Security Groups That Allow FTP Data Access

Security Groups That Allow FTP Data Access

Overview

The Security Groups That Allow FTP Data Access widget identifies instances with security groups that permit access to FTP (File Transfer Protocol) data channels, typically operating on ports 20 and 21. This insight is crucial for IT Operations (IT Ops) and Security Operations (Sec Ops) engineers to secure file transfer services, prevent unauthorized data access, and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data transferred over FTP.

Why It Matters

For IT Engineers:

1. Access Management:

   • Highlights security groups with open FTP data access, allowing IT Ops to restrict access to trusted IP addresses or internal networks.

   • Ensures that FTP services are protected from unauthorized connections, preserving the confidentiality of file transfers.

2. Operational Stability:

   • Reduces the risk of unauthorized data manipulation or leakage due to exposed FTP data ports.

   • Ensures the stable operation of file transfer services by limiting unnecessary exposure to external networks.

3. Compliance Assurance:

   • Ensures FTP access configurations align with organizational and regulatory standards that require controlled access to sensitive file transfers.

---

For Security Engineers:

1. Risk Mitigation:

   • Flags FTP instances vulnerable to unauthorized access, enabling proactive remediation to secure file transfers and protect sensitive data.

2. Threat Prevention:

   • Protects against attacks such as data exfiltration, brute-force login attempts, and unauthorized file modifications or deletions targeting open FTP data ports.

3. Policy Enforcement:

   • Enforces security policies that restrict FTP access, ensuring it is only available to authorized users or internal systems within secure networks.

---

Practical Applications

• Policy Updates: Modify security groups to limit FTP data access to specific IP ranges or trusted internal systems.

• Incident Response: Secure FTP instances during a security event to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.

• Audit and Monitoring: Regularly review and update FTP-related security group configurations to ensure adherence to best practices and reduce the risk of unauthorized data access.

---