This article shows you how to create a backup to FTP destination using SSL encryption. When you connect through FTP to a remote computer you send the username and password in clear, unencrypted text. Anyone along the route can access what you are sending, including your username and password, if the data is not encrypted.
FTP backup with SSL encryption
FTP servers are a common backup destination because it is easy to use and can be quickly configured. When you backup your files to a remote computer, the information is not sent directly to that computer. Instead it is routed through several other computers to get there. If an unauthorized person has access to this data, your account and the remote system you have access to, may no longer be secure.
Backup4all solves this by allowing SSL encryption support when using FTP (and also AES encryption for the backed up zip files). SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol used for transmitting private documents via the Internet. SSL uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data - a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message.
Backing up to FTP using SSL encryption
- In Backup Properties -> Destination -> FTP -> Edit Configuration (or the File -> Options -> Online destinations -> FTP window if you're using a predefined FTP configuration for the current backup job) after entering the details of the destination FTP (host, username, password) go to the Advanced section.
- From the SSL encryption level box select an option that applies to your situation:
- No SSL - the server does not require Secure Socket Layer transport
- Implicit SSL - implies that Secure Socket Layer is in use
- Only explicit SSL - allows the connection to the FTP server only if SSL is available.
- Explicit SSL, if available - When SSL is available, uses explicit security by default. The server allows regular FTP sessions without encryption as well as encrypted FTP sessions using SSL.
- Press OK and test your connection