Server Security

[jacobwissler]

I pay a small amount to have my web sites hosted by a national company. In return, I get a tiny slice of real estate on their server, where my files reside.

How secure is ftp logon? Is there anything I can do to prevent some person from intercepting an upload, or attaching a virus to it? Could a virus be placed on my website files, inside my tiny server space? Is there an anti-virus program than scans the place on the shared server where my files reside?

[mikmik]

I have sometimes wondered about the security of FTP myself. I am not sure.

As for viruses, the hosting providers do scan and make sure there are no virus on the server, that means the websites.

I am curious about that FTP, though.

[cyanide]

It's usually pretty secure.
Normally when connecting with ftp a unique session id is created every time you connect.

Also, make sure your password is a unique combination of letters/numbers and not a word that can be found in a dictionary

[mikmik]

So, are you trying to tell me that 'password' is not a good password?

:O))) Hey, cyanide, hows winter? LOL

[Kellare]

Ftp sends all it's data unencrypted including the logon and password in the same way as email. It can be intercepted in a similar fashion too.

To combat this they developed secure ftp, it might be worth asking with your hosting company whether they can set it up if it's of great concern or the data being exchanged contains credit card detail etc...

hth

[cyanide]

So, are you trying to tell me that 'password' is not a good password?

LOL... well actually if you include the single quotes, it might just be

:O))) Hey, cyanide, hows winter? LOL

awww, man... it sucks
thinking about moving south (smile)

[netman4ttm]

FTP is as secure as an unlocked screen door. And to make matters worse, it can be bi-directional. Two open ports, one on the server the other on your desk.