How to Install and Configure Pure-FTPd Server on Ubuntu 22.04

In the dynamic realm of server management, the importance of a secure and efficient FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server cannot be overstated. Ubuntu 22.04, the latest LTS release, offers a robust platform for hosting various services, including FTP. This article will guide you through the process of installing and configuring Pure-FTPd, a lightweight and secure FTP server, on your Ubuntu 22.04 system.

Prerequisites:

Before we dive into the installation, ensure that you have:

1. A running Ubuntu 22.04 server.
2. Sudo privileges on your user account.

Step 1: Update System Packages

To begin, update the package index and upgrade the existing packages on your system. Open a terminal and execute the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Pure-FTPd

Now, let's install Pure-FTPd using the following command:

sudo apt install pure-ftpd

During the installation, you'll be prompted to configure Pure-FTPd. Choose "standalone" as the server type and proceed.

Step 3: Create a System User for FTP

Pure-FTPd requires a system user to manage FTP access. Create a new user using the following command:

sudo adduser ftpuser

Follow the prompts to set a password and other user details.

Step 4: Configure Pure-FTPd

Edit the Pure-FTPd configuration file to customize its behavior. Open the configuration file in a text editor:

sudo nano /etc/pure-ftpd/conf/MinUID

Set the value to 100 for greater security. Save and exit.

Step 5: Start Pure-FTPd Service

Start the Pure-FTPd service using the following command:

sudo systemctl start pure-ftpd

Enable the service to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable pure-ftpd

Step 6: Test FTP Connection

To ensure everything is set up correctly, connect to the FTP server using an FTP client. Use the IP address of your server, and log in with the credentials of the system user created earlier.

Additional Configurations (Optional):

For additional security, consider configuring Pure-FTPd with SSL/TLS. Generate an SSL certificate and configure Pure-FTPd to use it.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured Pure-FTPd on your Ubuntu 22.04 server. This lightweight and secure FTP server is now ready to facilitate seamless file transfers. If you encounter any issues or wish to explore advanced configurations, refer to the official Pure-FTPd documentation.