FTP/SFTP checks monitor the status and performance of your file transfer servers. That way, you can ensure that your file transfer services are not only operational but also secure and properly authenticated. 

SFTP checks use secure SSH protocols to connect, validate the username and password, and verify the server’s availability. This check will ensure the server is both secure and the credentials are functional.

Adding an FTP(S) Check

To add a new FTP(S) Check, click on Monitoring from the left navigation menu. Then, click the Add New button.

On the Check type drop-down, select FTP:

Name your check, and set the FTP Check’s interval. Next, assign any contacts that will receive alerts.

Enter the domain or IP, and the Port that will be used. The default is 21. 

Optional Settings

Username: Enter the username for FTP authentication

Password: Enter the password for FTP authentication

FTP Path: The path to the file or directory to check. To separate multiple files, use new lines

Skip SSL certificate verification: If checked, the check will skip SSL certificate verification

Use explicit TLS: Checking this option to use FTPS check

Note: To enable the FTPS check, make sure to check the option Use explicit TLS.

Adding an SFTP Check

As mentioned above, SFTP checks use secure SSH protocols to connect, validate the username and password, and verify the server’s availability. This check will ensure the server is both secure and the credentials are functional.

To add a new SFTP Check, click on Monitoring from the left navigation menu. Then, click the Add New button.

On the Check type drop-down, select SFTP:

Name your check, and set the SFTP Check’s interval.

Next, assign any contacts that will receive alerts.

Enter the domain or IP, Port that will be used, and the username.

Note that the default port is 22.

Optional Settings

Password: Enter the password for SFTP authentication.
SFTP Path: The path to the file or directory to check. To separate multiple files, use new lines.

SFTP Private Key: The private key for SFTP authentication.

SFTP Private Key Passphrase: The passphrase for the SFTP private key.

SFTP Known Hosts: The known hosts for SFTP authentication.

Finalizing Your Check

Required fields in the FTP check include:

• Name of check
• Check Type (FTP)
• Location(s)
• Domain or IP
• Port

Key Features and Comparison

FTP(S) Check Type

• Establishes a connection to standard FTP servers using the provided credentials
• Verifies that the FTP server responds correctly and within the configured time interval
• Alerts you if the server is down, credentials are invalid, or if the server does not respond
• For FTPS, the check establishes a secure connection to FTPS servers using SSL/TLS and the provided credentials

SFTP Check Type

• Establishes a secure SSH connection to SFTP servers using the provided credentials
• Verifies the server's availability and validates the username and password
• Alerts you in case of SSH connection errors, invalid credentials, or server downtime

Recommended Usage of FTP/SFTP Checks

FTP/SFTP checks are ideal for monitoring mission-critical file transfer infrastructure in your technology stack. They can help ensure secure connections are properly maintained across your file transfer servers while continuously validating that authentication credentials remain valid. With them, you can detect performance issues before they impact business while maintaining compliance with security policies regarding file transfer protocols.

FAQ

How do I configure a FTPS check?

When configuring the FTP check, navigate to the Optional settings and tick the option "Use explicit TLS". This enables a secure connection using SSL/TLS encryption, turning your FTP check into an FTPS check.

What's the difference between FTPS and SFTP?

The difference between FTPS and SFTP is how they operate:

• FTPS is an extension of standard FTP, but adding an explicit TLS encryption
• SFTP is a different check that uses a separate protocol that runs over SSH
• FTPS typically uses port 21 with an added security layer
• SFTP uses port 22 and is a native secure file transfer method through SSH

Can I monitor multiple file paths in the FTP/SFTP check?

Yes, you can monitor multiple files or directories in a single FTP/SFTP check. In the path configuration, you can enter multiple files or directories, separating them with new lines