As part of a continuing effort to enhance computer and network security, the campus discontinued telnet and FTP access to the central (ISUN) servers. Alternatives, including instructions, can be accessed to the right. To avoid a break in service, please begin using the secure alternative (see Remote Login box to the left) as soon as possible.

FTP - What It Is & Why It Isn't Secure
FTP, short for File Transfer Protocol, is a method for sending files from one computer to another on networks like the Internet. Common FTP programs (or "clients") include CuteFTP and WSFTP (on Windows systems), and Fetch (on Mac systems).

The problem with using an FTP client is that password and user information is sent in clear text, which can be intercepted by eavesdroppers. A more secure authentication method (called "Secure FTP" or SFTP) has been developed, and many SFTP clients are now available at little or no cost. In some cases, your existing client may be upgradable to support SFTP.

Telnet - What It Is & Why It Isn't Secure
Telnet is a protocol that allows you to log in to and use other remote computers on the Internet. Like FTP, telnet also transmits password and user information in clear text, which can be intercepted by eavesdroppers. A protocol called SSH, which stands for Secure SHell, provides the same functionality, but without clear text transmission.

SSH v1 - What It Is & Why It Isn't Secure
The first version of SSH (SSH v1) was found to have a serious flaw. SSHv2 is a different and more secure protocol that replaced v1. Most clients that originally supported v1 have been upgraded to support v2. The SSH clients installed from the Internet Tools CD or from the download site on MyUCDavis are already configured for SSHv2. If you are currently using SSH to access the ISUN servers, you should check to make sure that you are using v2.

Campus - Supported Secure FTP and SSH Clients
The table to the above-left of this page provides links to installation and set up instructions for secure alternatives to your FTP and telnet (SSH) clients. These are all supported by the IT Express Computing Help Desk. Other secure clients are available for these services (e.g., PuTTY, WinSCP); however, they are not supported by IT Express.