The full form of SFTP is Secure File Transfer Protocol.
SFTP is a network protocol that provides secure access and file transfer capabilities. It is a robust method for transferring files because it encrypts data, ensuring confidentiality as the files travel between systems. The encryption used by SFTP protects against eavesdropping and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Understanding Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
SFTP is often confused with FTP (File Transfer Protocol) which does not inherently provide encryption. SFTP is an improved protocol that uses secure shell (SSH) encryption. Here's a breakdown:
- Security: SFTP uses strong encryption, typically AES, and other algorithms to protect file transfers. This means that the data, usernames, and passwords are encrypted during transmission, making it difficult for malicious actors to intercept or read the information. This is similar to FTPS but leverages SSH instead of SSL/TLS.
- Functionality: It is used for secure file transfer, file management, and directory management. It supports various file operations like uploading, downloading, renaming, deleting, and listing files on a remote server.
- Protocol: SFTP is not an upgraded version of FTP but it operates as a subsystem of SSH (Secure Shell Protocol), leveraging the SSH connection to provide secure file transfer.
Key Benefits of Using SFTP
- Confidentiality: Prevents unauthorized access to data.
- Integrity: Ensures that data remains unaltered during transfer.
- Authentication: Uses secure authentication to verify the identity of clients and servers.
| Feature | SFTP | FTP | FTPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Encrypted via SSH | Unencrypted | Encrypted via SSL/TLS |
| Encryption | Yes | No | Yes |
| Protocol | Operates over SSH | Runs on its own ports | Operates over SSL/TLS |
| Primary Use | Secure file transfer | Basic file transfer | Secure file transfer |
| Port | Typically 22 | Typically 21 | Typically 989/990 |
SFTP is particularly essential for transferring sensitive data, such as financial records or personal information. By using encryption, SFTP helps to ensure that only authorized users can access the transmitted files.
