Whenever I set up a new Mac, I install a number of utilities that make me more productive, that save me time, or that protect my data. I bought a new MacBook recently, and, as with every Mac, I.
IT professionals looking to use FTP on a Mac must fully understand what FTP is, the risks involved, and the tools available to help them increase efficiencies and keep sensitive information secure.
To understand how to use FTP on a Mac, it’s important to fully grasp what FTP is and how it works. File transfer protocol (FTP) is a method for sending large files across the internet. Many companies rely on FTP sites and tools to operate efficiently on a day-to-day basis, whether to send a multi-slide, image-packed PowerPoint presentation or a high-quality company video. While there are some built-in options for file transfer on a Mac, I’ll also highlight why a robust software program is a better option for just about every business. My recommendation is to check out an option like SolarWinds® Serv-U®.
FTP relies on a client-server relationship in which there’s a separate command channel for controlling files that are uploaded, downloaded, copied, etc., and a data channel for the distribution of the content. These FTP sessions can function in both active and passive modes. With active mode, the client establishes the command channel and the server establishes the data channel. In passive mode, the server uses the command channel to provide the client with the information required to open a data channel, thus putting the client in control of both the command and data channel. Passive mode is often the go-to because it avoids bumping up against firewalls.
Is FTP Secure?
In an era when security threats abound, IT professionals must ensure their companies are upholding security best practices.
FTP used independently, without the support of third-party software, can pose a number of threats. Many FTP sites allow for anonymous transfers, in which users can access and send files without a username and password. Anonymous FTP is not secure and should only be used in situations where files are intended to be public.
But even FTP connections that require an ID and password are at risk. FTP passwords and IDs are transferred over the internet without encryption, potentially exposing them to password sniffing attacks hosted by cybercriminals. Mac FTP clients are also subject to man-in-the-middle attacks, in which attackers alter communications and documents transferred between two computers, often injecting them with malware the recipient then unknowingly downloads.
Another less likely but still possible FTP security risk is data that “strays” to a remote computer rather than its intended destination. This would allow a third party to view or even edit any transferred files, putting confidential information in jeopardy.
Improving FTP Security
To combat this, FTPS (FTP over SSL) was created. FTPS transfers data over an SSL-encrypted network. Any connection attempt that doesn’t use SSL encryption is not accepted by the server. FTPS also leverages digital certificates to authenticate information. Certificates signed by a known certificate authority (CA) or that include a copy of the recipient’s public key are considered secure.
Like FTPS, SFTP (secure file transfer protocol) enhances the security of traditional FTP methodology. Unlike FTPS, which relies on the same data and command channels as FTP, SFTP transfers both data and commands via a single, secure connection. SFTP also encrypts both the authentication information and the data being transferred with the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, a form of public and private key encryption. This ensures nothing remains as clear text.
To take security one step further for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, IT professionals may want to consider implementing third-party tools designed for both FTP for Mac and Windows or enhanced file transfer security available in a managed file transfer (MFT) server tool. This software helps take business security to the next level through a wide variety of secure protocols and encryption practices. It can also boost efficiency and streamline many of the clunky side effects associated with basic server FTP functions.
How Can I Use FTP on a Mac?
Using FTP from Mac is straightforward, but there are multiple avenues to consider. There’s a built-in Mac FTP server to make it easy for users to add their files into the FTP client Mac and grant others access to specified documents. To do this, follow these steps:
- Choose “System Preferences” from the Apple icon
- Click “Sharing”
- Select the “File Sharing” box and click “Options”
- Click “Share Files and Folders Using FTP”
This simple process allows other computers to share and copy files from your machine. If you want to connect to an FTP server Mac to access another individual’s files without third-party software, you’ll need to:
- Navigate to the “Finder Menu”
- Select “Go”
- Click “Connect to Server”
- Enter the name and a password for the server you’re attempting to connect to.
This form of FTP Mac connection comes with a few limitations. It can only be used to download files, and if a username or password contains an “@” symbol, the server will fail to connect. In addition, dragging and dropping large files is typically prohibited and security is at a bare minimum.
Best FTP for Mac Software Options
A third-party software, like SolarWinds Serv-U FTP, is needed for IT teams looking to deliver quick, easy, and reliable file transfers from their organization. They’re especially critical for companies that must comply with industry regulations requiring encrypted data transfers, like PCI DSS and HIPPA. The best FTP for Mac software will provide:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Third-party tools can handle large file transfers (>3GB) and enable users to upload or download multiple files at once, avoiding the lag often associated with individual uploads/downloads. Many even boast intuitive web browsers and mobile device interfaces, so you can view, upload, and download documents in very little time from virtually anywhere. Drag-and-drop features and the power to easily add file transfer users and groups further drive efficiency home with these third-party offerings.
- Greater Security: A proper FTP for Mac leverages FTPS protocol for file transfers, encrypting files using SSL or TLS cryptographic protocol, to protect data from accidental exposure or tampering attackers. With these measures, you can rest assured as you send files over both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. This type of software will also ensure no data is stored in the DMZ to comply with PCI and other regulatory frameworks.
- FTP Monitoring and Management: Take things a step further with third-party tools that allow you to monitor file transfer statistics, storage, permissions, access, and more from a real-time, intuitive management console and FTP server log. You can define the limits for the number of sessions on the server, block the IP address of a timed-out session, and enable settings to require reverse DNS names. This bird’s-eye view of activity helps you quickly address any errors or security threats that arise.
- Automation: With tools that offer automation, you can move or delete files after transfer and delete or reset usernames and passwords after a predetermined number of days, all without lifting a finger.
Signing up with third-party software is a must. I recommend SolarWinds Serv-U. These FTP and MFT tools help simplify file transfers, implement critical security protocols, and ensure even your largest files get where they need to go.
Recommended Reading:
Best Remote Support Software in 2020: If you’re looking for remote support software specifically, rather than file transfer functionality, this is the list for you. These are the best 2020 software options for remote troubleshooting, which is a must for most IT professionals these days.
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Looking for the best FTP Client for Mac ? Well, choosing an FTP Clients for Mac can give you a much headache, as there are quite of them, and they come with varied features.
However, you don’t have to take the pains of searching the Best FTP Clients for Mac.
Here, we have featured 10 Best FTP Clients for Mac which will make your job much easy. You get the best FTP Clients at the same place and so can easily decide which one is the most suitable for you.
As you would know, an FTP Client is used to transfer files between two computers. FTP or file transfer protocol is used to transfer files between your computer on a network or web-hosting server.
For making the process smooth and hassle free, you need an FTP Client that is safe, secure, fast and easy-to-use. You simply cannot use just any FTP Client.
For this simple reason, I was prompted to come up with the post so as to help you in choosing the right FTP Client.
Here, I have listed both free as well as paid FTP Apps for Mac. Obviously paid FTP Clients to have more features than free FTP Clients. However, free FTP Clients are as good as paid FTP Apps when it comes to security and ease of use.
So, if you are not eager to spend your money on buying a paid FTP Client, you can start with using a free FTP Client.
Having said that, an FTP Client is an indispensable tool for any computer professional, webmaster, or a server administrator. There are times when you need to have a backup of your files or want to transfer your files to the web server. You may also require sharing your files with your friends or co-workers.
In all such scenarios, you need the help of an FTP Client. If you have the right FTP Client with you, the work of transferring files between computers becomes a lot easy and quick.
So, let’s get ahead and explore the best FTP Clients for your Mac so that you may choose the most suitable one for yourself.
10 Top FTP Clients for Mac (Free and Paid)
1. Filezilla
Filezilla tops this list of best FTP Clients for Mac as it is by far the most popular FTP Client. Filezilla is free and open-source FTP Client which is available for all three major operating systems including Mac, Linux, and Windows. The best about Filezilla is that it is easy to use and provides a user-friendly interface. Moreover, Filezilla comes with comprehensive documentation that answers every query that you might have regarding its usage. It is fast, reliable and secure. Filezilla comes with many more features which make it a dependable FTP Client for users.
Price: Free
2. Cyberduck
Cyberduck is another very popular FTP Client. It is available for Mac OS as well as Windows operating system. It offers a simple and easy to use interface making it a good choice for first time FTP users. Plus, you get lots of premium quality features such as advanced SSH functionality and bookmarking. Moreover, Cyberduck comes for free but offers a lot. It provides Cloud Drive distribution, bookmarking, easy browsing, and comes in many languages. It is excellent for any user including beginners as well as advanced users.
Price: Free
3. CuteFTP
CuteFTP is one of the most powerful FTP Clients in the premium category. It comes with advanced functionality and provides premium support to FTP users. If you are looking for power and security in your FTP Client, then CuteFTP can be your ultimate choice. It uses SFTP and SSL protocol to transfer your files. It enables you to transfer multiple files, and you can even split a transfer into multiple files. This FTP Software is available for Mac as well as for Windows.
Price: Premium/Paid
4. Transmit
Transmit has the reputation of being one of the most reliable and fastest FTP Client for Mac. It is a powerful professional FTP Client. It features a Transmit Twin-Turbo Engine for transferring files at a super fast rate. It also provides fast batch transfers with its Multi-Connection Transfers feature. It supports SFTP, FXP, and SSH. Transmit has advanced file skipping options. It delivers performance and reliability which you look in a premium FTP Client.
Price: Premium/Paid
5. Classic FTP
Classic FTP is free FTP Client software for Mac. It is secure, stable, and easy to use FTP solution for maintaining your websites. It is available for both Mac and Windows operating system. Classic FTP transfers files securely over an FTP SSL connection. Moreover, it is compatible with all major FTP servers. It comes with drag and drop functionality.
Price: Free
6. Stuffit
Apple Mac Software List
Stuffit is a premium FTP Client for Mac. It allows you to compress files and videos and transfer them to services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or One Drive. It supports FTP, email, cloud storage integration and more. It comes with archive function which enables you to search for all major zip file formats without having to expand them.
Price: Premium/Paid
7. NetFinder for Mac
NetFinder is a premium FTP Client Software for Mac. It is a fully-featured and powerful FTP Client for Mac. NetFinder supports numerous protocols such as FTP with SSL encryption, SFTP, and much more. It provides one-click automation as well as multimedia previews which make it a top most paid FTP Client.
Price: Premium/Paid
8. FireFTP
Although FireFTP comes as a Firefox extension, it is still a fully functioning FTP Client for Mac. It is easy to use, and quickly uploads and downloads files to your remote server. Its interface resembles a lot like Windows XP application.
Price: Free
9. CrossFTP
CrossFTP is another popular free FTP Client for Mac. It has a user-friendly interface and offers tons of features. It features direct integration with Amazon S3 hosting as well as standard FTP. It also enables you to schedule uploads within the application.
Price: Free
10. Flow
Ftp For Mac
Flow is powerful yet easy to use premium FTP Client for Mac. It comes with an extremely minimum look and feel. Flow has many cool features up its sleeves such as built-in text editor. It allows you to make changes to HTML, CSS, and other types of files on your server from within its work environment. The changes are automatically updated on your site’s backend.
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Price: Premium/Paid
Ftp Software For Mac Free
We hope you liked this presentation on 10 Best FTP Clients for Mac. Do share your comments with us.