FTP vs SFTP: What’s the Difference? Which One Should You Use?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) are both commonly used protocols for transferring files over the internet. However, there are some key differences between the two, which can make one more suitable than the other depending on the situation. In this article, we will explore the differences between FTP and SFTP, and help you determine which one is the best choice for your needs.

FTP is a widely used protocol that has been around for decades. It allows users to transfer files between two computers, typically a client and a server, over the internet. FTP is relatively simple to set up and use, and it is supported by most operating systems and file transfer clients. However, it has some major security weaknesses.

FTP transmits data, including login credentials, in plain text, which makes it vulnerable to eavesdropping and tampering. Additionally, it has no built-in mechanism for encrypting data during transmission, which means that sensitive information can be intercepted and read by an attacker.

SFTP, on the other hand, is a more recent protocol that was developed as a secure alternative to FTP. It is based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, which provides secure authentication and encryption for data in transit. SFTP uses the same command structure as FTP, but it encrypts all data, including login credentials, during transmission. This makes it much more secure than FTP and a better choice for transferring sensitive information.

Another difference between FTP and SFTP is the way they handle file permissions. FTP does not provide any built-in mechanism for managing file permissions, which means that users must rely on the underlying operating system to handle these tasks. SFTP, on the other hand, has built-in support for managing file permissions, which means that users can easily set and modify permissions on the files they transfer.

Another important difference between FTP and SFTP is the way they handle data integrity. FTP does not provide any built-in mechanism for checking the integrity of transferred files, which means that files can become corrupted during transfer without the user being aware of it. SFTP, on the other hand, includes built-in support for checking the integrity of transferred files, which means that users can ensure that the files they transfer are not corrupted.

So which one should you use? If you’re transferring sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers, then SFTP is the clear choice. Its encryption and data integrity features make it much more secure than FTP.

If you’re transferring non-sensitive information, such as photos or videos, then either protocol can work. But, if you’re looking for more security and better control over file permissions, SFTP would be the better option.