How to set up CuteFTP to use FTP over SSL

Windows 2008/IIS 7 or Windows 2012/IIS 8 allows a secure FTP connection via FTP over SSL. Note that this is not the same as SFTP (FTP via SSH), so you may have to experiment a bit with your FTP client settings to get a secure connection. Our tests were successful with the following.

  1. Click File -> Connect/Connect to bring up the Site Properties connection window or press the keys "Ctrl" + "T".
  2. Fill in the following fields:
    • Enter a name you want to use to identify your DiscountASP.Net account on the CuteFTP label text box
    • Change the "Login Method" to "Normal"
    • Host Address – Enter either your domain name or alternate FTP address. The alternate FTP address can be located in Control Panel
    • Username – Enter your FTP username. If using the primary account, the FTP username can be located in Control Panel
    • Password – Enter the password for this user. If using the primary FTP user, please use the same password that you use to log in to Control Panel
  3. Click the Type tab on the Site Properties box and under the “Protocol type:” choose FTP with TLS/SSL (AUTH TLS – Explicit)
  4. Click Connect to connect

If you receive a "could not connect" error, or in implicit mode see an attempted connection to port 990, you have a configuration error. Please cut and paste the login information from Control Panel to make sure you are supplying the proper credentials and/or check the Protocol Type to specify “FTP with TLS/SSL (AUTH TLS – Explicit)”.

These instructions were tested on cuteFTP version 9.

Looking for added security? SiteLock scans your website to detect hacking, and SiteLock TrueShield provides a Web Application Firewall to block online threats. Protect your site today.