How to Change the vsftp or vsftpd server banner message

Posted by Vivek Gite [Last updated: November 9, 2006]

Q. How do I change the banner message that vsftpd server displays?

A. vsftpd, stands for 'Very Secure FTP Daemon', is an FTP server for many Linux distributions.

In order to impove security you may need to change default banner message. To change banner message open configuration file /etc/vsftpd/vsftpd.conf file:
# vi /etc/vsftpd/vsftpd.conf

Locate line which is read as follows:
#ftpd_banner=

Uncomment line to customize the login banner and setup new text message:
ftpd_banner=Welcome to nixCraft ftp server

Save and close the file. Restart vsftpd:
# /etc/init.d/vsftpd restart

Now all users of VSFTPD/FTP should see your login banner. Test new setup with ftp command from windows or linux box itself:
$ ftp ftp.myftpserver.com

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