LinuxSA Mailing list archives

  From: David Newall <davidn@rebel.net.au>
  To  : George Patterson <george@laopdr.com>
  Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2001 16:00:33 +0930 (CST)

Re: Backup using FTP

>>> ncftpput allows you to specify usernames/passwords on the command line
>>> making it a good solution for a CRON-based backup script.
>> Better to put passwords in files, that way at least they have to break
>> the system security.
> Better still, use scp or secure copy.... no password be sent as clear 
> text.... :)

Certainly more secure, but not so cron-able.  For those who don't quite
understand George's point: ftp sends the password across the network in
clear text, thus anybody snooping on the wire between the two machines can
easily find the password.  Scp encrypts the session so that can't happen.

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