FTP
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and server. It operates over TCP and is commonly used for uploading and downloading files to and from a server. FTP is widely used in website management and file sharing applications.
What is FTP
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is one of the oldest protocols used for transferring files over a network. It was developed in the early 1970s and has since become a fundamental tool for file management and transfer. FTP operates over TCP and uses port 21 for control commands and port 20 for data transfer.
FTP allows users to upload, download, and manage files on a remote server. It supports various commands for file manipulation, such as creating directories, deleting files, and changing file permissions. FTP can be accessed through command-line interfaces, graphical FTP clients, or web browsers.
Despite its widespread use, FTP has some security concerns. The protocol transmits data, including usernames and passwords, in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception and attacks. To address these issues, secure versions of FTP, such as FTPS (FTP Secure) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), have been developed to provide encrypted communication channels.
FTP runs on TCP and UDP port 21 and is official IANA port.Security risk
If port 21 is open and the FTP service is running, the company faces risks such as unauthorized access and data interception. Since FTP transmits data in plain text, sensitive information like usernames and passwords can be easily captured by attackers. It is recommended to use secure alternatives like FTPS or SFTP to mitigate these risks.
In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 21. Use StackChanges to monitor if the FTP port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 21 is open again.