Learn to Manage FTP accounts in Plesk

Handling FTP (File Transfe­r Protocol) accounts in Plesk is critical for overse­eing your server's file­s. This guide will walk you through how to make, change, and ge­t rid of FTP accounts. It also offers top tips for guaranteeing safe­ty and effectivene­ss.

Logging into Plesk

Access Plesk:

Open your web browser and navigate to your Plesk control panel (typically https://yourdomain. com:8443).

Enter your admin credentials to log in.

Locate the Domain:

First, tap "Website­s & Domains" on the Plesk dashboard. Afterward, pick the­ domain for which you wish to manage FTP accounts.

Access FTP Settings:

Within the domain's settings, find and click on "FTP Access."

This will show you a list of existing FTP accounts, if any.

Creating a New FTP Account

Initiate Account Creation:

Click the "Add FTP Account" button in the FTP Access section.

Configure Account Details:

FTP Account Name: Enter a unique username.

Home Directory: Choose the specific directory to which the account will have access. It can be the domain's root directory or a subdirectory.

Password: Create a strong password for the account. It's best to combine letters, numbers, and special characters.

Permissions: Select whether the account should have read-only or read-write permissions. Read-only helps limit access, while read-write allows full control.

Save the Account:

Once you've filled in all the details, click "OK" to create the FTP account.

Modifying an Existing FTP Account

Select the Account to Modify:

Click on the account you want to change in the FTP Access section.

Edit Account Settings:

You can update the home directory, change the password, or modify the permissions based on your needs.

Apply Changes:

After making your adjustments, click "OK" to save the changes.

Deleting an FTP Account

Choose the Account to Delete:

In the FTP Access list, find the account you want to remove.

Remove the Account:

Click "Remove" and confirm the deletion. Be sure, as this action cannot be undone.

Best Practices for Managing FTP Accounts

Limit Access to Specific Directories:

Always set the home directory to restrict each FTP account's access to only what's necessary. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized file access.

Use Strong Passwords:

Encourage users to the create strong passwords and update them regularly. This is a key step in securing your FTP accounts.

Monitor FTP Activity:

Regularly check your FTP logs in Plesk. Look for unusual activity, such as repeated failed login attempts or unexpected file changes, which might indicate a security issue.

Enable FTPS for Security:

If not already enabled, use FTPS (FTP Secure) to encrypt the data being transferred. This prevents sensitive information, like passwords, from being intercepted during transmission.

Implement Disk Quotas:

Set disk space limits for FTP accounts to prevent any single account from using up too much server storage. This is especially important in shared hosting environments.

Troubleshooting FTP Issues

Connection Problems:

Ensure the FTP service is running on your server and that the firewall allows FTP traffic. FTPS typically uses port 21, while FTPS uses port 990.

File Permission Errors:

If an FTP user can't upload or modify files, check the file and directory permissions. Adjust them as necessary using Plesk's file manager.

DNS Delays:

If a new FTP account doesn't work immediately, there might be a DNS propagation delay. Wait for a few hours and try connecting again.

Conclusion

Handling FTP accounts with Plesk is simple­. It lets you choose who can see­ your server's files and how the­y use them. Follow the ste­ps from before and use smart me­thods. This makes a safe and smooth space for handling your se­rver's information. Keep an e­ye on things and update often. This ke­eps security strong.