Public FTP server
 

Hello Folks.
I want to launch a public FTP server that other users in the world can access to it. I have a dedicated IP address. In your opinion is vsftp secure? In vsftp configure file I see "listen_address=" it should be my dedicated IP address?

Thanks.

I haven't run a public FTP server in ages, but as far as I know, vsftp has a pretty good reputation for security. Just make sure it's configured correctly (i.e. disabling uploads by anonymous users, permissions set correctly, etc.) and follow security errata for the distribution you will be using.

The listen address can be your public IP or just 0.0.0.0, which will tell vsftpd to listen on every interface (including the local loopback).

Here's the home site: https://security.appspot.com/vsftpd.html.
The 'VS' stands for 'Very Secure', but its still up to you to setup correctly, its not a Strong AI you know ;)

Enforce security !
 

Inded , VS stands for very secure , but some steps are required !
In orded to avoid virusses attacks , change port to a higher one like 20100 , it is harder for nmap to scan it.
Install fail2ban and look over internet for a proper configuration , mine is set to ban offender's ip for 24 hours only for 3 wrong attempts.
You as owner , can login into ftp over ssh like sftp://user@ip_address, of course not using plain passwords but RSA private key.
listen addr should be left as it is , 0.0.0.0 or blank , it means that it is allowed to listen entire range of IPv4 addresses
Sincerely

sftp != ftp ; you can't login like that. sftp is over the ssh channel.
You could use ftps (ftp+ssl) as supported by vsftpd, but personally I prefer just ssh/scp (& sftp if necessary).

true , ftp != sftp. i did not say otherwise !
I just said that can ftp (file transfer protocol ) over ssh
I always use sftp in Nautilus to transfer files towards my main server