Ipswitch WS_FTP Professional (developed by Progress Software) is a robust client tool used to securely upload, download, and manage files. To prevent data interception, it relies on modern encrypted protocols like SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) instead of regular plain-text FTP.
The following guide details how to configure a secure site profile, apply encryption settings, and execute secure transfers. 🔑 Step 1: Create a Secure Connection Profile
When you first launch the application, a Connection Wizard will typically open automatically. If it does not, click Connect in the top toolbar and select New Connection.
Site Name: Enter a descriptive label for your connection (e.g., “Secure Corporate Server”) and click Next.
Connection Type: Open the drop-down menu and choose either SFTP/SSH (highly recommended, utilizes port 22) or FTP/SSL (Auth SSL). Click Next.
Server Address: Type your host’s domain name or IP address (e.g., sftp.company.com). Click Next.
User Name & Password: Input your remote login credentials. Click Next.
Advanced Options (Optional): Click the Advanced button before finishing. Select Startup in the side panel to preset a specific Remote site folder (e.g., /var/www/html) so the application logs directly into that directory.
Finish: Click Finish to save the site to your Site Manager list for easy one-click access in the future. 🛡️ Step 2: Configure Advanced Security Features
WS_FTP Professional includes enterprise-grade protection tools to guard files before, during, and after a transfer. SSH Key Pairs (For SFTP Connections)
Rather than typing a standard password, you can configure cryptographic keys for authentication: Navigate to Tools > Options > SSH Client Keys. Click Create to launch the SSH Key Generation wizard.
Export your public key and send it to your server administrator to authorize your computer. OpenPGP Encryption
You can automatically encrypt local data prior to transit so it remains protected while stored on the destination server: Go to Tools > Options > OpenPGP. Generate or import a PGP key pair.
Right-click your saved connection in the Site Manager, select Properties > OpenPGP, and check Enable OpenPGP Transfer Mode. File Integrity Checks Ipswitch WS_FTP Professional 2007 Security Guide
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