A recent update adds the ability to manage the TCP/IP *FTP server from the FT4i web interface as well as adding control over the SSHD logging.
There are times when a restart of the TCP/IP *FTP server are required due to configuration changes and updates, originally you had to sign onto the IBM i via a 5250 session or use the iNavigator options to start and stop the server. With the latest update we have added control of the TCP/IP server to the FT4i web Interface, the same rules apply in terms of authority to start and end the jobs so you cannot use this option to circumvent the normal authority rules for starting and ending jobs. This improves the user experience and makes things a lot easier.
Another enhancement is the ability to control the syslogd job which is responsible for logging all of the SFTP activity (needs to be configured separately and instructions are provided in the manual and online by IBM) to the log file. We already provide the interface to view the log content so adding the new ability to start and stop makes things a lot easier. As part of the Start/Stop process we automatically get the current status so you can now see when logging is not working (there is no logging when the syslogd server is not running), we have been caught out ourselves where the logging job was not running and we did not understand why data was not being added to the log. Searching through the running jobs to find the logging server to time and effort, now its a lot easier!
FT4i is a new offering from Shield and was written based on our experiences with many customers systems, we realized that many left the FTP server running and had no control or visibility of what users were doing via the FTP Server! Now you gain control and get better visibility of what has happened, adding the AAG checks we provide can also notify you when things are not right! That includes users trying to carry out tasks to which they are not authorized.
Lots of new improvements which make the product easy to manage and kepp your IBM i secure from FTP abuse. The AAG option gives you an instant view of things going wrong which adds an important part of the security checks.
Give us a call or come and meet us at one of the events we will be attending. If you need a demo or a POC we will be happy to engage with you.