A Quick Overview of SSL Installation Guide on FileZilla Server
Installing an SSL certificate on FileZilla Server requires specific steps to enable secure file transfers.
First, obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted provider. Open FileZilla Server Interface and go to Edit > Settings > SSL/TLS Settings. Click “Generate new certificate” or import your existing certificate files. Select the certificate and private key files. Enable SSL/TLS settings for explicit and implicit connections.
Set security requirements for incoming connections. Configure the SSL port (default 990). Restart FileZilla Server to apply changes. Test the secure connection using an FTP client with SSL/TLS support.
How to Generate a Self-Signed Certificate
For personal or testing FileZilla servers, you can generate a self-signed certificate that will encrypt communication without needing a CA.
However, self-signed certificates have some downsides:
- The web browser will show security warnings for the untrusted issuer
- Limited trust compared to commercial CA-signed certificate
- Needs to be manually installed/trusted by each FTP client accessing the server
Steps to create a self-signed SSL certificate for FileZilla Server on Windows:
- Click Start, search “Manage computer certificates”, and open the console.
- Navigate Local Computer > Personal > Certificates in the left pane.
- Right-click Certificates, select All Tasks > Request New Certificate.
- In Certificate Enrollment, choose Create self-signed certificate and click Next.
- Enter FileZilla server details on the next page.
- Enter domain name in the Subject name field (e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com).
- Set validity period.
- Specify country, state, city
- Enter certificate name (e.g., “FileZilla FTP Self Signed”).
- Click Next.
- Confirm certificate details and click Enroll to issue it.
- Right-click new certificate, select All Tasks > Export to open the wizard.
- Choose ‘No, do not export private key’, export in Base-64 encoded X.509
- Save cer file in an accessible folder for FileZilla Server.
How to Get an SSL Certificate from a Reputed CA for FileZilla Server
To avoid security warnings, you should use an SSL certificate issued from a trusted CA like DigiCert, Sectigo, GlobalSign, etc. These certificates require validation of your identity and domain ownership.
Here are the steps to obtain a basic Domain Validated SSL certificate for the FileZilla Server from a CA:
- Choose a Certificate Authority (CA) and select a DV certificate for your server.
- Create a CA account and begin the DV certificate order.
- Validate domain control via email and DNS checks.
- Provide organization details (legal name, address) for the certificate.
- CA conducts due diligence and background checks.
- After order approval email, make payment to complete the process.
- CA issues SSL certificate within minutes to hours, available for download.
The purchased SSL certificate will be issued in X.509 format containing the certificate, private key, intermediate certificates, etc. You need to install this on the FileZilla Server.
How to Install SSL Certificate on FileZilla Server [5 Easy Steps]
Once you have obtained the SSL certificate file through a self-signed method or from a CA, follow these steps to install it on FileZilla Server:
- Open FileZilla Server, go to Edit > Settings > SSL/TLS
- Under Server certificate, click Import file…, select the certificate, and enter the PFX password if needed.
- For self-signed, check “If certificate can’t be verified”; for CA-signed, check “Verify certificate”.
- Enable “Support SSL session reuse”.
- Click OK to save, then restart FileZilla Server to apply changes.
The SSL certificate is now installed and ready to use for FTPS connections.
How to Enable Encrypted SSL Connections in FileZilla
Once the SSL certificate is installed, the FileZilla server will be able to accept FTPS connections on the default SSL port 990 alongside standard FTP on port 21.
To configure the server for explicit FTPS connections on port 990:
- Go to Edit > Settings > SSL/TLS
- Enable “SSL/TLS support” and choose TLS 1.2 or 1.3 only.
- Verify certificate and enable SSL session reuse.
- Click OK, then restart FileZilla Server to apply changes.
When you connect clients like FileZilla now, you will have the option to use FTPS over port 990. This will establish an encrypted SSL connection and negotiate TLS to transfer files securely.
How to Configure Implicit FTPS Connections in FileZilla Server
The above steps enabled explicit FTPS with FTPS clients connecting on a separate FTPS port, 990. Alternatively, you can configure FileZilla Server for implicit FTPS where clients still connect on standard FTP port 21. Still, the initial connection is upgraded to SSL/TLS encryption using the AUTH TLS command.
To configure implicit FTPS:
- Open FileZilla Server settings, go to FTP over SSL/TLS
- Enable “FTP over SSL/TLS”.
- Choose TLS 1.2 or 1.3 only for encryption.
- Click OK and restart server to apply changes.
With this setup, normal FTP clients can connect on port 21 and then encrypt the session using the AUTH TLS command before authenticating and transferring files through secure FTPS.
Can I Renew the Expired Certificate in FileZilla
SSL certificates issued by CAs are valid only for a limited period, usually 1-3 years. Once an installed certificate is nearing expiration, you need to renew it to maintain ongoing security on your server.
Most CAs send reminders when your certificate is up for renewal. To renew the SSL certificate:
- Log into CA account and request certificate renewal.
- CA verifies domain name and organization details.
- After validation, make payment to receive the renewed certificate.
- Download and install renewed certificate on FileZilla Server.
- Restart FileZilla Server to apply changes and ensure secure FTPS access.
Be sure to track the certificate expiration dates and renew them well in advance of expiry. Setting up automated renewal can streamline this process.
Final Thoughts
Installing and configuring SSL on FileZilla Server enables the FTPS protocol for secure and encrypted file transfers. Depending on your specific needs, you can use both self-signed certificates and CA-signed certificates.
Enabling explicit or implicit FTPS allows clients to access your FileZilla server over an encrypted SSL/TLS connection, protecting sensitive data. Renewing certificates before they expire is crucial for maintaining secure FTPS connectivity on a continuous, long-term basis.
Following the steps in this guide, you can set up FTPS on your FileZilla server using your preferred SSL certificate. This will significantly enhance the security of your FTP file sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing SSL Certificates on FileZilla Server
Why do I need an SSL certificate for FileZilla Server?
An SSL certificate enables FTPS by encrypting the communication between the FileZilla client and server. This secures the login credentials and transfers files securely over SSL/TLS protocol.
What is the difference between a self-signed and vs CA-signed certificate?
A self-signed certificate can be created manually and used for testing FTPS connections. However, web browsers show untrusted errors. A trusted Certificate Authority issues a CA-signed certificate, so it provides maximum client trust.
What is the advantage of implicit vs explicit FTPS?
In explicit FTPS, clients connect on a separate secure FTP port, 990, for SSL encryption. In implicit FTPS, clients connect on standard FTP port 21, which is then encrypted for FTPS. The implicit configuration provides more flexibility.
How do I renew an expired SSL certificate on FileZilla?
When your certificate nears expiry, contact the issuing Certificate Authority to request a renewal. Install the renewed certificate on the server by following the same process as the initial installation. Restart the server to avoid FTPS connectivity issues.
Can I use free SSL certificates on the FileZilla Server?
Some CAs, like Let’s Encrypt, offer free basic domain-validated (DV) certificates valid for 90 days. These can be used to test FTPS on non-critical FileZilla servers but need frequent renewals. A paid certificate is recommended for permanent use.
What is the strongest encryption supported by FileZilla Server?
The latest version of FileZilla Server supports the TLS 1.3 encryption protocol, which is the most secure SSL/TLS version currently available. You can enforce only TLS 1.3 Protocol for maximum protection of FTPS connections.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
