Exposure Risks with File Transfer Protocol (FTP) | UpGuard

This article explains how common file transfer protocols (e.g., FTP/SFTP/FTPS/FTPES, SMB, NNTP, rsync, SCP, SMTP) work, the ports they use, and the security risks of exposed services. It emphasizes closing unnecessary ports, limiting services to internal networks/VPNs, enabling encryption and authentication, and using continuous monitoring (e.g., UpGuard Breach Risk) to detect publicly accessible ports. The guidance focuses on reducing interception, data exfiltration, and misuse of legacy or plaintext protocols through practical configuration and policy controls.