Information
Enables the server to be a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server.
The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled or Not Installed.
Note: This service is not installed by default. It is supplied with Windows, but is installed by enabling an optional Windows feature (Internet Information Services - FTP Server).
Rationale:
Hosting an FTP server (especially a non-secure FTP server) from a workstation is an increased security risk, as the attack surface of that workstation is then greatly increased.
Note: This security concern applies to any FTP server application installed on a workstation, not just IIS.
Solution
To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: Disabled or ensure the service is not installed.
Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Microsoft FTP Service
Impact:
The computer will not function as an FTP server.
Default Value:
Not Installed (Automatic when installed)