How to Install vsftpd FTP Server on Ubuntu 24.10

To set up an FTP server on Ubuntu 24.10, we will install and configure the vsftpd package. Follow these steps:

Step 1 : Before installing any packages, ensure your system is up-to-date. Run the following command:

sudo apt update

Step 2 : Install the vsftpd package with the following command:

sudo apt install vsftpd -y

Step 3 : Once the installation is complete, check if the vsftpd service is running:

sudo systemctl status vsftpd

Step 4 : Edit the configuration file to enhance security:

sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.conf

Modify or ensure the following lines are set:

anonymous_enable=NO
local_enable=YES
write_enable=YES
chroot_local_user=YES
user_sub_token=$USER
local_root=/home/$USER
allow_writeable_chroot=YES

Save the file and exit the editor.

Step 5 : After making changes, restart the vsftpd service to apply the new configuration:

sudo systemctl restart vsftpd

Step 6 : Create a dedicated user for FTP access:

sudo adduser ftpuser

Follow the prompts to set up a password and user information

Step 7 : If the UFW firewall is active, allow FTP traffic:

sudo ufw allow 20/tcp
sudo ufw allow 21/tcp

Step 8 : To test the FTP server, follow these steps using an SFTP client such as FileZilla:

- Open FileZilla: Launch the application.

- Add a New Site: Go to the Site Manager and create a new site.

- Enter Connection Details:

+ Host: Your server's IP address

+ Port: 21

+ Protocol: FTP

+ Encryption: Require explicit FTP over TLS

+ Logon Type: Normal

+ User: ftpuser

+ Password: The password you created earlier

Step 9 : Save the settings and click Connect to establish an FTP connection.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up and configured the vsftpd FTP server on Ubuntu 24.10.