FTP and SFTP are both file transfer protocols. However, SFTP encrypts your data, ensuring secure transfers, unlike FTP. Read on to see why we recommend SFTP over FTP.
Why is FTP not secure?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an outdated protocol for transferring files that lacks modern security features:
- No Encryption: FTP sends usernames, passwords, and data in plaintext, making them vulnerable to interception.
- Susceptible to Attacks: Man-in-the-Middle (MITM), brute force, and command injection attacks can compromise FTP connections.
- Non-compliance: FTP doesn’t meet modern security standards like GDPR or PCI DSS.
While we strongly recommend using SFTP for its enhanced security, we understand that some systems or processes may still rely on FTP for compatibility.
Why choose SFTP?
SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a safer, modern alternative to FTP. Key benefits include:
- Encrypted Transfers: SFTP encrypts all data, protecting it from interception.
- Stronger Authentication: Supports SSH keys, multi-factor authentication, and passwords.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets the encryption and security requirements of today’s frameworks
Key comparison
| Feature | FTP | SFTP |
| Encryption | No | Yes |
| Authentication | Basic | SSH keys, MFA, etc. |
| Compliance | Non-compliant | Compliant |
Final recommendation
Switch from FTP to SFTP to ensure secure file transfers, protect sensitive data, and meet security compliance standards.
Here is a guide on how to activate SFTP:
Using SFTP
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