Fetch Softworks

Password error message on connection (2 posts)

• Started 14 years ago by Dick Pilgim
• Latest reply 14 years ago from Scott McGuire

• Dick Pilgim Member

  When I attempt a connection to my webhost ftp server, I get the Fetch message:
  "If you do not disconnect, your password will be sent over the network in the clear." with buttons Ignore and Disconnect. I also get the message on attempting a file transfer.
  If I click Ignore, the connection goes through as usual.
  I am using Fetch 5.3 on a MacBook using OS 10.5.7 on a wireless LAN with Cable Modem.
  I have used Fetch for years with no problems, this is a very recent occurrence.

  Posted 14 years ago #

• Scott McGuire Administrator

  Hi Dick,

  You are getting that warning because the "Warn before sending password insecurely" checkbox in the Security Preferences pane is checked.

  Unfortunately, regular FTP always sends your password unencrypted across the network; so if your server doesn't support secure connections, there is nothing you can do about this - it's just how FTP is, and you should go ahead and connect.

  You can check with the people who run the server to see if it supports a secure connection method, such as SFTP or FTP with TLS/SSL, but many severs do not; most still only support regular, unencrypted FTP.

  If your server does not support a secure connection method, you should open the Fetch Preferences, click the Security tab, and uncheck the "Warn before sending password insecurely" checkbox, and you will stop getting the warning. The warning doesn't have much value if your server does not offer secure connections; this preference and warning are really meant for people who are connecting securely, to warn them if for some reason the security isn't working properly.

  I am not sure why you would suddenly start getting that message, unless the preference has changed, or unless you usually connect by SFTP and are now connecting by regular FTP.

  I hope this clarifies things, please let me know if you have further questions.

  Thanks,

  Scott McGuire
  Fetch Softworks

  Posted 14 years ago #