FTP Security Question

[Grrilla]

I have been working w/ a Mac, now for a couple of mos and plan on doing most of my online work w/ it. I recently got my PC back w/ repaired OS and all the progs intact. Because most of my web related apps, (most of my software, period), is on my PC, I plan on using ir mainly offline until I eventually add the progs that I need to the Mac.

My intention is to strip out progs that I don't need (ie email, certain net and OS utilities, etc) to run lean and save resources. I will only need to go online w/ the PC to FTP up material.

Question. How important are firewalls/ anti-virus etc relative to FTP connects?

 

[primacomputer]

You could download a file containing a virus via FTP. Then, if you somehow ran it, get infected. An AV programme would help with that.

It's a good idea to have a firewall regardless, but it won't help security with FTP. In fact a poorly configured on might force you to use passive mode which the M$ FTP server can't manage.

Your FTP server and client are more important than a firewall here. If they don't both speak the same secure authentication protocol you end up sending your password in clear text.

 

[Peter]

the fact that your pc will be connecting to the internet neceitates a firewall in my opinion.

 

[Grrilla]

Your FTP server and client are more important than a firewall here. If they don't both speak the same secure authentication protocol you end up sending your password in clear text.

TX prima. Great tip.
Might as well keep most of my security stuff onboard and just activate when I go online. Just have an itchy trigger finger to clean out progs from my overtaxed Win OS. I've been a real software junkie over the years *and* a packrat- way too many unused progs and making my first run, in a long time, at cleaning house.
ie I have CuteFTP, Guild FTP, DirectFTPS, SmartFTP, and WS FTP- mostly from back when I used to do alot of file sharing and I've basically only used SmartFTP to transfer files at my own sites, for past 2yrs :hehe: