FTP

FTP is the acronym for File Transfer Protocol. It is a set of procedures or rules that allow the transfer of files between devices on a TCP/IP network (such as the Internet, for example), which began to be used in 1974.

1. How it works

To start a file transfer via FTP, you need an FTP client that connects to an FTP server. Once connected, the client can upload or download files from the server.

Once both devices are connected, a simultaneous, bidirectional connection is established, allowing communication between them even if they don’t share the same operating system or architecture.

2. Secure FTP

The FTP protocol was developed to make the most of the connection’s maximum speed, but due to its age, it wasn’t designed with information security in mind. This compromises the security of information transferred via FTP, making it vulnerable to potential attackers.

As a solution, two variants of FTP have been developed to add a security layer to the protocol: FTPS and SFTP connections.

FTPS

It is an FTP connection that uses the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol to apply an encryption certificate throughout the entire process on both connections.

SFTP

The SSH File Transfer Protocol, on the other hand, uses the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol to encrypt the information exchange process.