FTP (File Transfer Protocol) user isolation is a security feature that restricts FTP users to their respective home directories, preventing them from accessing other users' files and directories. This knowledge base provides detailed information on how to implement FTP user isolation in WHM cPanel, enhancing the security of your server.

1. Understanding FTP User Isolation:

   • FTP user isolation limits each FTP user's access to their designated home directory.

   • This prevents users from navigating beyond their assigned directory and accessing other users' files.

2. Accessing FTP Configuration in WHM:

   • Log in to WHM.

   • Navigate to 'Service Configuration' and click on 'FTP Server Configuration'.

3. Selecting the FTP Server Type:

   • Choose the FTP server software being used on your server (e.g., Pure-FTPD, ProFTPD).

4. Enabling FTP User Isolation:

   • Locate the setting for "Restrict users to their home directories" or similar wording.

   • Enable this option to implement FTP user isolation.

5. Restarting the FTP Service:

   • After making changes, restart the FTP service to apply the new configuration.

6. Creating FTP Accounts with Isolation:

   • When adding FTP accounts in WHM, ensure that you select the option for user isolation.

7. Reviewing Existing FTP Accounts:

   • Verify that all existing FTP accounts have user isolation enabled. You can edit them in WHM if needed.

8. Testing FTP Access:

   • Use an FTP client to connect to the server with an isolated FTP account.

   • Ensure that the user is confined to their home directory and unable to navigate beyond it.

9. Setting Home Directories for FTP Users:

   • When creating FTP accounts, ensure that the "Home Directory" field is appropriately set.

   • This directory will serve as the user's isolated environment.

10. Limiting File Permissions:

    • Set strict file permissions to further enhance security within the isolated environment.

11. Understanding Chroot Jail (Optional):

    • A chroot jail can be used in conjunction with FTP user isolation to restrict users to their home directories.

12. Monitoring FTP Logs:

    • Regularly review FTP logs for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts.

13. Implementing Additional Security Measures:

    • Consider implementing other security measures like using SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) for secure file transfers.

14. Regularly Reviewing User Access:

    • Periodically audit FTP users and their access permissions to ensure compliance with security policies.

15. Providing Instructions to Users:

    • If you have multiple FTP users, it may be helpful to provide instructions on how to use their isolated accounts effectively.

16. Educating Users on Security Best Practices:

    • Encourage users to employ strong passwords and practice secure file management within their isolated environment.

17. Handling Permissions and Ownership:

    • Users within isolated FTP environments should be granted appropriate permissions for their specific tasks.

18. Disabling Anonymous FTP Access:

    • Ensure that anonymous FTP access is disabled to prevent unauthorized access to your server.

19. Maintaining Documentation:

    • Keep detailed records of FTP user configurations, permissions, and isolation settings for future reference.

20. Conducting Security Audits:

    • Regularly review FTP user configurations to identify and address any security vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

Implementing FTP user isolation is a crucial security measure for protecting sensitive data on your server. By following the steps outlined in this knowledge base, you can effectively set up and manage FTP user isolation in WHM cPanel. This ensures that each FTP user is confined to their designated home directory, enhancing the overall security of your server.