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To connect SiteLock to your website, first create or obtain an FTP user through your hosting provider. Then, in SiteLock, choose the website, open Sites → Manage Website → Settings → Server Access or use its Setup Wizard, and enter the server details and website root directory. SiteLock supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP; its configuration guide identifies SFTP with SSH as the most secure option.

Before you start: get your hosting connection details

SiteLock uses the FTP account to connect to the server for SMART File Scan. Create the user in your hosting control panel, or ask your hosting provider to create it and confirm the correct values. You will need the server host, port, username, and password. For SFTP, you can use an SSH key instead of a password.

  • Confirm which protocol your hosting account supports: FTP, FTPS, or SFTP.
  • Ask for the website’s document root or the correct FTP home directory. SiteLock needs access to the files for the website you selected.
  • If using SFTP with an SSH key, SiteLock can generate and download the key. Install its public key on the server; SiteLock’s guide says a common location is /home/user/.ssh/authorized_keys, but confirm the correct path with your host.

SiteLock’s FAQ says an FTP user does not need special permissions simply to be compatible with SiteLock. The account still needs to be able to see the files you want the scan to access.

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Connect the FTP account in SiteLock

  1. Select the right website. Sign in to SiteLock and select the domain you intend to configure, particularly if the account contains multiple websites.
  2. Open Server Access. Go to Sites → Manage Website → Settings → Server Access, or open that site’s Setup Wizard. SiteLock documents both routes for viewing or updating the server-access settings. See SiteLock’s dashboard navigation guide.
  3. Choose credential scope. Select Same Credentials to use one FTP login across products, or Separate Credentials to configure distinct details for SMART File Scan, Database Scan, and Backup. SiteLock recommends using one FTP user unless you have a reason to use multiple accounts.
  4. Select the protocol and enter credentials. Choose FTP, FTPS, or SFTP, then enter the host, port, username, and password. For an SFTP account using SSH authentication, choose the SSH-key option and generate or download the key for installation on your hosting server. SiteLock describes SFTP with SSH as its most secure option.
  5. Set the transfer options. Choose the transfer-speed or connection setting and the maximum download time. More simultaneous connections may speed a scan, but can also run into limits imposed by your host or cause errors when multiple protected sites share a hosting account.
  6. Select the website files. Choose Select Folder and select the website root directory—the directory containing the site’s files that SiteLock should scan.
  7. Save and continue. Save the settings and continue through the wizard.

For the exact field descriptions and key setup, refer to SiteLock’s SMART Server Access and Database Settings guide.

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Choose access and connection settings that fit your setup

Protocol: FTP, FTPS, or SFTP

Use a protocol supported by your hosting account. SiteLock supports all three; its documentation calls SFTP with SSH the most secure option. Do not assume the port or authentication method: confirm the settings with your provider.

One login or separate credentials

Same Credentials is the simpler choice when SiteLock products connect to the same server using one account. Choose Separate Credentials when SMART File Scan, Database Scan, or Backup need different logins or server details.

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Website-root-only access or broader access

Select the website root in the SMART File Scan setup. Restricting an account to the known document root can limit the files it can reach while still allowing the scan to clean those files. SiteLock’s FAQ advises full access unless there is a specific reason to limit the user; broader access can help analysts investigate possible reinfection sources outside the site directory. Treat the scope as an access-control decision for your hosting setup, not a universal requirement. You can also ask your host or SiteLock for guidance.

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Connection count: speed versus host limits

SiteLock’s guide uses three simultaneous connections as an example of a setting that may speed scans, but warns that it can produce errors if the host limits connections or several SiteLock-protected sites share the same hosting account. If scans fail with connection errors, lower the setting or ask your provider about the applicable limit. Three is an example, not a general performance benchmark.

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Fix an empty folder picker or connection error

SiteLock connects, but no files or folders appear

A frequent cause is that the FTP user’s home directory does not point to the website files. When a user is created, the hosting panel may generate a directory path and make that directory the account’s home. If it is a new, empty directory, SiteLock can connect but cannot see the site.

  1. Check the FTP user’s home or directory path in your hosting control panel.
  2. Confirm that the path leads to the website’s actual document root and that the account can access its files.
  3. If the account was created with the wrong path, remove and recreate it with the correct directory, then update the credentials or path in SiteLock and try Select Folder again.

SiteLock explains this issue in its FAQ.

The scan fails with connection errors

Reduce the simultaneous-connection setting first. If the error persists, ask your hosting provider whether the server imposes a connection limit and confirm the host, port, protocol, and credentials. If the account protects several sites on the same hosting account, account for their shared server limits.

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You cannot create the account or verify the correct path

Use your host’s documentation or contact hosting support; a website administrator or developer may also know the correct account path. SiteLock says its support team can assist with setup, including configuring access with temporary cPanel or WHM access. Only provide that access through a support process you trust and understand.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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