addition, we also recommend its use. A normal, unencrypted connection is made. However, before sending any sensitive data, TLS negotiation is required to encrypt the connection.
• Implicit FTPS: It is in disuse. In fact, it is not available on most servers. The negotiation of the secure connection is done before any FTP command is sent.

What is SFTP?

SFTP is a wholly different protocol from conventional FTP. Indeed, it is based on the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol. In addition, the entire connection is encrypted and made through network port 22. They differ not only in encryption. Additionally, it is a protocol with more functionalities than conventional FTP. For example, we have the execution of CLI (Command Line Interface) commands.

SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. Through it, we can exchange encrypted data between the client and the server. It uses Secure Shell (SSH) for this purpose. In addition, we can not only transfer files via SFTP. Indeed, we can view directories, rename them or limit rights. An SFTP program allows you to upload files for your website to your webspace. We can even create a backup of the website with SFTP. With a SFTP program, you can also delete entire files and folders. Indeed, if you delete contents, they will no longer appear to visitors of your website. In short, SFTP is the successor to FTP. The major difference is greater security. This is indicated by the addition Secure.

Conclusion

Security is a fundamental concern in any technology environment. Certainly, in the world of hosting, it is an element that also depends on the provider. However, it is primarily an element to be taken care of by the user. Today we talked about the differences between FTP and SFTP. Logically, you may have noticed that the main difference is related to security. Therefore, it is not currently recommended using a conventional FTP connection to connect. There are certainly exceptions. For example, we can use them for specific cases for reasons of urgency. Mostly when we need a fast connection and do not have much time to configure it. Moreover, when the data to be shared is not sensitive.

Consequently, when you connect via FTP to upload or download data, remember to always do it via FTPS or SFTP. This way, we are taking care of our data. Please keep in mind that hackers are always on the prowl. Therefore, it is our duty to make things more difficult for them. See you soon!

The post What is the difference between FTP and SFTP? appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.

FileZilla Server Features

• IPv6 support
• Can be run on Windows, Linux, BSD, Mac OS X systems and more
• Supports FTP, FTP over SSL / TLS (FTPS) and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
• Allows resuming and transferring large files larger than 4 GB
• Available in different languages
• Support for HTTP/1.1.1, SOCKS5 and FTP-Proxy
• Features a site manager and transfer queue
• Synchronized directory browsing function and much more.

Thanks to this software, we can easily create our FTP or FTP over TLS server. As a result, we will be able to exchange files between the connecting clients and our server. This connection can be through the local LAN or through the Internet. As for the connection through the local network, you only have to enter the private IP address and the control port of the FTP server. The default port is 21 TCP. To connect via the Internet, you will have to enter the public IP address or dynamic DNS domain of the connection. You also have to indicate the corresponding port. You also have to open a port in the NAT on the router. In this way, it will be accessible from the outside and will be able to pass through the NA.

Installing FileZilla Server on Windows

To install the Filezilla server, you have to go to the download section. After downloading it, just run it to start the installation of the program. The first thing you have to do is to accept the license. Next, please choose the type of installation. We recommend using the Full installation, which is the default installation.

To install the Filezilla server, you have to go to the download section. After downloading it, just run it to start the installation of the program. The first thing you have to do is to accept the license. Next, please choose the type of installation. We recommend using the Full installation, which is the default installation. Then you must choose the installation folder and the Menu folder. Next, configure whether you want to install FileZilla Server as a service. I recommend leaving it this way by default. Likewise, you can set the port. However, you can also leave it as default. Finally, configure the startup type of the tool interface. That is, it can start at login, or start manually.

Startup and configuration of FileZilla Server

After installing the program, you will see the following window. Please click on Connect to Filezilla FTP Server.

In the following window, we will enter the options to configure the server. In the host field, please enter localhost. The port information should be left as default. Finally, assign a password to protect the connection.

When you press OK, the server will be correctly connected. From now on, I would like to make some considerations. First, we are working with the latest stable version of FileZilla Server. Previously, there were beta versions that were a bit more complicated to configure. However, this edition has a graphical interface that is very user-friendly and easy to configure. Very well, next we will see the graphical interface of the server administrator.

Configuring the connection settings

Now we are going to enter the values for the connection through the local network. With this in mind, click on Server and then on Configure.

Now we are going to enter the values for the connection through the local network. With this in mind, click on Server and then on Configure.

The server configuration window will be displayed immediately. It is well known that by default an insecure FTP connection is offered. Therefore, we will configure a new secure server. Accordingly, click on FTP Server and then on Add.

Then, you just have to specify the new values. Within the IP address, please set 127.0.0.1, select port 21 and use the Protocol that requires explicit FTP over TLS.

Configuring the user

Now it is time to add a new user for the server. To do so, scroll down to Users. Next, click on Add and enter the user’s name.

Next, enable the user by checking the corresponding box. It is also possible to require a password for the user. For the purposes of this tutorial, we will not use a password. However, if you are going to grant access to third parties, we urge you to assign a password.

Now it is time to determine which folders the user will have access to on the server. With this in mind, scroll down to Mount Point. Once there, there are a couple of variables that need to be set correctly. First, Virtual Path. In that field, just add a /. The next field corresponds to the Native Path. There, you just have to go to the file explorer and copy the path of the folder you want to share. Then paste it into the field. Finally, check the Writable box.

That’s it! In this way, we have learned how to configure FileZilla Server in Windows 10/11. From now on, just use your favorite FTP client to connect to the server. But we will see that in future tutorials. Undoubtedly, it is a straightforward way to access our files. Either locally or through the network. See you soon!

The post How to configure FileZilla Server in Windows 10/11 appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.

What is an FTP server?

An FTP server is a special program that runs on a server computer normally connected to the Internet (although it can be connected to other types of networks, LAN, MAN, etc.). Its function is to allow the exchange of data between different servers/computers.

It may sound complex but, in Android, it is very easy to create one. I will also show you how to connect to the server without using a third-party client.

First step

Download and install ShareMe by following the next link below. This app usually comes pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones.

Google Play Store | ShareMe – #1 file sharing & data transfer app.

Second step

Open ShareMe, then swipe right to open the menu. After that, press Connect to computer. Then press start. The app will show you the FTP server address, remember to write it down.

Third step

In this case, we will use a PC with Windows 10. Now open the file explorer and go to This PC. Then right-click and select Add a new network location. Windows will display a configuration wizard. Press next, then choose a custom network location. Now enter the FTP server address. Press next and then finish. And that’s it.

Conclusion

ShareMe is a really useful app, the fact that it comes pre-installed on many of Xiaomi’s mobile devices makes everything easier. Now you can share files between your pc and your Android device, in a very simple and practical way without using third-party apps. Remember to visit us for more tips and tricks for your Android device. Bye!

The post How to create an FTP server in Android appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.

Set up vsftpd on FreeBSD 12

Before starting with this installation, it is convenient to have sudo enabled for your regular user. It is not mandatory, but this will avoid working directly with the root user.

So, read our post about it:

How to enable sudo on FreeBSD 12?

We will also have to install the nano text editor to make file editing easier:

:~$ sudo pkg install nano

With this, we’ll be able to work quietly.

1.- Install vsftpd on FreeBSD 12

First, you need to install vvsftpd on FreeBSD 12.

So, open the terminal and navigate to the folder where the port is.

:~$ cd /usr/ports/ftp/vsftp

Then, install it with the following command:

:~$ sudo make install clean

During the installation process, you will see a screen as in the image above. You can leave everything as it is.

At the end of the installation, you will see an image similar to this:

Now install another port to increase the security of vsftpd.

:~$ cd /usr/ports/security/pam_pwdfile
:~$ sudo make install clean
===>  Staging for pam_pwdfile-1.0
===>   Generating temporary packing list
install  -s -o root -g wheel -m 444   -S  pam_pwdfile.so /usr/ports/security/pam_pwdfile/work/stage/usr/local/lib/
====> Compressing man pages (compress-man)
===>  Installing for pam_pwdfile-1.0
===>  Checking if pam_pwdfile is already installed
===>   Registering installation for pam_pwdfile-1.0
Installing pam_pwdfile-1.0...
===>  Cleaning for pam_pwdfile-1.0

As in the vsftpd installation, you will see an image where you can add a feature or not. Just keep it as it is.

To authenticate vsftpd users correctly, we have to add some lines to a pam.d configuration file

:~$ sudo nano /etc/pam.d/vsftpd
auth required /usr/local/lib/pam_pwdfile.so pwdfile /usr/local/etc/vsftpd_login.db
account required /usr/lib/pam_permit.so

Save the changes and close the file.

2.- Configuring vsftpd to work properly

Once vsftpd is installed, you have to make settings so you can start and work properly.

First of all, you have to create a new user on the system so you can use the server.

:~$ sudo adduser -v

And then, complete the information with the values you want.

Username: angeloftp
Full name: angelo
Uid (Leave empty for default): 
Login group [angeloftp]: 
Login group is angeloftp. Invite angeloftp into other groups? []: 
Login class [default]: 
Shell (sh csh tcsh nologin) [sh]: nologin
Home directory [/home/angeloftp]: 
Home directory permissions (Leave empty for default): 
Use password-based authentication? [yes]: 
Use an empty password? (yes/no) [no]: 
Use a random password? (yes/no) [no]: 
Enter password: 
Enter password again: 
Lock out the account after creation? [no]: 
Username   : angeloftp
Password   : *****
Full Name  : angelo
Uid        : 1003
Class      : 
Groups     : angeloftp 
Home       : /home/angeloftp
Home Mode  : 
Shell      : /usr/sbin/nologin
Locked     : no
OK? (yes/no): yes
adduser: INFO: Successfully added (angeloftp) to the user database.
Add another user? (yes/no): no
Goodbye!

So, you can modify the user and password parameters. The rest you can keep the same.

Now, let’s modify the vsftpd configuration file. In this file are all the settings we can have. Before modifying it, let’s make a backup of it:

:~$ sudo mv /usr/local/etc/vsftpd.conf /usr/local/etc/vsftpd.conf.bak

And now, yes, you proceed to modify it:

:~$ sudo nano /usr/local/etc/vsftpd.conf

In my case, the configuration that works for me without problems is the following:

anonymous_enable=NO
anon_upload_enable=NO
anon_mkdir_write_enable=NO
local_enable=YES
write_enable=YES
listen_port=21
dirmessage_enable=YES
xferlog_enable=YES
connect_from_port_20=YES
xferlog_file=/var/log/vsftpd.log
xferlog_std_format=YES
secure_chroot_dir=/usr/local/share/vsftpd/empty
max_clients=200
max_per_ip=100
chroot_local_user=YES
text_userdb_names=YES
force_dot_files=NO
anon_root=/home/ftp
async_abor_enable=YES
use_localtime=YES
listen=YES
background=YES
allow_writeable_chroot=YES

Of course, this is an example. You can always explore other options and for that we refer you to the vsftp official documentation.

Again, save the changes and close the file.

Now you have to add users to vsftpd, but first you have to create the file where the users and their passwords will be. To do this, we’ll use a tool called htpasswd. And use this command:

:~$ sudo htpasswd -c -b /usr/local/etc/vsftpd_login.db [username] [password]

Changes the permissions of the created file:

:~$ sudo chmod 0600 /usr/local/etc/vsftpd_login.db

In username and password replace it with the user we created earlier.

In case htpasswd is not available, you can get it by installing the apache web server.

:~$ sudo pkg install apache24
Updating FreeBSD repository catalogue...
FreeBSD repository is up to date.
All repositories are up to date.
The following 8 package(s) will be affected (of 0 checked):

New packages to be INSTALLED:
	apache24: 2.4.41
	libnghttp2: 1.40.0
	libxml2: 2.9.10
	expat: 2.2.8
	pcre: 8.43_2
	apr: 1.7.0.1.6.1
	gdbm: 1.18.1_1
	db5: 5.3.28_7

Number of packages to be installed: 8

The process will require 92 MiB more space.
20 MiB to be downloaded.

Proceed with this action? [y/N]:

If you want to add new users, you can do it with the following command:

:~$ sudo htpasswd -b /usr/local/etc/vsftpd_login.db USERNAME PASSWORD

Configure vsftpd to start with the system by editing the following file

:~$ sudo nano /etc/rc.conf

And in it he adds the following:

vsftpd_enable="YES"

Finally, the vsftpd service starts.

:~$ sudo /usr/local/etc/rc.d/vsftpd start

Now the creature is alive.

Access to the FTP server

Now that the service is working, we have to test it. Open your favorite web browser and go to ftp://server-ip.

First you will need to enter your username and password and then you will see the following:

You can also use a graphic client on your computer like Filezilla.

Add a new connection and type in your credentials:

After accepting the connection and entering the password, it will connect. And as you can see, everything has been successful:

So, everything’s in order.

Conclusion

An FTP server on FreeBSD can be a secure alternative for sharing files on a network. It is as easy to set up as you have seen it today.

Please share this post and join our Telegram channel.

The post How to set up vsftpd on FreeBSD 12? appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.

Although this may be true, it presents a serious security issue, inasmuch as, all the information is sending in a clear-text sign-in protocol, including username and password of the account. In that sense, if a malicious user intercepts connection, then he can steal valuable data. For secure transmission that protects the username and password, and encrypts the content, FTP is often secured with SSL/TLS (FTPS) or replaced with SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).

Installing FTP Server in Windows Server 2019. Adding Web Server (IIS)

In order to install FTP server, we need to assign a static IP to our connection. Then go the dashboard and select Add roles and features

On the nex window, we select next. The wizard is a very intuitive tool for configuring services of the server.

Select Role-based or feature-based installation

Select the server where we will install the services.

Next, on the list of roles to install, we need to check Web Server (IIS), a new window will be open with a description of the features required to manage it. Just select Add features and later press next.

In addition, press Next twice until we getting to role services windows. Once there, check FTP Server and select next to continue the installation. Then, select install to start the procedure and we have to wait until the installation is completed.

Adding group and users to FTP Server

Now, we must add users and groups on Active Directory Domain, with this intention, that feature would be installed in Windows Server, if you do not how to do it, please check our site’s article. For the purpose of it, in the dashboard, select Active Directory Users and Computers

In the next windows, we will create two users (for example) and a group to add them. For it, select user folder, right-clicking on it, New, User. And just type the user’s credentials as you wish, like the name and password. In my particular case, I added two users: rogerpol and josuepol.

Now, we need to create a group where users will belong. Once again, click on user, new and group.

Assign the group’s name, in my case I use telematic.ftp.

Select both of the users to add to the group recently created, by right-clicking on names.

The next point is to create the repository where we have to store the FTP information, for this we create a folder in the C drive, called Totem FTP (for example) and this must be edited as follows. Right-click on Properties and there, we select the Security tab, click on Advanced.

We need to click on disable inheritance, in the popup window select convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions on this object.

Now again in the Security tab click on Edit and there we will remove the Users group

We will add the group we have created for FTP, in my case telematic.ftp and provide the necessary permissions by activating the corresponding boxes. Click Apply and then Accept

Creating FTP site

Now is time to create our FTP site. For the purpose of that, we have to open dashboard, tools and select Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.

On the window, select Sites in order to add FTP Site

Assign FTP site name and specific physical path to the folder previously created and press Next.

Select Ip Address to site and select No SSL. And press next.

Set Basic authentication, to management entry by user and password, and allow authorization to the group previously created (in my case: telematic.ftp) just press next and our FTP site will be created.

Testing FTP server

In order to test our FTP site, we must run a CMD terminal and type ftp ip address (in my case is 192.168.1.59) and insert user and password.

This is it, It has been a long, but very productive way. Now we can seize the advantages of this feature.

The post How to install FTP Servers in Windows Server 2019 appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.

Configuring an FTP Server on Debian 10

First of all, you need root access. Either the user is active and has the password, or your user is enabled to use Sudo.

In any case, we also require you to establish a connection to the Debian server using SSH or locally with a terminal session.

1.- Upgrade the system

Before any installation, the main thing is to update the system. This way it will be safer to continue:

:~$ sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This way your Debian 10 system will have the necessary security patches installed.

2.- Install VSFTPD on Debian 10

Now we will install the FTP daemon that we have chosen. In this case, it is VSFTPD. The advantage of using it is that it is easy to configure and is in the Debian 10 repositories.

:~$ sudo apt install vsftpd

Next, check the service status:

:~$ sudo systemctl status vsftpd

So, the service is running.

3.- Configure the FTP server

The VSFTPD configuration can be found at /etc/vsftpd.conf. Before modifying the contents of the configuration file, it is recommended to make a backup. If something goes wrong we will be able to restore and nothing bad will have happened.

:~$ sudo cp /etc/vsftpd.conf /etc/vsftpd.conf.bak

Now, we can start with the work.

:~$ sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.conf

The file is somewhat extensive but it is because it is very well documented. The truth is simple to manipulate. First, make the service “listen” and if you don’t use IPV6, disable it.

listen=YES
#listen_ipv6=NO

By default, VSFTPD does not let you change the assigned folder. That is, it will only allow the download but not the upload. If you want to change this, leave the following directive like this:

write_enable=YES

The default port is 20 but you can change it:

#connect_from_port_20=YES
listen_port=21

Here comes a slightly delicate matter. It is normal that when we use an FTP server we have to create users who use it. The problem is that some users can upload and delete files from other users. This should be avoided. It is necessary to define what each user has his folder and that he cannot modify or see the others.

chroot_local_user=YES
chroot_list_enable=YES
chroot_list_file=/etc/vsftpd.chroot_list

Now you have to create the file with the list of users. Note that in this step, I have added a user called test1. That is the name of the user I will create later.

:~$ sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.chroot_list
angelo
test1

The pasv_min_port and pasv_max_port directives define the range of ports that will passively work FTP. These ports must be accessible if you use a Firewall.

At the end your configuration file will look like this:

:~$ sudo cat /etc/vsftpd.conf | grep -v "^#"

Next, create the new user:

:~$ sudo adduser test1

Next, reload the VSFTPD service.

:~$ sudo systemctl restart vsftpd

And check the status:

:~$ sudo systemctl status vsftpd

4.- Test the FTP server on Debian 10

Open a web browser and go to ftp://your-server/ and you will see this.

It is anonymous access if you do not want it, open your configuration file and define this:

anonymous_enable=NO

Save the file and restart the service.

So, you can also install Filezilla which is an FTP client.

:~$ sudo apt install filezilla

Once the program is open, go to the File menu. Next, click on the Site Manager option. Then define your configuration:

So, you can enjoy your FTP server on Debian 10.

Conclusion

In this post, you have learned how to set up an FTP server on Debian 10. The process is simple to follow and can be useful in-the home or even business servers.

Please share this post with your friends through social networks. We also invite you to join us in our telegram channel.

The post How to set up an FTP server on Debian 10 Buster? appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.

STEP 1:
Install epel release on RHEL 8

We must install EPEL Repository so we can install PROFTPD with all dependencies.

Use below commands, download epel rpm and install it using dnf command.

# cd /tmp

# wget https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-7.noarch.rpm
ls *.rpm

# dnf install epel-release-latest-7.noarch.rpm -y

STEP 2:
Download Necessary Packages for PROFTPD

Use below commands to download and install GeoIP daemon

# wget http://mirror.centos.org/centos/7/os/x86_64/Packages/GeoIP-1.5.0-13.el7.x86_64.rpm


# dnf install GeoIP-1.5.0-13.el7.x86_64.rpm -y

Use below commands to download and install tcp_wrappers-libs

# wget http://mirror.centos.org/centos/7/os/x86_64/Packages/tcp_wrappers-libs-7.6-77.el7.x86_64.rpm

# dnf install tcp_wrappers-libs-7.6-77.el7.x86_64.rpm -y

STEP 3:
Now PROFTPD is ready to install just use below command and install it.

# dnf install proftpd -y

STEP 4:
Enable FTP ports in Firewall

# firewall-cmd --add-service=ftp --permanent --zone=public
# firewall-cmd --reload

STEP 5:
Create FTP user

Command to create user (where osradar can be replaced with any name you want)

# useradd  osradar

Command to set password for user osradar

# passwd osradar

STEP 6:
Start PROFTPD service and Enable to automatically start on boot

# systemctl start proftpd

# systemctl enable proftpd

STEP 7:
Connect FTP user from FileZilla Client software.

Use your server host-name OR IP
Your FTP username
Your FTP Password

The post How to install PROFTPD on RHEL 8 appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.