Connecting to Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Sites

Connecting to Secure Socket Layer (SSL and TLS) Sites

To connect to an FTP site over SSL

Do one of the following:
- On the main menu, click File > New > FTPS (SSL) Site.
- On the toolbar, click the down arrow next to the New Site icon , then click FTPS (SSL) Site.
- In the Site Manager, right-click, then click New > FTPS (SSL) Site.
The Site Properties dialog box appears.
Type in the Host address, Username, and Password.
Click the Type tab.
In the Protocol list, choose the type of SSL connection mechanism supported by your server or use the default type selected.
Click Connect to connect to the site now, or click OK to connect later.

To connect to an existing site over SSL

Click the site in the Site Manager, then click Connect.

To speed up transfers with an SSL site

Using a clear data channel speeds up transfers with SSL sites. A clear data channel encrypts the connection process, but files are transferred without encryption.

Click the site in the Site Manager.
On the main menu, click File, then click Properties. The Site Properties dialog box appears.
Click the Type tab.
Select the Clear Data Channel check box.
Click OK or Connect.

Not all servers support or allow the PROT C (Clear Data Channel) command argument sequence.

To encrypt the data transfer and not the command connection

Using a Clear Command Channel, you can keep your data transfers encrypted and still avoid firewall issues.

Click the site in the Site Manager.
On the main menu, click File, then click Properties. The Site Properties dialog box appears.
Click the Type tab.
Select the Clear Command Channel check box.
Click OK or Connect.

Not all servers support or allow the CCC (Clear Command Channel) command argument.

To configure other SSL settings

On the main menu, click Tools, then click Global Options.
Expand the Security node.
Select SSL Security.

CuteFTP Professional supports keyboard interactive authentication. This authentication method involves connecting to servers with a challenge/response type of password-based authentication, and requires a one-time-use password typically generated by hardware-based or, less commonly, software-based password generators.