diff --git a/src/Renci.SshNet/SftpClient.cs b/src/Renci.SshNet/SftpClient.cs
index 4f458b676..932ed8620 100644
--- a/src/Renci.SshNet/SftpClient.cs
+++ b/src/Renci.SshNet/SftpClient.cs
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ public override bool IsConnected
         {
             get
             {
-                return base.IsConnected && _sftpSession.IsOpen;
+                return base.IsConnected && _sftpSession?.IsOpen == true;
             }
         }