Setup TLS for FTP

This guide explains how to enable Explicit FTP over TLS (FTPS) in OpenPanel using VSFTPD.

OpenPanel Enterprise supports FTP access. Once enabled, a shared FTP server becomes available for all users. First follow this guide on how to enable FTP in OpenPanel: How to configure FTP server

Step 1: Add a Domain​

To use TLS, you must have an SSL certificate available on the server. Start by adding a domain in one of the following ways:

• As an OpenAdmin user (for OpenPanel/OpenAdmin access): https://openpanel.com/docs/admin/settings/general/#domain

• As an OpenPanel user: https://openpanel.com/docs/panel/domains/new/

Once added, OpenPanel will automatically generate an SSL certificate for the domain (if supported).

Step 2: Verify SSL Certificate Files​

Make sure the SSL certificate and private key files exist on the server. If the certificate was auto-generated, the paths should look like this:

/etc/openpanel/caddy/ssl/acme-v02.api.letsencrypt.org-directory/DOMAIN_NAME/DOMAIN_NAME.crt
/etc/openpanel/caddy/ssl/acme-v02.api.letsencrypt.org-directory/DOMAIN_NAME/DOMAIN_NAME.key

Replace DOMAIN_NAME with your actual domain name.

Step 3: Enable TLS in VSFTPD​

1. Go to OpenAdmin → Services → FTP → Configuration

2. Paste the following configuration options to enable TLS:

   ⚠️ Important: Replace DOMAIN_NAME with your domain name in both file paths.

   # Enable SSL
   ssl_enable=YES
   rsa_cert_file=/etc/openpanel/caddy/ssl/acme-v02.api.letsencrypt.org-directory/DOMAIN_NAME/DOMAIN_NAME.crt
   rsa_private_key_file=/etc/openpanel/caddy/ssl/acme-v02.api.letsencrypt.org-directory/DOMAIN_NAME/DOMAIN_NAME.key
   
   allow_anon_ssl=NO
   force_local_data_ssl=YES
   force_local_logins_ssl=YES
   
   ssl_tlsv1=NO
   ssl_sslv2=NO
   ssl_sslv3=NO
   ssl_ciphers=HIGH
   

3. Click Save to apply the changes.

Step 4: Restart the FTP Service​

1. Navigate to OpenAdmin → Services → Services Status.
2. Locate the FTP service.
3. Click Stop, then Start to restart the service.