The most secure lock-down tool for an ftp server is also
the easiest to install and use.
ftp (file transfer protocol) was designed as a standardized, efficient, reliable
file transfer method. Due to its excellent performance, it survives as one
of the oldest and well understood protocols in use on the internet today.
All major browsers can function as ftp clients. As designed, however, the
protocol is extremely insecure.
Secure ftp (using SSL) is a relatively recent enhancement. It has undergone
a number of changes in recent years. Microsoft, as of this writing, does
not support any version of this new standard in any ftp server in its IIS
distributions.
To 'lock down' an ftp server, an admin is faced with a variety of alternative
techniques and technologies. Each option comes with a different set of headaches.
No clear cut standard has yet emerged for 'secure ftp'. Providing even basic
security for IIS usually involves changing out the entire ftp server,
distributing new clients, and engaging in the hassle of SSL certificate creation
and installation.
The FTP Guardian Server Wrapper (FTPGS) provides an SSL secure interface
to any existing ftp server. Any standard ftp server can be secured without
modification. FTPGS, running on the Windows platform, can secure either an
IIS based ftp server, or ftp servers running on any other platform. By
using the ftp Guardian Server Wrapper, together with the freeware client
wrapper, ftp servers can be secured without changing existing clients or
servers.
New in Version 1.1
New with release 1.1 is a version of the server wrapper that runs as a Window's
service. This version is controlled via the Window's service control manager
(SCM). It reads the same input files as the user interface version which
can be used to configure these input files.
ftpgs.gif
ftp Guardian Server Wrapper
A secure client is required to connect to secure ftp servers. Many people
have a favorite client they have used for a number of years. Changing to
a new client can be expensive in terms of both time and money. With the client
wrapper, you can keep your favorite ftp client even if its a browser.
Freeware ftp Guardian Client Wrapper |
