At IU, can I set up an anonymous FTP site?

Note: Before setting up an anonymous FTP site, be aware that certain security risks are inherent due to the possibility of abusive behavior. Anonymous FTP users will have access to any data stored in files and directories to which anonymous accounts are permitted access. You must take great care to ensure that sensitive institutional or personal data is not stored in these files and directories. To ensure that it cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons, it is best not to store any such data on the computer on which the anonymous FTP server is installed. For more information, see the CERT Coordination Center's Anonymous FTP Abuses documentation.

An anonymous FTP site enables others to log into and transfer files to and from a computer. In order to set up an anonymous FTP site, you must have administrative access to the computer that will act as the server, and an appropriate amount of disk space. If you are not the administrator of a shared system you are using (such as Indiana University's research systems), you will generally not have permission to set up an FTP site. However, you may do so if you are using a personal workstation over which you have full administrative control.

If you use university information technology resources to host an anonymous FTP site, you must comply with the Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resource policy, below:

Use of Indiana University information technology resources is restricted to purposes related to the university's mission of research and creative activity, teaching and learning, and civic engagement.

For information, see the CERT Coordination Center's Anonymous FTP Configuration Guidelines.

Also see:

• How do I set up Windows NT 4.0, 2000, or XP Professional to accept FTP transfers?
• In Mac OS X, how do I set up an FTP server?